NHL’S “STANLEY PUP” RESCUE DOG COMPETITION RETURNS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR TO CELEBRATE THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Program Featuring 32 Adoptable Dogs and Guest Appearances from Kenan Thompson and The Dogist to Premiere June 8 on truTV, HBO Max and Sportsnet

NEW YORK (May 11, 2026) – The National Hockey League announced that Stanley Pup is back for its third consecutive year, bringing a dose of puppy power to the postseason. During this 90-minute special, a lineup of adoptable pups will face off in a friendly competition, showcasing their canine skills and puppy puck handling on a miniature rink.

The competition will feature special appearances from celebrity dog lovers and advocates including comedian and SNL star Kenan Thompson as a celebrity coach, legendary broadcaster Doc Emrick and NHL Players Devin Cooley (Calgary Flames), Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes), Logan Thompson (Washington Capitals), and Will Smith (San Jose Sharks). In addition, color and play-by-play commentary will be provided by Mark Shunock and Chris Rose, with Alexa Landestoy reporting rink side.

New for the 2026 broadcast, Elias Weiss Friedman, popularly known as The Dogist, will join the Stanley Pup team to anchor a series of heart-warming adoption follow-up segments. These on-location features will highlight the real-world impact of the program, as Friedman interviews three families who adopted a dog featured in previous ‘Stanley Pup’ games, providing a special look at the lives of former canine "players.”

All 32 NHL teams will be represented by an adoptable rescue dog as they compete in the Conference Finals and vie in the championship showdown – the Stanley Pup Final. The talented lineup of pups and other furry friends who are ready to find their forever homes will be provided by adoption partner Brandywine Valley SPCA. BISSELL and Halo Collar, the leading GPS containment system for dogs, will also join this year as sponsors.

Read the full story >