Shoresy
Shoresy is a Canadian comedy television series created by and starring Jared Keeso that premiered on Crave on May 13, 2022.[1] A spin-off of the Crave original Letterkenny, the show centers on the foul-mouthed, trash-talking hockey player Shoresy as he joins the Sudbury Bulldogs, a struggling senior AAA team in the fictional Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization (NOSHO), with the goal of turning their losing streak around and saving the team from dissolution.[2][3] The series is produced by New Metric Media and directed by Jacob Tierney, with Keeso also serving as writer and executive producer.[4] It features a mix of returning Letterkenny cast members, such as Jonathan Diaby and Andrew Herr, alongside new ensemble players including Tasya Teles as team liaison Hitch, Terry Ryan as goalie Dolo, and Ryan McDonell as veteran forward Michaels.[3] Each of the four seasons to date consists of six episodes, blending rapid-fire dialogue, crude humor, and hockey-centric antics set against the backdrop of Sudbury, Ontario.[2] In January 2025, the series was renewed for a fifth season, with production beginning in spring of that year.[5] Shoresy has been praised for its irreverent take on Canadian hockey culture and loyalty to the stylistic banter of Letterkenny, earning a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season.[4] The show streams internationally on platforms like Hulu and Netflix, expanding the reach of Keeso's comedic universe.[6][7]Show overview
Premise
Shoresy is a Canadian comedy series centered on the titular character, a foul-mouthed and trash-talking hockey player known for his relentless "chirps," who relocates to Sudbury, Ontario, to join the Sudbury Bulldogs—a beleaguered senior AAA team in the fictional Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization (NOSHO)—with the explicit goal of ending their perpetual losing streak and achieving a record of never losing again.[8][9] The premise establishes Shoresy's role as a veteran player brought in to salvage the team from dissolution, emphasizing his aggressive on-ice persona and determination to rally the squad through sheer verbal and physical intensity.[10] The series is set in a fictionalized version of Sudbury, portrayed as a quintessential Northern Ontario hockey town where the sport permeates daily life, featuring authentic local elements such as dive bars like The Doghouse, weathered arenas, and a close community bonded by the rink's rituals and rivalries.[10] This backdrop underscores the cultural significance of hockey in the region, with the Bulldogs' home games and off-ice hangouts serving as the primary stages for interpersonal conflicts and alliances.[9] At its core, the narrative tone blends crude, raunchy humor rooted in hockey chirps—witty, profane insults exchanged between players—with themes of team camaraderie and the underdog spirit, as the Bulldogs navigate internal dysfunction and external challenges to reclaim their competitive edge.[10][8] The show highlights the raw, unfiltered dynamics of a ragtag group of players united by their love for the game, turning potential defeat into motivational fodder through banter and brotherhood.[11] Shoresy originated as a spin-off from the comedy series Letterkenny, where the character began as a minor antagonist before transitioning to the lead role, departing his original team to helm the Bulldogs in Sudbury.[10]Format and style
Shoresy consists of six episodes per season, each running approximately 25 to 26 minutes.[12] The series employs a serialized narrative structure centered on the ongoing arcs of the Sudbury Bulldogs hockey team, diverging from the more episodic, skit-like format of its parent show Letterkenny.[13] This approach builds a season-long story of team turnaround and challenges, incorporating elements like injuries, suspensions, and tournament pursuits while weaving in broader themes of hockey culture.[14] Visually and narratively, the show features rapid-fire dialogue delivered in a gritty, live-action style that immerses viewers in the rough-and-tumble world of senior hockey.[15] Key sequences unfold on the rink, highlighting intense practices, brawls, and games, often integrated with authentic hockey terminology and Northern Ontario slang to evoke regional flavor.