NHLs Stanley Pup Returns for Third Year on June 8

The NHL has announced the return of Stanley Pup for its third consecutive year, a 90-minute special featuring adoptable rescue dogs competing on a miniature rink. The show will premiere June 8 on truTV and simulcast on HBO Max in the U.S. at 9:30 p.m. ET and on Sportsnet in Canada at 8 p.m. ET. It will also air on NHL Network on June 10 at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET, on the NHL's YouTube channel on June 9, and on Monumental Sports Network in the D.C. region. All 32 NHL teams will be represented by an adoptable rescue dog provided by adoption partner Brandywine Valley SPCA.

New for 2026, Elias Weiss Friedman, known as The Dogist, will anchor adoption follow-up segments featuring families who adopted dogs from previous Stanley Pup broadcasts. Celebrity appearances include comedian Kenan Thompson as a celebrity coach, broadcaster Doc Emrick, and NHL players Devin Cooley (Calgary Flames), Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes), and Will Smith (San Jose Sharks). Commentary will be provided by Mark Shunock and Chris Rose, with Alexa Landestoy reporting rinkside.

We are thrilled to bring Stanley Pup back for year three, says Steve Mayer, President, NHL Content and Events. This event has quickly become a fan-favorite tradition, blending the competitive spirit of the NHL with the mission of finding homes for animals in need. When Patrick Kanine, Cole Pawfield, Quinn Chews and others find families because of Stanley Pup, we know that this show has true meaning.

For our third year of Stanley Pup, we've taken the show next level - and the puppies absolutely delivered, says Michael Levitt, Executive Producer, Michael Levitt Productions. This special is pure joy for the whole family, and we hope it inspires people to open their hearts and homes to a rescue dog. Because when these pups hit the ice, it's not just a game it's a power play for adoption.

The hockey community is so supportive of animal rescue that a show like this is the best of both worlds for our fans, says Aimee Brillhart, VP of Production, Monumental Sports and Entertainment. Every team in the League has their own puppy player to root for - Stanley Pup will surprise and delight viewers from the first pup drop to the final whistle.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA is proud to be the non-profit partner of the Stanley Pup, which highlights many of our all-star adoptable pets, says Adam Lamb, CEO, Brandywine Valley SPCA. Adopting is like a hat trick for you and the selected pet - scoring a goal for the pet, the family, and the next animal in need. When you adopt, everyone wins!

Stanley Pup is executive produced by Michael Levitt, Steve Mayer, Matt Nicholson, Jim Kowats, and Aimee Brillhart. Sponsors include BISSELL and Halo Collar.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/05/12/nhls-stanley-pup-returns-for-th...
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