Netflix has unveiled the first behind-the-scenes look at its upcoming untitled high school hockey drama series, offering fans a glimpse into the production currently underway in Vancouver. The eight-episode series stars Golden Globe nominee Michelle Monaghan as Coach Harper Sullivan, the widow of legendary hockey coach “Sully” Sullivan who must resurrect her town’s devastated hockey program following a tragic bus crash.
The heartwarming drama features an ensemble cast including Isaac Arellanes, Josh Macqueen, Costa D’Angelo, Ethan Holder, Shai Chase, Carter Shimp, and Caleb Baumann alongside Monaghan. Created by Nick Naveda with showrunner Bridget Bedard and executive producer Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps production company, the series combines visceral sports action with deep humanity, exploring themes of grief, redemption, and community resilience.
The Story and Setting
Set in the small working-class town of South Dorothy, Minnesota, the hockey drama centers on a community where the sport represents everything—legacy, pride, and identity. For decades, the high school hockey team churned out state championships and NHL stars under the legendary guidance of Coach Sully Sullivan. However, a devastating bus crash claims the lives of several players and the revered coach himself, leaving the town reeling.
Enter Harper Sullivan, the coach’s widow, who must shoulder the enormous responsibility of coaching a new team of battered and broken young men. The series explores the hopeful and unforgettable story of an underdog team that comes together to galvanize their town, reclaim their way of life, and transform their shared grief into an unstoppable force for redemption and healing.
The Main Cast and Characters
| Actor | Previous Credits | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Monaghan | True Detective, The White Lotus, Trucker | Harper Sullivan | Coach/Lead |
| Émilie Bierre | Teacup, A Colony | Riley Sullivan | Series Regular |
| Shai Chase | Diary of a Muslim Cynic, ANINO | Henry Sullivan | Series Regular |
| Josh Macqueen | Motorheads, Black Snow | Rhett Nelson | Series Regular |
| Costa D’Angelo | Tell Me Lies, East of Eden | Owen Boone | Series Regular |
| Carter Shimp | Best Medicine, Curse of the Sin Eater | Austin Ryder | Series Regular |
| Ethan Holder | Ballard | Cooper Cunningham | Series Regular |
Michelle Monaghan, known for her acclaimed performances in True Detective, The White Lotus, and Trucker, anchors the series as Coach Harper Sullivan. Her character represents an unlikely hockey coach tasked with the monumental challenge of bringing the devastated South Dorothy hockey program back to life.
The ensemble cast brings depth and authenticity to the team dynamics. Émilie Bierre (Teacup) plays Riley Sullivan, while Shai Chase (Diary of a Muslim Cynic) portrays Henry Sullivan. Josh Macqueen (Motorheads) plays Rhett Nelson, with Costa D’Angelo (Tell Me Lies) as Owen Boone, Carter Shimp (Best Medicine) as Austin Ryder, and Ethan Holder (Ballard) as Cooper Cunningham.
The Recurring Cast
| Actor | Previous Credits | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac Arellanes | My Life with the Walter Boys, Reservation Dogs | Manny Rodriguez |
| Chloe Avakian | Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, This Is Not a Test | Izzy Miller |
| Caleb Baumann | It’s Not Like That, Grey’s Anatomy | Elu |
| River Codack | Happy Face, Earth Abides | Tyler Walker |
| Angus Albinati | Newcomer | Jack McGrath |
| Callum Orchison | The Best is Yet to Come | Derek Marchbanks |
Additional recurring cast members add depth to the locker room drama and team dynamics. Isaac Arellanes (My Life with the Walter Boys) recurs as Manny Rodriguez, while Chloe Avakian (Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy) portrays Izzy Miller. Caleb Baumann (It’s Not Like That) plays Elu, River Codack (Happy Face) as Tyler Walker, newcomer Angus Albinati as Jack McGrath, and Callum Orchison (The Best is Yet to Come) as Derek Marchbanks.
Creative Team and Production
The series emerges from an impressive creative team combining established talent with emerging voices. Creator Nick Naveda, known for Words on Bathroom Walls and My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward, developed the concept. Showrunner and executive producer Bridget Bedard, celebrated for her work on Love Life, Ramy, and Transparent, shapes the show’s narrative direction.
Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps production company produces the series, bringing expertise from Stranger Things, The Perfect Couple, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Adam Project. Director Trey Edward Shults brings cinematic expertise to the project. Levy, Dan Levine (Arrival, All the Light We Cannot See, Shadow and Bone), and Robert Atwood (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) executive produce, with Moera Ainai (The Perfect Couple) serving as producer.
Naveda expressed his passion for the project: “I’ve carried South Dorothy and its people in my heart for as long as I can remember. To finally bring that world to life with my Grizzly family at 21 Laps and Netflix is nothing short of a dream come true.“
Production Status and Filming
Production is currently underway in Vancouver, with the behind-the-scenes images offering fans their first glimpse of the cast on set. The first-look photos show Michelle Monaghan alongside her ensemble cast in hockey rink settings, providing visual confirmation that filming has commenced. Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the eight-episode series, but fans should expect updates as production progresses.
The show’s production in Vancouver represents a significant commitment from Netflix to deliver a high-quality sports drama with authentic hockey atmosphere and compelling human storytelling.
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