[13] The narrative emphasizes ensemble dynamics among diverse team members, including Indigenous enforcers and former pros, blending sports drama with comedic vignettes that reference local news coverage and fan interactions for added realism.[15][14] The humor revolves around "chirps"—witty, profane insults exchanged among players—delivered with ritualized repetition and hyper-specific trash talk that satirizes Canadian hockey clichés.[14][15] Physical comedy arises from on-ice fights and chaotic practices, complemented by ensemble banter that avoids traditional laugh tracks in favor of organic, fast-paced interactions.[13] Examples include vulgar jabs like references to opponents' mothers or equipment mishaps, heightening the show's crude yet celebratory tone.[15] Production emphasizes on-location filming in Sudbury, Ontario, to capture the authenticity of Northern Ontario's hockey scene, incorporating real landmarks, rinks, and community elements for immersive storytelling.[16][17] This choice enhances the integration of local slang, team rituals, and cultural nuances, grounding the comedy in a believable small-town sports environment without relying on studio sets.[18]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Shoresy revolves around the Sudbury Bulldogs hockey team, with actors embodying characters who propel the series' blend of crude humor, hockey action, and small-town camaraderie. Jared Keeso stars as Shoresy, the series' titular captain—a foul-mouthed, trash-talking leader who rallies the struggling Bulldogs through relentless chirping, tough love, and unyielding determination to win, all while concealing his face behind a hockey helmet for anonymity.[19] Tasya Teles portrays Nat, the pragmatic and tough bar owner who doubles as the team's general manager, overseeing logistics, finances, and interpersonal disputes with a no-nonsense approach rooted in her passion for the sport and community.[11] Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat plays Mik (Sanguinet) (seasons 1–3), a soft-spoken yet formidable Indigenous forward and key enforcer on the ice, whose close friendship with Shoresy and familial connections to other team members shape group dynamics and provide moments of quiet support amid the chaos.[20] The Bulldogs' core roster features Max Bouffard as JJ Frankie JJ (seasons 1–3), a boisterous winger with aggressive energy and scoring flair; Andrew Antsanen as Goody (Brant Goodleaf), a reliable defenseman known for his steady presence and defensive grit; Jonathan Diaby as Dreg (Dolo), a laid-back rapper-turned-player contributing physicality and calm demeanor on defense.[21]Recurring characters
Terry Ryan portrays Ted "Hitch" Hitchcock, a veteran defenseman for the Sudbury Bulldogs who serves as comic relief through his laid-back demeanor and memorable catchphrases, while also providing mentorship to younger players amid the team's chaotic dynamics.[22] Hitch's role often highlights his long-standing friendship with Shoresy, contributing to team subplots involving loyalty and on-ice rivalries, as seen in his involvement in practices and bar scenes where he diffuses tensions with humor.[23] Over the seasons, Hitch's character evolves to include more personal backstory, emphasizing his Newfoundland roots and past professional hockey experience, which adds depth to community interactions.[24] Blair Lamora plays Ziigwan (often called Ziig), a tough Indigenous forward who brings rivalry and intensity to the Bulldogs' roster, enhancing female representation through her competitive edge and protective instincts toward teammates.[19] Ziigwan's contributions extend to side stories exploring team camaraderie and external conflicts, particularly in bar settings and practice sessions where she asserts her authority.[25] Across seasons, her role develops with increased focus on family backstories and cultural depth, showcasing growth from a fierce enforcer to a more layered figure navigating personal and team challenges.[26] Ryan McDonell depicts Mark Michaels, the Bulldogs' goalie who balances strategic play with the team's unpredictable energy, often acting as a stabilizing force during high-stakes games and locker room discussions.[23] Michaels' arc involves mentoring players like Shoresy in tense subplots, contributing to community narratives around resilience and secrecy within the hockey world.