Netflix is set to debut its newest hockey‑drama series, *The Sticks*, in 2027, placing the story in the tight‑knit town of South Dorothy, Minnesota. The show follows a widowed woman who steps into the role of team owner after her husband’s sudden death, navigating the pressures of sport and the expectations of a small community.
At its core, the series examines how grief, love and rivalry intersect on the ice, using the sport as a backdrop for broader conversations about class, family and the resilience of youth. Young athletes are portrayed as they confront personal loss while learning to trust one another, creating a tapestry of stories that reflect both the challenges and the camaraderie found in hockey culture.
The ensemble cast includes returning talent such as Michelle Monaghan, Emilie Bierre and Shai Chase, alongside newly announced regulars Scott Bakula as Coach Brody Hansen, Logan Marshall‑Green as Coach Sully and Alex MacIsaac as Emma Boone. The series is helmed by creator Nick Naveda, whose previous work on *Words on Bathroom Walls* earned critical praise, and showrunner Bridget Bedard, known for her contributions to *Ramy* and *Love Life*.
The Creative Vision
Naveda and Bedard have emphasized that *The Sticks* is not merely a sports story but a character‑driven exploration of how communities rally around shared passions. By grounding the narrative in authentic Minnesota settings, they hope to capture the region’s distinctive culture while delivering a universal message about perseverance.
Executive production is overseen by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine and Robert Atwood of 21 Laps, a partnership that brings a track record of high‑concept drama to the project. Netflix’s investment in *The Sticks* aligns with its broader strategy to expand its youth‑oriented and sports‑themed lineup, joining other hockey‑centric titles slated for 2027.