A Rare Blend of Talent and Skates
Prime Video’s new series “Off Campus” transports viewers to Briar University, a fictional Massachusetts campus where a group of students navigate the tangled waters of college life, love and ambition.
At the centre of the drama is Stephen Kalyn, who not only stars as Dean but also brings an authentic hockey background to the role — a rarity among actors who portray collegiate athletes.
Kalyn grew up on the ice, spending his youth skating in local rinks and later joining a junior team before transitioning to acting. His real‑world experience became a catalyst for a unique on‑set culture, as he guided his co‑stars through drills and helped shape the show’s hockey authenticity.
The series’ second season promises to deepen Dean’s storyline, weaving his athletic prowess with romantic entanglements and the pressures of academic performance. Critics have noted that Kalyn’s presence elevates the show’s realism, turning what could be a standard campus drama into a hybrid of sport and soap.
A light‑hearted moment captured during filming involved Kalyn inadvertently running over his fellow actor Jalen Thomas Brooks during a practice drill, a mishap that sparked laughter on set and underscored the physical risks of blending sport with production.
Behind the Scenes: Training with the Cast
While many of the cast members had little to no skating experience, Kalyn organized informal sessions that doubled as rehearsal and bonding time. He demonstrated proper stance, puck handling and defensive positioning, allowing the others to grasp the basics before filming the more demanding sequences.
The resulting chemistry translated on screen, with viewers perceiving a genuine camaraderie among the characters. Industry observers say the authenticity contributed to the show’s growing buzz ahead of its sophomore launch.
BuzzFeed’s entertainment desk highlighted the “real‑player” angle, while Deadline’s coverage praised the show’s innovative blend of drama and sport, noting that Kalyn’s contribution was a decisive factor in grounding the narrative.