[27] His evolution spans seasons, shifting from a quirky backup to a central figure grappling with personal secrets, which heightens interactions with main cast members like Nat.[28] The trio of enforcers known as the Jims—played by Jon Mirasty as Jim #1, Brandon Nolan as Jim #2, and Jordan Nolan as Jim #3—provide physicality and humor in team practices, bar brawls, and side stories, embodying the tough, no-nonsense archetype of minor-league hockey.[29] Mirasty's Jim #1 stands out for his imposing presence and authentic enforcer background, while the Nolan brothers' Jims add sibling-like banter that underscores loyalty in community subplots.[30] Their roles evolve across seasons with deeper integration into family-oriented narratives, particularly for the Indigenous elements tied to Mirasty's heritage, enhancing cultural representation in the show's ensemble.[31] Keilani Elizabeth Rose portrays Miigwan (Miig), an Indigenous assistant to general manager Nat who adds depth to administrative and community subplots through her sharp wit and supportive role in team operations.[32] Miigwan frequently appears in bar scenes and behind-the-scenes stories, fostering rivalries and alliances that highlight female empowerment in male-dominated hockey culture.[19] Her character's progression includes expanded family backstories in later seasons, reflecting greater emphasis on Indigenous experiences and personal growth amid the Bulldogs' struggles.[33]Guest stars
The guest stars in Shoresy primarily consist of one-time or limited appearances by actors from the parent series Letterkenny, real-life hockey figures, and media personalities, often serving to bridge narrative continuity, inject authentic hockey culture, or escalate comedic rivalries through tournament opponents and commentators. These cameos enhance external conflicts, such as inter-team banter or media scrutiny, without disrupting the core ensemble's dynamics.[34] In Season 1 (2022), crossovers from Letterkenny include Laurence Leboeuf as herself in a broadcast role, adding meta-humor to the show's sports media satire; Scott Thompson as Shoresy's foster father, providing backstory in a single episode focused on personal motivations; and Jonathan Torrens as commentator Rémy Nadeau, whose distinctive calls amplify game tension in multiple episodes.[35][21] Season 2 (2023) features Jacob Tierney as Benoit "Benny" Brodeur, a rival coach whose scheming introduces strategic conflicts in key tournament beats, limited to a few episodes. Kim Cloutier reprises her Letterkenny role as Anik Archambault, a reporter whose interviews heighten the team's public pressures, appearing in select storylines. Additional guests like Michala Brasseur and Catherine St-Laurent portray opponents and locals, contributing to humor in off-ice interactions.[36] For Season 3 (2024), Andrew Merrifield crosses over from Letterkenny as Jonesy, a hockey player whose brief appearance in early episodes reinforces continuity with the original series' Sudbury ties and adds nostalgic banter. Other guests include Tessa Bonhomme as a SportsCentre analyst, whose commentary underscores gender dynamics in hockey broadcasting; Jay Onrait as a TSN host, satirizing media hype around the Bulldogs; Maane Khatch as a rival player, escalating on-ice confrontations; and Dan Mangan as a musician in a community event, blending cultural elements for lighter beats.[34] Season 4 (2025) emphasizes NHL legends and media figures for heightened realism in off-season narratives. Guests include Doug Gilmour, Marty McSorley, and Sean Avery as themselves in commentator roles, critiquing Shoresy's reputation and introducing legacy-based humor in broadcast segments. TSN's Kenzie Lalonde and Tessa Bonhomme return briefly as reporters, amplifying external scrutiny on team dynamics, while Meghan Chayka appears as an analytics expert, poking fun at modern hockey stats in tournament prep.[37][38]Production
Development
