What began as a raucous activity at a Tampa bachelor party in 2021 has evolved into a full‑blown competitive league that now airs on ESPN as part of its "ESPN8 The Ocho" programming. Nick Pletcher, the mastermind behind the concept, and his close‑knit group of friends turned a simple game of hockey played on a soap‑slicked tarp into a spectacle that mixes slapstick humor with genuine athletic rivalry.
The tournament features eight teams battling in ten‑minute, three‑on‑three matches, each vying for a championship trophy shaped like a gold‑colored rubber duck adorned with soap‑bubble details. Over the years the sport has been refined with higher‑quality soap, specialized sticks to keep the suds from whipping into players’ faces, and the introduction of a "power player" who can enter the game for two minutes per match. New power‑ups even let teams temporarily swap opponents’ sticks for pool noodles, adding an extra layer of chaos.
From Backyard Game to National Broadcast
The path to national television was anything but smooth. Early attempts were hampered by a broken-down car and a sudden storm that threatened to wash out the first filmed matches. Yet the edited footage captured the perfect blend of comedy and competition that caught ESPN’s eye. After the production crew shot college basketball content and an adult big‑wheel race for the network, they pitched the soap‑hockey concept, and ESPN, though cautious, requested more material.
When the 2025 tournament finally made its way onto ESPN News, it began airing several times a month, quickly gaining a cult following. The broadcast not only showcased the sport’s absurdity but also highlighted the camaraderie among Pletcher’s longtime friends, many of whom hail from Tampa and share a history of playing together in local leagues.
The Road to ESPN
Tom Useglio, who earned the title of saves leader in 2025, is slated to return for the 2026 season. A former Division III player at the State University of New York Maritime College, Useglio embodies the blend of serious athleticism and playful spirit that defines the league. The tournament’s growing popularity has also attracted attention from media producers eager to invest in and expand the concept, with the Savannah Bananas’ comedic‑stunt model serving as a potential blueprint for future growth.
A Surreal Spotlight
For David Akridge, a player and co‑producer, seeing the crew’s antics on national TV feels almost dreamlike. "It’s surreal," he admits, "to be out with friends, playing a game we invented, and then watch it on ESPN. It validates all the late‑night planning, the car breakdowns, and the storms we survived." The blend of personal history, competitive edge, and unfiltered humor continues to drive the sport’s unique identity, promising more episodes of televised mayhem in the years ahead.