Production Notes
Notes from the production
-The title came from a meeting between Robert and Michael, and was never the intention of the film makers to portray the city of Stillwater, Minnesota
-Cinematographer, Steve Speers attended Stillwater High where he played hockey.
-Michael never played hockey, and Robert played very briefly for two games while he attended Northern Arizona University.
-The scene on the frozen lake was originally intended to be filmed on the Lake of the Aisles, one of Minneapolis’s prominent features. But a warm front kept the temperature above freezing during filming, and another location had to be found.
-The players in the opening scene ran the through play that included hitting along the boards over 15 times.
-Robert and Michael had to meet with NHL Hall of Famer Phil Housley and pitch the film to him to garner his support.
-The films colorist, on-set nurse, cinematographer, key grip and PA, could all skate and have cameo’s in the film
-In order to find available time at Blaine Super rink, the crew had to begin work at 4am.
-All the physical contact was done at full speed, no special effects were added.
-Robert’s Thesis Advisor is Oscar winner DAVID S. WARD, (The Sting) Writer and Director of the football film THE PROGRAM,
-Due to the many players coming in and out of the set on a daily basis, Production Designer Meghan Hade had to keep track over 30 jerseys for 4 different teams at any given time, including equipment.
-Jon Rowland and Debra Snyder performed one day outside in sub zero temperatures, the only day during the shoot with temperatures that low.
-Robert directed while wearing skates for 4 straight 10 hour days.
-Close to 100 extras participated during a half day of shooting for a crowd scene.
- The song “Someday Never Comes”, by CCR was a major influence on this film, and may be featured in the movie (clearance’s pending, of course) Click below the pic to listen.
