The University of Vermont men’s ice hockey program recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Brothers of The Gut: 50 Years of UVM Hockey, a new film by Vermont PBS, honors that milestone with an engaging exploration of the rich history and talented players – and a community’s intense passion – for one of Vermont’s most celebrated institutions.
The highly anticipated film premieres on air and online Thursday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m., with an immediate rebroadcast at 10 p.m. Additional re-airings are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. on Vermont PBS’ main channel, and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 and 8 p.m. on Vermont PBS PLUS.
The film covers the men’s hockey program from its beginnings in 1963 as a Division II team through to its current era as an NCAA Division I contender. This era has produced some celebrated talent, including players who went on to successful National Hockey League careers.
Players from across the years include John LeClair (’91), Martin St. Louis (’97), Eric Perrin (’97), Tim Thomas (’97) and Patrick Sharp (’02).
Along with profiling these and other standouts from throughout the program’s history, Brothers of The Gut also chronicles the team’s highs and lows, including a hazing scandal that abruptly ended the 2000 season, and the team’s two dramatic appearances in the NCAA Frozen Four tournament.
The team’s rich history is brought to life through dramatic archival footage, interviews, profiles and background stories, including:
- Former players from the NCAA Division II era, providing a rich historical perspective of the team’s early years.
- Profiles of team veterans from the Division I era, including both former and current pro players.
- Coaches Jim Cross (1965-1984), Mike Gilligan (1984-2003) and Kevin Sneddon (2003 - present), who nurtured the program over its 50-year history.
The film is enhanced with a range of archival material to complement the emotional, inspiring and sometimes amusing stories – highlighting the impact that UVM hockey has had on players and coaches, and on the community that has ardently supported the team for half a century, continuing to sell out “The Gut” – nickname of UVM’s Gutterson Field House, home ice for the Catamounts.
DVDs of the film will be available during the broadcast, or can be pre-ordered now on the program’s web page. Beginning Dec. 1, Vermont PBS will also feature an online auction for two 50th Anniversary UVM Hockey Jerseys autographed by a “who’s-who” list of players and coaches from throughout the program’s history. The auction runs through Dec. 15, and can be accessed via the program website at vermontpbs.org/brothersofthegut.