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Bell Media Sells 'The Hockey' to HBO Max for U.S. and Australian Exclusive Release

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 18:22 GMT by Variety

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Bell Media’s New Hockey‑Romance Drama Finds an Exclusive Home on HBO Max

A fresh, character‑driven drama that puts the world of Canadian hockey under the spotlight has just been sold to a major streaming platform. Bell Media’s latest original series—titled “The Hockey” (working title: “The Hockey”)—will debut exclusively on HBO Max in the United States and Australia, while it will also air on Bell Media’s own networks in Canada. The deal, announced last week, marks a notable moment for both the Canadian broadcaster and the streaming giant as it looks to broaden its non‑U.S. content library.

A Tale of Passion on the Ice and Off It

At its core, “The Hockey” is a romance‑driven narrative that follows the life of Mia Calderón (played by Canadian actress Mia Tóth), a budding sports journalist who covers the fierce rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. When Mia lands a job at the Maple Leafs’ official media outlet, she finds herself drawn into a whirlwind of high‑stakes games, locker‑room politics, and an unexpected romance with Jack “The Ice Man” O’Reilly, a star forward on the Leafs.

The series blends the grit of professional hockey with the vulnerability of young love. While the on‑ice action is a backdrop, the real drama happens in the off‑court relationships: Mia’s mentor, former player Coach Daniel “Danny” Rizzo (played by David Chokoe), who grapples with the fallout of a past injury; Mia’s best friend Sara (played by Sofia Bianchi), who deals with her own ambitions; and the complex partnership between Jack and his teammate Samir “Slam” Khan (played by Mohamed Al‑Sharif). As the Leafs and Canadiens clash each week, the show explores the emotional stakes for fans, players, and the media who cover them.

The Production Behind the Pitch

Bell Media produced the series through its Bell Media Entertainment unit, with a budget of $12 million and a planned ten‑episode run, each running 45 minutes. Production took place on location in Toronto and Montreal, with the actual arenas—Rogers Centre and Bell Centre—providing authentic, high‑energy backdrops. Filming also took advantage of the cities’ iconic hockey culture, incorporating real fan interactions and local traditions that add to the show’s authenticity.

The creative team, led by Showrunner Alexandra Varga, brings a blend of experience from both the Canadian and American entertainment industries. Varga previously wrote for the hit series “Schitt’s Creek” and has been praised for her knack for developing nuanced characters. Director Liam O’Connor—known for his work on the documentary “Hockey: The Life & Legacy”—will direct most episodes, ensuring the series captures both the sport’s intensity and its intimate human stories.

Why HBO Max and Australia?

HBO Max’s acquisition of “The Hockey” comes at a time when the streaming platform is aggressively diversifying its catalog with international, high‑quality content. By adding a Canadian‑produced drama steeped in the nation’s most beloved sport, HBO Max signals a broader strategy to appeal to audiences who crave fresh narratives outside of the U.S. mainstream. The series is also slated to be the exclusive Australian home for the drama, a move that reflects the growing appetite for North‑American content in Australia’s streaming market.

For Bell Media, selling the U.S. and Australian rights allows the company to tap into new revenue streams while keeping domestic distribution in-house. The series will air on CTV’s prime‑time schedule in Canada, and will also be available on the Bell Media’s own streaming platform, Crave. This multi‑platform approach maximizes viewership across both free‑to‑air and subscription audiences.

Behind the Scenes: Cast and Crew Insights

During the press release, Bell Media highlighted the talent involved in the project:

• Mia Tóth (Mia Calderón) – a rising star in Canadian television, known for her work on the series “The Last 10 Minutes.”
• David Chokoe (Coach Danny Rizzo) – formerly a professional player who transitioned into coaching and writing.
• Sofia Bianchi (Sara) – an acclaimed stage actress bringing depth to the role of Mia’s confidante.
• Mohamed Al‑Sharif (Samir “Slam” Khan) – a versatile actor who recently starred in “The King of Queens” (film).

The series’ composer, Olivia Harper, is crafting a soundtrack that blends contemporary pop with traditional Celtic themes, reflecting the cultural tapestry of Toronto’s and Montreal’s hockey fanbases.

The Significance for Canadian Media

The sale underscores a broader trend: Canadian content creators are increasingly partnering with global streaming services. Bell Media’s decision to keep a domestic broadcast window while selling international rights demonstrates a hybrid distribution model that has become more common in the post‑pandemic era. By providing local audiences with a fresh, culturally resonant series, Bell Media solidifies its position as a leading producer of high‑quality Canadian drama. Meanwhile, HBO Max benefits from a distinctively Canadian product that differentiates its catalog from other U.S.‑centric offerings.

In addition, the series’ focus on a heated rivalry between the Leafs and Canadiens—two of the NHL’s oldest franchises—offers fans an insider look at one of hockey’s most storied contests. By blending romance, sports, and real‑world conflict, “The Hockey” is poised to attract viewers across multiple demographics, from die‑hard hockey fans to those who simply enjoy character‑driven storytelling.

What to Expect

“HBO Max is thrilled to bring “The Hockey” to its audiences in the U.S. and Australia,” said a Bell Media spokesperson. “It’s a love letter to the game that many Canadians cherish, and we’re proud to partner with a global platform to share that story.” The series is slated to premiere on HBO Max on October 15th (U.S.) and October 18th (Australia), with a Canadian CTV release following shortly thereafter.

With its compelling blend of sports, romance, and drama, “The Hockey” promises to deliver a fresh perspective on the game that has defined a nation. For hockey lovers and drama aficionados alike, it will be an exciting addition to the streaming landscape this fall.