Chris Driedger’s journey to producing a documentary film about a unique roller hockey league began with a devastating ACL injury that put his professional hockey career in jeopardy. After tearing his ACL during the 2022 men’s World Championships for Team Canada, Driedger faced a long and challenging road to recovery. Instead of letting the setback defeat him, he discovered a new passion and spent the next three years following it through.
The documentary, titled “Pro Beach Hockey: Sun, Surf and Slapshots,” explores the intriguing story of a California-based roller hockey league that was created by wrestling promoter David B. McLane in the late 1990s. The league featured ex-roller hockey stars, including NHL players, playing on outdoor rinks with ramps behind the net, angled glass, and a two-point line similar to basketball. Despite its short-lived run, Pro Beach Hockey garnered a cult following and aired on ESPN2 for three seasons.
Driedger, a Winnipeg-born goaltender now part of the Jets organization, became involved in the documentary project through a conversation with his friend and former teammate Max McCormick. Intrigued by the league’s unique concept and larger-than-life characters, Driedger dove headfirst into the filmmaking process. Together with McCormick and filmmaker Jake Cimperman, they formed a production company called Sin Bin Studios and set out to capture the untold story of Pro Beach Hockey.
As Driedger delved deeper into the world of Pro Beach Hockey, his curiosity grew, fueling his dedication to the project. Despite facing challenges in securing interviews and gathering footage, the team persevered, eventually enlisting the help of former NHL players like Bobby Ryan, Luc Robitaille, and Pat Brisson to lend their voices to the documentary. Through their contributions, the film gained credibility and shed light on the chaotic and captivating world of Pro Beach Hockey.
Now in the final stages of postproduction, “Pro Beach Hockey: Sun, Surf and Slapshots” is set to be released later this year, marking the culmination of over three years of collaboration and dedication. For Driedger, the journey from injury to filmmaking has been transformative, providing him with a new perspective and a creative outlet during a challenging time in his career.
Looking ahead, Driedger is focused on making the most of his opportunity with the Jets organization and continuing to pursue his passion for both hockey and filmmaking. As he navigates the ups and downs of professional sports and the unpredictable world of filmmaking, Driedger remains grounded in his determination to succeed and make a lasting impact in both arenas.
In the end, Driedger’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the face of adversity, whether on the ice or behind the camera. His journey from injury to inspiration is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for new beginnings in the face of challenges.
