Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ice hockey documentary has diversity, role models, racism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SOUL ON ICE: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE documents the history of Black hockey players in North America, many of whom haven't received the same plaudits and fame as their White teammates.
Is It Any Good?
A brief but detailed overview of the history of Black ice hockey players in North America, this is a well-crafted documentary that also transmits its makers' love of the sport. From trailblazing veterans of the NHL such as Willie O'Ree and Val James, to young draft hopeful Jaden Lindo, Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future has a variety of intergenerational voices who show us how times have changed for the better. Equally impressive are the unsung heroes working to improve the sport's diversity and inclusion, who work to overcome barriers such as cost and access to learning how to skate and how to play.
Jaden's story gives the documentary a natural through-line. But before that there's a concerted effort to tell the history not just of Black hockey players but also Black immigration to Canada in particular. The early examples of Black sporting excellence are relatively obscure but unsurprising. Sadly, so is the persecution they received. From not being selected because of the color of their skin to being offered pay cuts to progress their career, Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future does a good job of showing how far we've come, but also how some startling examples of racism from hockey crowds -- including death threats -- persisted well into the 1980s. Whether you're an expert, a casual hockey fan, or just an interested onlooker, there's likely something here for you to enjoy, learn from, and celebrate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future taught us. Had you heard of some of the Black players discussed in the documentary? If not, why do you think that is? Why is representation important?
What examples of courage, integrity, and perseverance were shown in the documentary? Why are those important character strengths to have? Can you think of any times in your own life when you've demonstrated these traits?
Discuss the prejudice the Black hockey players faced. Do you think things have improved today? Why or why not? How to talk with kids about racism.
How has hockey become safer over time? Did it surprise you that players used to compete with much less safety equipment? Why did this need to change?
How can documentaries help tell stories that need to be told? What other documentaries have you seen that have affected how you felt about something?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2015
- Cast : Jaden Lindo , Willie O’Ree , Val James
- Director : Damon Kwame Mason
- Studio : Top Shelf Productions
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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