Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Names On The Cup Documentary

05/25/2017 at 12:37pm EDT

NEW YORK / TORONTO (May 25, 2017) – As the 2017 Stanley Cup® Final draws closer, the salutes to the NHL® Centennial and the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup® continue with the release of “NAMES ON THE CUP,” a documentary film showcasing the extraordinary and compelling story of the men whose names are forever immortalized on one of the oldest and most revered trophies in professional sports. Featuring more than 70 NHL players and coaches – past and present – and narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland, the documentary will screen at Cineplex theatres across Canada on May 30 and at select locations on May 31.

Fans throughout Canada will be able to enjoy NAMES ON THE CUP in more than 80 movie theatres. Visit cineplex.com/events for tickets and a list of participating theatres.

In the 90-minute documentary, some of the greatest players in League history share stories of how winning the Stanley Cup® changed their lives, thrilled their communities, and inspired millions of their countrymen. NAMES ON THE CUP also explores the dramatic effects of losing in the Stanley Cup® Final and the realization that hoisting the iconic trophy is elusive.

“There have been 3,177 names engraved onto the Stanley Cup and the story of each name could merit its own documentary,” said Steve Mayer, NHL Chief Content Officer and Executive Vice President. “Hearing some of the greatest legends in the NHL share their personal stories of triumph and defeat adds to the lore of the Stanley Cup and the thrill of the Playoffs. Hearing these stories in the midst of the Stanley Cup Final helps bring them to life.”

“The Stanley Cup’s own historical reverence and the incredible gauntlet you have to go through to win it sets it apart from other championship trophies,” said Sutherland, a lifelong hockey fan.

The documentary stars legendary players and coaches spanning the last seven decades, including Scotty Bowman, Don Cherry, Yvan Cournoyer, Sidney Crosby, Phil Esposito, Bob Gainey, Wayne Gretzky, Patrick Kane, Guy Lafleur, Ted Lindsay, Lanny McDonald, Mark Messier, Bobby Orr, Bernie Parent and many, many more recounting humorous, inspiring and heartbreaking stories of their individual quests for the Stanley Cup.

Included below are excerpted quotes from NAMES ON THE CUP.

“Your name is not your name, it’s your family’s name. And my kids are going to take their kids’ kids and say ‘there’s Grandpa’s name’,” said Paul Coffey, a four-time Stanley Cup® champion.

“I know my Dad was proud to see the name Messier on there. As they say, it’s on there forever,” said Messier, the six-time Stanley Cup® champion.

“As you win, it’s more wonderful than almost life itself. But if you lose and it’s close, it stings, it really stings,” said Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster and Columbus Blue Jackets president John Davidson.

“It’s like you’re floating, like sitting on a cloud. I would pinch myself to realize I’m there,” said Lafleur, a five-time Stanley Cup® champion.

“If you’re fortunate enough to be on a team that wins it, your name is on it and you’re king forever,” said four-time Stanley Cup® Champion Dave Keon.

“For me, winning the Stanley Cup is as close to heaven as I'm going to get,” said two-time Stanley Cup Champion Bobby Clarke.

NAMES ON THE CUP was produced by NHL Original Productions, in conjunction with Fadoo Production with Mayer, Corey Russell, Dan Cimoronoi and Bob McCown serving as Executive Producers. In addition to its theatrical release, NAMES ON THE CUP will air on NBCSN in the U.S. on May 28 at 8 p.m. ET.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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