Movie-goers of a certain vintage will recall when the titular character in 1986’s “Youngblood” – portrayed by Rob Lowe – endured the trials and tribulations of junior hockey. Forty years later, the remade version adds another layer to the underdog story.
In the 21st century of the film, Dean Youngblood is a Black hockey player attempting to forge his career in a predominantly white sport. Ashton James, a 2023 Canadian Screen Award Nominee, steps into the role of the protagonist. He, along with director Hubert Davis were present for a recent advance screening of the film hosted at the Hockey Hall of Fame, attended by players of the Seaside Minor Hockey Association of Toronto.
“The audition process, they wanted us to send in skating footage,” recalled James as part of a panel moderated by SportsNet’s Donnovan Bennet. “I hadn’t skated in four or five years. I get out there and I’m like ‘this is never gonna work.’ I’m wobbling on my feet, I can’t even do a crossover. It was terrible. But I got to train with a power skating coach. I’m still learning, still trying to catch up.”
Youngblood’s father is played marvellously in the reboot by veteran actor Blair Underwood, of “L.A. Law” fame, the dad attempting to instill values of toughness and resilience in the hockey protégé, reminding his son that the mere colour of his skin places him at an immediate disadvantage.
Shawn Doyle is the disciplinarian head coach Murray Chadwick, and Alexandra McDonald steps into the role of Jessie, the coach’s daughter and Youngblood’s love interest.
Indeed the remake has been modernized to reflect 21st century culture and values. Jessie is an aspiring women’s hockey goaltender in college, a vast upgrade from 1986 when girls were generally resigned to driving the Zamboni. Meanwhile the fans of Youngblood’s opponents still viciously voice their hostility, though not with homemade fan signs inscribed with homophobic epithets that are simply not tolerated today.
And, mini-spoiler alert, Youngblood does not have a one-night stand with his billet mom in 2026.
Actor Alexei Morita, who has a minor role as a player named Weber, acknowledged the differences in societal norms over the past four decades. “I never saw the first ‘Youngblood’, so I kind of studied that,” Morita, 26, said in a conversation with HockeyHotStove.com. “I’m like ‘wow, some of these scenes are kind of crazy. We couldn’t get away with them now!’”
Additionally, the new movie has its share of easter eggs dedicated to co-writer and Toronto filmmaker Charles Officer, who passed away in 2023. “I think it was a dream for Charles,” Davis said. “He grew up playing hockey, so I think he wanted something that represented him in his experience. There were a lot of actors who came on board, other crew members who worked with Charles, and that’s why they were there.”
The plot elements from the original film remain intact; the love story, the teammate’s injury, the climactic finish with the game on the line. In 1986, Peter Zezel and Steve Thomas made cameo appearances; pro hockey is represented in the reboot by Akim Aliu, along with some NHL-related scenes played over the final credits.
“Youngblood” – the 2026 version – opens in theatres on March 6.
HockeyHotStove.com thanks The Taro Group for the invitation to the screening.
