TFS’s Steven Hoffner Celebrates Broadcast Premiere of ‘The Cannons’ Documentary on TSN and NHL Network
Toronto Film School’s Steven Hoffner is celebrating the acquisition – and upcoming broadcast premiere – of his debut documentary feature, The Cannons (Brothers on Ice).
The film, which the director of TFS’s Film Production program co-directed, produced, shot and edited, was recently acquired by TSN and the NHL Network, where it is slated to mark its Canadian and US broadcast premieres, respectively, this coming Monday, December 16 at 7 p.m. (EST).
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Co-directed by A.J. Messier, and executive produced by NBA All Star Russell Westbrook and Emmy Award-winning producer Rob Ford, the immersive, 75-minute documentary follows legendary Coach Neal Henderson and the young, predominately all African-American players on his Fort Dupont Cannons – the longest serving minority hockey program in North America.
“Having the opportunity to screen the film in prestigious film festivals in New York City, Los Angeles and Cleveland has been quite the thrill,” Hoffner said of The Cannons, whose festival screenings included its world premiere at DOC NYC in 2021 and the 2022 Cleveland International Film Festival.
“But to finally have this story seen by a national television audience in the United States and Canada is something extra special.”
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Set in one of America’s toughest neighborhoods of Southeast Washington, DC, The Cannons focuses on Henderson’s mentorship of two teenage boys in their senior year of high school – Rayvon Hall, who clings to the dream of playing college hockey, and Robert Lynch, who intends to apply for a spot as a police cadet.
“Having grown up in the inner city, I understand how important stories like these are for the Black community,” said Westbrook, a nine-time NBA all-star, MVP, and future hall of famer, who currently plays for the Denver Nuggets.
“Seeing role models like Coach Neal recognized is crucial in shaping a positive narrative about Black youth and their histories. While my own journey has been shaped by a different sport, this film underscores the universal power of brotherhood.”
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A veteran producer of sport documentaries for the NHL, Hoffner said his interest in the story of Henderson and his Fort Dupont Cannons was immediately piqued when he first stumbled across the story nearly a decade ago.
“Coach Neal is one of the most amazing human beings I’ve had the honour of meeting in life, and I’m not the only one who would say that,” Hoffner said of founder of the Washington, D.C.-based club, which has been providing inner-city youth aged eight to 17 with the opportunity to participate in organized ice hockey since 1978.
“When you meet someone like him, you’re just kind of pulled into their energy and their positivity – and you just kind of want to be a part of that.”
As the documentary nears its broadcast premiere next week, Hoffner said he hopes all those who watch it walk away from The Cannons with love and empathy in their hearts for the featured players and their families.
“One of our leading drives with this film was to give voices to these people who maybe never had a platform like this one before, so my hope is that people really listen to them and to what’s going on in terms of systemic racism,” he said
“Coach Neal’s message to the world is the main reason me and A.J. wanted to make this film, because it’s such a touching and beautiful one – that everybody is created equal and everyone deserves equal opportunity at life.”
To learn more about the film, go to https://www.thecannonsdocumentary.com
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