This week we'll bring you a star-studded series finale of "Cool Shots". After seven years of in depth hockey coverage from around the NHL, Cool Shots has come to an end but not before we go behind the scenes one more time with famous actors, comedians, singers and figure skaters as they get Cup Crazy.
We start the show with movie star Keanu Reeves filming and NHL spot. While in the presence of Lord Stanley, Reeves becomes nostalgic and talks about playing hockey during his youth. The allure and majesty of the Stanley Cup even had an effect on the mega superstar Reeves, who became awe-struck in its presence: "You dream about this thing growing up. My God I'm holding the Stanley Cup. Its a good day."
How about some behind the scenes footage of the Kiefer Sutherland shoot as well as an interview with Sutherland about the making of this commercial. In the promo Kiefer explains the lingo used in hockey like "biscuit", "twig", "one-timer" and "five-hole". "Its the sport I grew up with and I'm the NHL's biggest fan so anything I can do to help people who don't know the game learn about it and figure out how exciting it is, then I'm more than happy to do it." says Sutherland about his involvement in the project.
In another feature Canadian born Country Music superstar and dedicated hockey fan Shania Twain shoots another National Hockey League promo. "Its a cool game and I love supporting it, that's just it. I just think its a great sport." says Shania when asked why she decided to participate in an NHL promo. "I watch games whenever I can so I'm a fan and I enjoy the game."
Also actor, funny-man and star of the hit television show "Life According to Jim", Jim Belushi as he lends his celebrity to promote the National Hockey League. We'll have behind the scenes footage, outrageous out takes and commentary from Belushi who is also a die hard Chicago Blackhawks fan. "I think its very important to educate the audience about hockey because hockey is the most exciting sport but the audience really has to see a game first and when you see the game in person, then they can watch it on TV." explains Belushi about his involvement with the promo.
We'll also go behind the scenes with Michelle Kwan and Kristi Yamaguchi as they work together on an NHL playoff promo. These two graceful figure skaters get in touch with the gritty side of their personalities as they wonder what it would be like to actually play in the NHL. "Its a fun script and I think having two figure skaters kind of promote hockey, the total opposite of what figure skating is, its great." recalls Kristi Yamaguchi.
You'll have a front row seat to the making of the Dennis Leary promo as he explains the physical side of the game. A dark alley in Manhattan sets the stage for Dennis as he explains the game of hockey how he sees it. "There are two things that make people fall in love with hockey. First is the finesse part of the game, scoring and great goals. The other side of it is football combined with speed. When you come to think about it, its almost like the Indianapolis 500 with skates."
And finally we'll visit with the star of the hit TV show Alias, Michael Vartan as he gets Cup Crazy. In this spot, Vartan talks about the history, integrity and allure of the Stanley Cup. "When I woke up this morning I knew I was going to be near the Stanley Cup and get to touch it. I was excited and when I walked in, I literally got the chills." admits Vartan about his first experience with Lord Stanley. "Its kind of awe-inspiring, especially being such a hockey fan. To know how much effort, blood, sweat and tears go into winning this thing."
With a little help from Earshot and their song "Wait" this week's "Cool Cuts" takes a look at 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning as they celebrate their first ever Stanley Cup with a parade in Tampa.
This episode airs on the following days:
ESPN: Tuesday, June 22nd @ 12:00 PM Eastern Time
ESPN2: Saturday, June 26th @ 2:30 AM Eastern Time
CBC: Sunday, June 27th @ 11:30 PM Local Time
TSN: Wednesday, June 30th @ 1:00 PM Local Time
YES: TBD
