Paul Newman had stated on many occasions that he had more fun making this film than on any other film he has starred in, and that it remained his favorite of his own films until his death.
Bruce Boudreau, head coach of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks (2021-2023), appears in the film wearing #7 for the Hyannisport Presidents. Boudreau was one of several players for the Johnstown Jets minor league hockey team that were used as extras.
Many of the players in the game scenes (as well as the Hanson brothers) played for the Johnstown Jets, a team in the now-defunct minor-pro North American Hockey League. The Charlestown Chiefs were based on the Jets.
Reggie's apartment in this movie is the actual apartment of Bruce Boudreau, who, at the time, played for the Johnstown Jets, the team the Chiefs were modeled on.
Though decried by much of the NHL upon release - many league higher ups felt fans would lump the brawl-filled 1970s NHL with the brawl-filled minor league featured in the film - the movie is still a staple on NHL buses and team charters. It's not uncommon for NHL players born years after the movie's release to name it as their favorite movie. In locker rooms, players refer to reporters who write an untrue rumor with conviction as "Dickie Dunn".
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
