Best hockey movies to watch while the NHL season is halted by the coronavirus

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With the NHL season paused (or perhaps finished) due to the coronavirus outbreak, you're probably struggling to find something to watch on television at night. 

All hockey fans miss watching their team take the ice, so why not watch some hockey movies to get your fix? We've decided to list the ten best, in no particular order:  

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Miracle (2004)

"Miracle" is the true story of Herb Brooks and the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, who defeated a seemingly impenetrable Soviet Union squad to win Gold. Despite all odds, Brooks' team of college kids pulled off the feat and this 2004 film perfectly captures the ups and downs of hockey. 

Notable actors: Kurt Russell (Herb Brooks), Patricia Clarkson (Patti Brooks), Patrick O'Brien Demsey (Mike Eruzione), Michael Mantenuto (Jack O'Callahan), Eddie Cahill (Jim Craig), Noah Emmerich (Craig Patrick).

Quote to note: "When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your teammates. And the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back! Get that through your head!"

Slap Shot (1977)

The always-raucous, sometimes-raunchy "Slap Shot" follows the minor league Charlestown Chiefs, a failing Federal League team that can't get fans to pack the house. Player-coach Reggie Dunlop turns the team around by, among other moves, letting the newly-acquired Hanson Brothers play. Dunlop lets the brothers' brute style of hockey draw in crowds in an attempt to save the team from failing. 

Notable actors: Paul Newman (Reggie Dunlop), Michael Ontkean (Ned Braden), Jeff Carlson (Jeff Hanson), Steve Carlson (Steve Hanson), David Hanson (Jack Hanson).

Quote to note: "Old time hockey!"

The Mighty Ducks franchise: I, II, III (1992-96)

The "Mighty Ducks" franchise follows Gordon Bombay and a group of young hockey players as they battle various ups and downs throughout the trilogy. The original movie details Bombay's journey to help the Ducks turn things around and win the District 5 title. The second film follows Bombay's journey as a coach for Team USA hockey and the team's quest for greatness on an even bigger stage. 

Finally, the last film follows Charlie Conway and his tenure with the Eden Hall Academy ice hockey team.

Notable actors: Emilio Estevez (Gordon Bombay), Joshua Jackson (Charlie Conway), Shaun Weiss (Goldberg), Heidi Kling (Casey Conway).

Quote to note: "Ducks fly together!"

The Rocket (2005)

"The Rocket" depicts the life of Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard, beginning with his life in high school and his ascension through the ranks to become one of hockey's greatest stars. The film ends with Richard leading Montreal to five Stanley Cup championships in a row. 

Notable actors: Roy Dupuis (Maurice Richard), Milt Schmidt (Pascal Dupuis), Jean Beliveau (Vincent Lecavalier), Bob Dill (Sean Avery).

Quote to note: "There you go, boys. Read what Boston thinks about les Canadiens...I'm gonna give you two, so you really know just how much they hate you down there."

Goon (2011)

Orange, Mass. native ​​Doug Glatt doesn't know where he fits in life after being labeled an outcast by his family. An incident in the stands at an Orangetown Assassins minor league game results in Glatt receiving a tryout for the team. The enforcer learns how to skate, lands a gig with the team and leads the Assassins to glory.

Notable actors: Seann William Scott (Doug Glatt), Jay Baruchel (Pat), Liev Schreiber (Ross Rhea), Marc-Andre Grondin (Xavier LaFlamme).

Quote to note: “If they need me to bleed, then I’ll bleed for my team.”

Happy Gilmore (1996)

Let's start off by saying "Happy Gilmore" isn't necessarily a hockey movie, but nonetheless it follows Happy as he converts from bush-league hockey player to PGA Tour golfer in a matter of months. Gilmore is much better at golf than he is at hockey, and ends up making it to the PGA Tour Championship against nemesis Shooter McGavin.

Notable actors: Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore), Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin), Julie Bowen (Virginia Venit), Bob Barker (himself), Frances Bay (Grandma), Carl Weathers (Chubbs).

Quote to note: "Just tap it in. Just tap it in. Give it a little tappy. Tap Tap Taparoo.”

Youngblood (1986)

"Youngblood" follows a 17-year-old farm boy who has dreams of playing in the NHL one day. Dean Youngblood travels to Canada to try out for the Hamilton Mustangs where he demonstrates his offensive skill but lack of toughness and physicality. Through the movie, he develops his fighting skills and ultimately earns the respect of his coach and teammates. 

Notable actors: Rob Lowe (Dean Youngblood), Cynthia Gibb (Jessie Chadwick), Patrick Swayze (Derek Sutton), Ed Lauter (Murray Chadwick).

Quote to note: "Would you rather spread manure, or play hockey in Madison Square Garden in front of 20,000 people?"

Mystery, Alaska (1999)

The entire town of Mystery, Alaska is hockey-crazed, and their "Saturday Game" of hockey ends up getting national attention from Sports Illustrated when a former town resident writes of how unbelievably talented the players are. Soon after the article is published, a sports network begins promoting an exhibition game between the small-town players and the New York Rangers. 

Notable actors: Russell Crowe (John Biebe), Hank Azaria (Charles Danner), Burt Reynolds (Judge Walter Burns), Mary McCormack (Donna Biebe).

Quote to note: “This is hockey, ok? It's not rocket surgery.”

Net Worth (1995)

"Net Worth" is about the NHL's early years and follows All-Star Detroit Red Wings player Ted Lindsay in his quest to create a Players' Association to protect the rights of NHL athletes against the owners. Lindsay enlists players around the league to join him in his quest after a former teammate died broke after not being able to get his pension.

Notable actors: Aidan Devine (Ted Lindsay), Kevin Conway (Gordie Howe), Robin Gammell (Conn Smythe), Carl Marotte (Marty Pavelich), Richard Donat (Jimmy Norris).

Quote to note: "Starting this season, starting right now, the Detroit Red Wings do nothing else but eat, sleep, walk, talk and crap hockey because if you don't I've got the train tickets to Edmonton right here."

Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005)

"Waking up Wally" is based on the book written by Walter Gretzky that details his recovery from a stroke which left him with no memory of his son Wayne Gretzky, the best player the NHL has ever seen. 

Notable actors: Tom McCamus (Walter Gretzky), Victoria Snow (Phyllis Gretzky), Matthew Edison (Ian Kohler), Kris Holden-Ried (Wayne Gretzky)

Quote to note: "Where it's going, not where it's been."

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