The character of Shoresy first appeared in the 2016 premiere season of the Canadian comedy series Letterkenny, created by and starring Jared Keeso as a foul-mouthed hockey player whose face was never shown, debuting in episode 4, "Wingman Wayne," aired on February 7, 2016. On June 10, 2021, Bell Media and Crave announced the development of Shoresy as the first official spin-off from Letterkenny, greenlighting the six-episode first season to focus on the titular character's relocation to coach a struggling Northern Ontario hockey team.[39] Shoresy was created and written by Jared Keeso, who also stars as the lead, with production handled by New Metric Media in association with Play Fun Games and Bell Media.[39] The creative team included directors Jacob Tierney, Sean Skene, and Dan Skene, who emphasized expanding the Letterkenny universe while establishing the spin-off's distinct hockey-centric identity. The series premiered on Crave on May 13, 2022, and its success led to rapid renewals: season 2 was ordered on January 17, 2023, ahead of the first season's full U.S. rollout on Hulu; season 3 followed on October 25, 2023; and season 4 was confirmed with production announced on August 12, 2024, and principal photography commencing in Sudbury, Ontario, on August 6, 2024, for a January 24, 2025, premiere.[40][41][37][42] A fifth season was renewed on January 3, 2025, reflecting the show's growing international appeal. Production for the fifth season began in March 2025.[5][43] Development of Shoresy involved navigating the spin-off's independence from Letterkenny to avoid direct narrative ties while appealing to its established fanbase through shared stylistic elements like rapid-fire dialogue and small-town humor.[3] A key focus was enhancing Indigenous representation, building on Letterkenny's foundation by centering Indigenous characters in prominent roles—such as team members and coaches—drawn from real-life Northern Ontario communities, with consulting producer Kaniehtiio Horn ensuring authentic portrayals of First Nations culture in hockey contexts.[44][45] This approach aimed to integrate diverse voices organically, reflecting the demographics of rural Canadian hockey without tokenism.[46]Filming
The series Shoresy is primarily filmed in Sudbury, Ontario, to capture the authentic Northern Ontario setting central to its narrative. Key locations include the Sudbury Community Arena at 240 Elgin Street, which serves as the primary venue for rink and hockey game scenes depicting the Sudbury Blueberry Bulldogs' home ice.[16] Bar interiors, such as those for the Bullies' hangout, are shot at the Laughing Buddha restaurant on 194 Elgin Street, while other interiors utilize nearby facilities like Peppi's Ristorante & Lounge at 93 Durham Street and The Coulson at 52 Larch Street.[47] Exteriors often feature downtown Sudbury's Elgin Street, with off-ice sequences filmed at local lakes, clubs, and landmarks to emphasize community and recreational elements.[42] Filming schedules align with seasonal production needs, typically spanning several weeks in Sudbury. For season 1, principal photography occurred from November 14 to December 15, 2021.[48] Season 2 production ran from April 13 to May 12, 2023, focusing on interior and arena-based shoots.[36] Season 3 filmed over approximately three weeks starting in mid-November 2023, incorporating Sudbury's winter conditions for relevant scenes.[41] Season 4 principal photography began on August 6, 2024, and wrapped on September 7, 2024, with expanded use of outdoor locations including Elgin Street and various city landmarks for summer-themed sequences.[42][37] Hockey scenes employ practical filming techniques, relying on real ice action coordinated by stunt experts to ensure realistic gameplay and physical comedy. Brothers Dan and Sean Skene handled stunt coordination for the series' hockey sequences across multiple seasons, leveraging their action expertise to choreograph plays, fights, and team dynamics on the rink.[49] This approach minimizes CGI, prioritizing on-location authenticity at the arena, though outdoor scenes in later seasons, such as season 4, faced variable Northern Ontario weather, requiring adaptive scheduling for lake and street shoots.[50] During season 1's 2021 production amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the crew followed industry-standard protocols including regular testing and masking where feasible, as outlined in Canadian film guidelines at the time.[51]Episodes
Season 1 (2022)
