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Over four seasons on Hulu, the hockey comedy “Shoresy” has become a cult favorite among hockey fans. The series follows the fictional Sudbury Bulldogs and its foul-mouthed, chirp-happy captain, Shoresy — played by creator and writer Jared Keeso.
The show has gotten so popular that last year the cast hit the road, playing exhibition games against NHL alumni teams in five pro arenas. This year, the tour — now known as the “Shoresy Classic” — expands to eight NHL cities, including UBS Arena on Dec. 10, where the cast will face a team of New York Islanders alumni.
The Islanders alumni roster is filled with fan favorites: Cal Clutterbuck, Josh Bailey, Matt Moulson, Benoit Hogue, Steve Webb, Rick DiPietro, Matt Martin, Radek Martinek, Eric Cairns, Thomas Hickey and Thomas Greiss. Islanders legends Bryan Trottier and Shawn Bates will serve as coaches.
Other stops on the tour include Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Los Angeles, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.
‘It’s an absolute honor’
“These games mean a lot,” said Jonathan Diaby, who plays “Dolo” on the show. “It was your dream to play in the NHL and now we’re actually kind of doing it against players who played in the NHL for many years.”
Diaby spent time with the Nashville Predators organization after being drafted in 2013. He played three years of pro hockey before turning to music and acting.
Another cast member, Terry Ryan — who plays “Hitch” — was the eighth overall pick by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1995 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut in 1996 and is now also a stunt performer.
“I’m as much of a fan at these games as the people who are paying to come see us,” said Ryan. “Even though we were part of it, you still have unbelievable respect for players who have been there and done it.”
Former NHLers Brandon Nolan and Jordan Nolan are also part of the cast.
From the set to the ice
With filming for season five now wrapped, the cast is savoring the chance to keep hockey in their lives a little longer.
“We were hoping for the best but did we see it reaching the heights it did? I certainly didn’t,” said Ryan.
“It’s totally surreal,” added Diaby. “It’s kind of a full-circle moment every time we lace them up and step on the ice.”
The new season brings the show back to its roots — and back to the ice.
“We’re back to our roots with a lot more hockey,” said Diaby. “If you are a fan of the show, you’re going to be very happy. We’re still chirping, we’re still hitting and we’re still fighting — so back to the good old Shoresy and Sudbury Bulldogs hockey.”
Is this like the Harlem Globetrotters? Nope.
One of the biggest questions fans ask is whether the “Shoresy Classic” is a real game — or a staged show.
“It’s not the Harlem Globetrotters,” said Ryan. “We’re competitive so we get out there and it’s a real game. We want to go out there and win.”
Last year, four of the five games came down to the final minute and were decided by one goal.
“There was an idea to have scripted penalties and scripted stuff,” added Diaby. “It’s a good show with a nice hockey game. You’ll get some snippets, some sneak peeks and maybe some bloopers. A little bit of live hockey and a little bit of live Shoresy as well.”
And after the game, they make sure no fan leaves disappointed.
“We don’t leave until every last picture is taken and every autograph is signed,” said Ryan.
If you go
Shoresy Classic – Islanders Alumni vs. Shoresy Cast
- UBS Arena, Elmont
- Tuesday, Dec. 10
- Tickets & VIP packages: shoresyclassic.com
VIP packages include meet-and-greets, preferred seating, a moderated Q&A and an autographed photo.
Top photo credit: Dave Reginek
