Canadian gov’t supports Ice-Breaker

The Department of Canadian Heritage is participating in the funding of White Pine Pictures’ and Adobe Productions International’s upcoming feature film and docuseries Ice-Breaker.

Steven Guilbeault (photo: Vanessa)

Based in part on Gary J Smith’s forthcoming book Canada’s Hockey Diplomat: The Untold Story of the 1972 Summit Series, Ice-Breaker explores the legacy of the Canada-Soviet Hockey Series in line with the sporting event’s 50th anniversary in 2022.

The film and series will be available at high-profile community screenings, in schools and on television and streaming services next year.

Ice-Breaker is licensed in French by Canadian broadcaster Bell Media, where it will be available on Crave, Canal D and RDS, and in English by pay TV network Super Channel.

Steven Guilbeault, minister of Canadian heritage, said: “On September 28, 1972, the whole country came together and celebrated Paul Henderson’s goal, the most famous goal in Canadian hockey history. The Summit Series of 1972 was eight games between Canadian professionals and Soviet elite players that not only changed hockey but also became a defining moment in Canadian culture.

“This event contributed to a new level of mutual understanding and respect between both countries through a shared passion for hockey. The government of Canada is proud to support this production, which will raise awareness about the Summit Series among younger generations and shed new light on this historic sporting event.”