Directed by Tommy Haines
Runtime: 109 minutes
Playing at DOC NYC in person and online

by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer

The high school athletes in director/cowriter Tommy Haines’ compelling documentary Hockeyland have been eating, breathing, and sleeping their sport since they were 4 years old. As many of them are entering their senior year, they have their eyes, hearts, and minds set on winning the state championship. This rousing film, which is receiving its world premiere at DOC NYC, captures the grit and spirit of these teens, their parents, and their coaches. 

Haines introduces viewers to two rival teams in North Country, Minnesota. The Eveleth Golden Bears are part of the storied hockey tradition, but this mining town—population 3,356 and home to the American Hockey Hall of Fame—has fallen on hard times. Coached by Jeff Torrel, the team has not won a playoff game in more than a decade. Moreover, it may be their last year as a team. (A subplot that is not further developed).

In contrast, the Hermantown Hawks, coached by Pat Andrews, is the team to beat. With their star player, Blake Biondi—who chose to finish out high school and put off going to the junior leagues—they have the power to win State. Biondi is poetry in motion on the ice, and the scenes of his games are practically a highlight reel showcasing his scoring ability. 

Hockeyland shows how a handful of players on both of these teams grapple with their lives on and off the ice. Brothers Indio and Aydyn play for Hermantown. Indio struggles with back pain, while their mother, Lori, is fighting her own medical issues. Will Troutwine, from Eveleth, plays with heart, but the brainy athlete also focuses on schoolwork to have a backup should hockey not be his future. His teammate Elliot Van Orsdel, however, is more directionless. 

Haines takes his time in telling this story and allowing viewers to get to know these players. His film is more about what the season means for these seniors while also being about hockey as a way of life in Minnesota. There are scouts checking out Biondi, who is in the running for the Mr. Hockey title. Members of one team battle the flu. There are inspirational speeches by coaches, and scenes that show the brotherhood of the players. It is a poignant portrait of a community.

When the film presents the games, it is quite exciting—especially when the matches go into overtime. Haines’ may focus on key moments, but this is useful for viewers who are not rabid fans. As Hockeyland shows, every game has a winner and a loser, and there is some real heartbreak on screen, which provides the film’s emotional core. Haines’ approach—he features interviews with the players and coaches, as well as observational footage, and games—draws viewers in, and makes them care about these kids. When Eveleth and Hermantown meet up for a match, it is hard not to root for both teams.

How things play out is best left for viewers to discover, but as Hockeyland shows, it is less about the outcome and more about the mindset. This film is a winner.