The first season of Shoresy premiered on Crave on May 13, 2022, with two episodes, followed by two new episodes each week thereafter, consisting of six episodes that establish the Sudbury Bulldogs' struggling roster in the Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization (NOSHO) and introduce their initial rivalries against teams like the Timmins Timber Kings and Soo Greyhounds.[52] All episodes were directed by Jacob Tierney and written by series creator Jared Keeso.[53] The season's narrative arc focuses on Shoresy's efforts to rebuild the team and prevent it from folding, blending crude humor with hockey culture.[2] All six episodes became available on Hulu in the United States on May 27, 2023. It marked the most-watched Canadian series debut in Crave history.[40]| No. | Title | Original release date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Never Lose Again | May 13, 2022 | Shoresy tries to prevent his team from folding.[2] |
| 2 | Veteran Presence | May 13, 2022 | Shoresy and his new recruits attend a team mixer at Nat's.[2] |
| 3 | Know Your Role | May 20, 2022 | The Bulldogs face off against the Timmins Timber Kings and the infamous Apeldoorn brothers.[2] |
| 4 | If You Can't Win, Don't Play | May 20, 2022 | The Bulldogs head to the Soo Greyhounds' arena for a game against the Soo.[2] |
| 5 | Hockey Brings People Together | May 27, 2022 | Shoresy attends his family reunion, and the Bulldogs play the North Bay Norsemen.[2] |
| 6 | Big Tourney | May 27, 2022 | The Bulldogs head to the Centennial Cup playoffs.[2] |
Season 2 (2023)
The second season of Shoresy premiered on Crave in Canada with the first two episodes on September 29, 2023, followed by one new episode each Friday until October 27, 2023, while all six episodes became available on Hulu in the United States on October 27, 2023.[54] Created, written by, and starring Jared Keeso, with direction by Jacob Tierney for every episode, the season builds on the Bulldogs' underdog status from the first season by escalating their pursuit of a league championship without ever being shut out (NOSHO).[55][56] Throughout the season, internal team rivalries intensify as players grapple with personal ambitions and loyalty, exemplified by conflicts over benching decisions and power struggles within the locker room, while off-ice antics highlight growing bonds with Sudbury's local community, including bar patrons and family ties.[54] The humor sharpens with refined chirping sequences that blend crude profanity and hockey jargon, emphasizing character growth for figures like Shoresy, who navigates leadership pressures, and Nat, whose managerial role expands to include romantic subplots.[55] Following the series' renewal in January 2023, production incorporated post-Season 1 feedback by broadening the scope to include more external games against American teams and community events, allowing for expanded ensemble interactions and a larger sense of stakes in the Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization (NOSHO).[56][54]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | Get 'em Focused | Jacob Tierney | Jared Keeso | September 29, 2023 | The Bulldogs focus on a league record.[55] |
| 8 | 2 | Skill vs. Will | Jacob Tierney | Jared Keeso | September 29, 2023 | The Bulldogs prepare to play the new American team.[57] |
| 9 | 3 | Set the Tone | Jacob Tierney | Jared Keeso | October 6, 2023 | The Bulldogs face off against the Soo Hunt and their veteran presence.[58] |
| 10 | 4 | Players Only | Jacob Tierney | Jared Keeso | October 13, 2023 | Shoresy initiates a players-only meeting to address and resolve ongoing issues.[59] |
| 11 | 5 | The Man Advantage | Jacob Tierney | Jared Keeso | October 20, 2023 | Shoresy faces judgment from the league.[60] |
| 12 | 6 | Accountability | Jacob Tierney | Jared Keeso | October 27, 2023 | The Bulldogs cross the border for the final game of the season against the Soo Hunt.[61] |
Season 3 (2024)
The third season of Shoresy premiered on Crave in Canada with two episodes on May 24, 2024, followed by one new episode weekly through June 21, 2024.[34] In the United States, all episodes became available simultaneously on Hulu on June 21, 2024.[11] The season was directed by Dan and Sean Skene and written by series creator Jared Keeso.[34][21] This season centers on the Sudbury Bulldogs' participation in the National Senior Tournament, where the team navigates intensified on-ice rivalries, mounting injuries, and off-ice personal stakes, highlighting themes of team unity against formidable odds and deeper cultural narratives involving Indigenous players and community ties.[11] The arc builds dramatic tension through tournament progression, with the Bulldogs facing elimination threats while forging stronger bonds amid physical and emotional trials.[62] The season's release on Hulu contributed to growing international interest, with audience demand in the United States reaching 9.6 times that of the average TV series during its initial weeks.[63]| Episode | Title | Original Air Date (Canada) | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.01 | 4-6 | May 24, 2024 | The National Senior Tournament begins, but the Bulldogs suffer significant injuries early on, testing their resolve.[64] |
