MASSE: HHOF TO SHOWCASE LEGENDS ON TV
BY: Kelley Masse, Hockey Hall Of Fame
TORONTO (November 3, 2021) – The Hockey Hall of Fame is pleased to announce today that they have teamed up with Network Entertainment and TSN to produce a new 10-part series entitled Legends of Hockey: Greatness Calling 2000-20.
Carrying on the proud tradition of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s original award-winning landmark series Legends of Hockey launched in 1996, the upcoming series – Legends of Hockey: Greatness Calling 2000-20 will showcase, in an epic and heartfelt style, the personal stories of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s inductees from 2000 to 2020, including hockey greats Mark Messier, Ray Bourque, Brett Hull, Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Hayley Wickenheiser, Dominik Hašek, Pavel Bure, Nicklas Lidström, and more.
REACTION
“I’m excited about the upcoming new chapter of the Legends of Hockey series – it’s a fitting tribute to our game’s greatest players who for decades have inspired our youth and entertained and delighted hockey fans around the globe,” said Jeff Denomme, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s CEO. “Along with TSN, the Hall is thrilled to collaborate with Derik Murray and his Network team on our continued tradition of excellence and to once again partner together to produce this deserving tribute to the Honoured Members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.”
PLAYERS HIGHLIGHTED
The original Legends of Hockey five-part series premiered on TSN in 1996 – an entertaining and inspiring portrait of the game’s origins and its evolution over a hundred years as told by hockey’s legendary players as they shared their journeys from frozen ponds to backyard rinks and on to the bright lights of the NHL. The series’ core is original and inspiring interviews with Hall of Fame players including Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Jean Béliveau, and Frank Mahovlich. In 2001 Legends of Hockey: The Second Season premiered nationwide on TSN and showcased interviews with Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Denis Potvin, and Bryan Trottier. Both series, produced by Derik Murray, presented a rich tapestry of storytelling, featuring 70 Hockey Hall of Fame Honoured Members sharing their personal and emotional journeys, complemented by rare archival footage and photographs. The Legends of Hockey series received both widespread and critical acclaim, being awarded both Can Pro and Gemini nominations and awards.
PRODUCER
Network’s Founder and Executive Producer of the series, Derik Murray, said, “We are indeed both honored and privileged once again to be able to share stories from an illustrious lineup of legendary players and inspirational men and women. We’re equally honored to be working with the dedicated and talented team at the Hockey Hall of Fame to continue our collaboration of excellence that first started 25 years ago. We are proud that TSN, a longstanding partner of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the foundational broadcaster of the Legends of Hockey series, will showcase this latest chapter in the history of the game we love and the players and plays of a lifetime.”
Following this proud tradition, Legends of Hockey: Greatness Calling 2000-20 has commenced production and will be interviewing over 60 Honoured Members with cameras traveling the globe to capture the inspiring stories of the men and women who have etched their names into the game’s pantheon of greatness. The series will feature original interviews, personal photographs, and the best of both NHL and international game footage, creating a compelling and entertaining profile of the game’s modern-day heroes.
TSN REACTION
“TSN is pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the Hockey Hall of Fame, and to work alongside Network Entertainment, to showcase hockey’s greatest players,” said Nathalie Cook, VP, TSN & RDS. “With this all-new edition of Legends of Hockey: Greatness Calling 2000-20, we’re looking forward to sharing their stories with fans across the country.”
The series will be presented in 10 one-hour episodes that will air exclusively on TSN in the fall of 2022.
