About The Documentary

“The Hockey Film” is a powerful documentary that goes beyond the rink to explore the lives of the people who live and breathe the sport. From players and coaches to fans, families, and rink staff, the film highlights the everyday individuals whose passion, dedication, and love for the game shape the vibrant, tight-knit community of hockey. This is a celebration of the sport, showing how it unites people from all walks of life and becomes a driving force in their lives.

The vision for this film comes from Christopher Aylward, an independent filmmaker, who happens to be a big hockey fan, and a proud hockey goalie. The film tells the true stories from home here in Canada, around the globe to a place you’d least expect, New Zealand!

A FILM ON HOCKEY LIKE NO OTHER

THE CONCEPT

It begins with an idea. What if the cameras and spotlight were turned away from the professionals, and directed on the rest of us?

GRASSROOTS

A documentary that tells stories most of us can relate to. How we got hooked, where the game took us. What hockey means to us.

THE FINAL PRODUCT

A passionate film featuring stories from fans and players alike, around the world from Canada to New Zealand.

The Filmmaker

Christopher Aylward

Hello hockey fans, I’m Christopher Aylward, Cinematographer and founder of Cinematic North, filmmaker of The Hockey Film. I’ve been into film and photography since a very early age. I enjoy the entire process, from brainstorming new and exciting ideas, filming the project and even editing the work together. I’ve always believed in doing what you love, because life is far too short.
My upcoming documentary, The Hockey Film, is a passion project that began as an idea for a short, local film on hockey. What has taken the better part of a decade to create, from original concept, revisions, endless setbacks, meeting fantastic people, visiting amazing hockey events, has culminated into a full-feature grassroots documentary.
The film features a handful of individuals from home here in Canada, including people from the United States and as far away as New Zealand. It tells many relatable and some not-so-relatable hockey stories. The film shares our true love and passion for the game, removing the stats and limelight you’d see at the professional level. Simply put, this film is about us.
I hope you’ll enjoy the film upon its release.

The Making of a Film

Taking the Draw

The Filmmaker with The Travelling Goalie

In Haliburton for the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships

Meeting of the Goalies

"Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been."

Walter Gretzky

Film Updates

A few of the moments and happenings during the process of creating the upcoming grassroots documentary, The Hockey Film.

Get In Touch

Email: contact[at]thehockeyfilm.com