Pups are headed to the “cup!”
In celebration of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the life-changing nonprofit organization Petco Love today (May 22) announced the program Stanley Pup, a friendly competition featuring adoptable rescue dogs.
According to a press release, all 32 NHL teams will be represented by a four-legged friend, many of which will be available for adoption from a shelter or rescue group in their respective city. During the hour-long special, 16 pups representing the teams that qualified for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs will face off in a friendly competition showcasing their adorable canine skills.
The show will also feature special appearances by celebrity dog lovers including Kristin Chenoweth, Mickey Guyton and Miranda Lambert, with color and play-by-play commentary provided by Akbar Gbajabiamila (American Ninja Warrior/The Talk) and Mark Shunock (Top Rank Boxing) with Alexa Landestoy (NHL Network) reporting rinkside.
“At the NHL, we love supporting great causes and the opportunity to produce a program that finds homes for rescue dogs is so fulfilling,” said NHL Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer. “The show promises to be great fun and we can’t wait for our participating puppies Nathan McKibble, Joe Pawvelski, Alexander O-fetch-kin and many more to hit our Stanley Pup rink.”
“I’m so proud to launch this canine sporting spectacular with the NHL, and so grateful for their passion in supporting adoption. The show is sure to be the biggest night of the year for dog-loving hockey fans,” said creator and producer Michael Levitt. “The cuteness overload is going to be off the charts! I can’t wait to show viewers how special rescue dogs are and how profoundly they enhance our lives when we welcome them into our families.”
To meet the dogs featured in the Stanley Pup and for more information about dogs available for adoption in your area, visit PetcoLove.org/StanleyPup. The Stanley Pup will be broadcast for fans in the U.S. on NHL Network and ESPN+ on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET and on Sportsnet for fans in Canada on Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