| 3.02 | Charlottetown Reds | May 24, 2024 | The Bulldogs compete against the Charlottetown Reds and their star player, Gorgeous Gord Gallant, in a heated tournament matchup.[64] |
| 3.03 | Vaughan Canadesi | May 31, 2024 | Facing the Vaughan Canadesi and the notorious Sly Sylvestri, the Bulldogs confront dirty tactics and escalating rivalries.[64] |
| 3.04 | Brooks Barrelmen | June 7, 2024 | The team celebrates a milestone NOSHO record before battling the Brooks Barrelmen and the aggressive Freezer twins.[64] |
| 3.05 | SOO Hunt | June 14, 2024 | Seeking redemption, the Bulldogs take on the SOO Hunt in a high-stakes rematch amid mounting tournament pressure.[64] |
| 3.06 | Les Rapides de Rawdon | June 21, 2024 | In the season finale, the Bulldogs face Marie-Mai's Rapides de Rawdon, culminating personal and team arcs in the tournament's climax.[64] |
Season 4 (2025)
The fourth season of Shoresy premiered on Crave in Canada on January 24, 2025, with the first two episodes released simultaneously, followed by weekly episodes on subsequent Fridays, concluding on February 21, 2025. In the United States, all six episodes became available on Hulu on February 26, 2025.[65][37] The season, directed by Dan and Sean Skene and written by Jared Keeso, shifts focus to the Bulldogs' off-season celebrations after their Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization (NOSHO) Cup win from season 3, while exploring Shoresy's personal uncertainties about life beyond competitive hockey.[37][21] New challenges arise as the team mentors a struggling junior squad, the Sudbury Lakers, leading to tensions between loyalty to their legacy and emerging opportunities in Sudbury's hockey scene.[66] The season arc builds toward a pivotal team decision, emphasizing themes of transition, mentorship, and the enduring bonds of the Bulldogs amid summer distractions in Sudbury. By the finale, the narrative resolves immediate conflicts around team identity without concluding the series, setting up potential future explorations of Shoresy's evolving role in hockey.[66] As of November 2025, the full season has aired, contributing to the show's sustained popularity with an average IMDb episode rating of 8.5/10 based on over 900 user votes across the episodes.[67]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original Crave release date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 1 | Summer in Sudvegas | Dan and Sean Skene | Jared Keeso | January 24, 2025 | The Bulldogs continue their Cup celebration tour across Sudbury, while Shoresy grapples with the prospect of retirement and life after professional hockey.[66][67] |
| 20 | 2 | Blueberry Buddies | Dan and Sean Skene | Jared Keeso | January 24, 2025 | The team travels to a blueberry farm for a mandatory bonding retreat, where they begin informally mentoring the underperforming Sudbury Triple-A Lakers.[66][67] |
| 21 | 3 | The Itch | Dan and Sean Skene | Jared Keeso | January 31, 2025 | Shoresy's post-hockey pursuits face unexpected hurdles, testing his resolve as distractions mount for the celebrating Bulldogs.[66][67] |
| 22 | 4 | Good and Weird | Dan and Sean Skene | Jared Keeso | February 7, 2025 | The Bulldogs convene a kangaroo court to address internal issues and gear up for a prospects party hosted by the eccentric Weird Sudbury group.[66][67] |
| 23 | 5 | Reset the Tone | Dan and Sean Skene | Jared Keeso | February 14, 2025 | With fractures emerging, the Bulldogs realign their focus, as Shoresy intensifies his commitment to coaching the Lakers amid rising stakes.[66][67] |
| 24 | 6 | Go Where You're Needed | Dan and Sean Skene | Jared Keeso | February 21, 2025 | The core team confronts a defining choice between recommitting to the Bulldogs' legacy in Weird Sudbury or supporting the Lakers' turnaround.[66][67] |