Stream the “Best Sports Documentary” Critics Choice nominee tonight!
In Minnesota’s unforgiving North Country, the senior boys of rival communities skate for a last chance to etch their names into local lore.
Northland Films is a Midwest-based film team. Their debut nonfiction feature, Pond Hockey, an ode to outdoor ice hockey, was broadcast on the NHL Network and recognized by ESPN as “the best and purest hockey movie ever”. Saving Brinton, their most recent film, world premiered at AFI Docs, played in 35 countries, and was broadcast nationwide on PBS’s America Reframed series. It was hailed as “revelatory” and one of the Top 10 documentaries of 2018 by The Washington Post. Executive Producer Carson Kipfer co-founded SportsEngine, a leading sports technology startup, served as Co-Commissioner of the US Pond Hockey Championships, and sat on the board of the Positive Coaching Alliance.
CRITIC RAVES
Best Sports Documentary Award nominee, Critics Choice
“Raw and brutally absorbing… as fresh as a newly Zamboni-ed sheet of ice.”
David Ehrlich, Indiewire
“A fascinating look at Minnesota High School Hockey.”
Greg Wyshynski, ESPN
“Friday Night Ice”
Kyle Osborne, Entertainment of Die
“Hockeyland transcends its genre: this is more than a hockey movie, this is drama.”
Steve Marsh, Mpls St. Paul Magazine
“Hockeyland captures a way of life like no other”
Alex Mitchell, NY Post
“A surprisingly intimate documentary…extraordinary access to the candid players and their families and the close-up, in-game action is thrilling.”
Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune
“It’s a truly brilliant & passionate documentary about so much more than ice hockey!”
Dan Doody, Seattle Int. Film Festival Programmer
“Rousing. Provides a keen window into the life of teen athletes. This film is a winner.”
Gary M. Kramer, MovieJawn
“Hockeyland is one of those documentaries that sets the bar for others. It’s not the only game in town, but it’s definitely one of the best!”
Bruce Miller, Sioux City Journal
“Truly amazing documentary. A++++++.”
Vintage MN Hockey
“A moment of pure elation that had me pumping my fists”
FilmSpotting
“Best to watch this film in front of a fire.”
Dave Caldwell, The Guardian
“Hermantown gave me every opportunity to succeed. Growing up playing there is a big reason why I am where I am today.”
