“A touching, poignant script, filled with a great knowledge of the sport, humour and pathos. Popoff delivers an all-star performance. 4 and a half stars!” —Saskatoon Star Phoenix

"Hockey Dad shoots and scores... If you're called up to stage, go. Popoff's interaction with audience members is so natural it makes guest stars shine as well." —CBC Winnipeg (See full review)

"Truly funny, heart-felt, exciting... generates belly-laughs... You don’t have to be a hockey fan to enjoy the play." —Red Deer Advocate (See full review)

Booking Information

Burnt Thicket Theatre is now accepting bookings for its next tour of HOCKEY DAD:  A PLAY IN 3 PERIODS. We would love to partner with your organization to bring this production to your community.

Together with you, we believe that we can create a unique theatre experience that supports your organization's mandate.  Whether hosting HOCKEY DAD  as a fundraiser or community building event, this performance is bound to be a highlight on your associations calendar.

If you are interested in getting more information please contact us at 403.274.8847 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it You will be contacted within one week to discuss possible dates, cost and other details.

Burnt Thicket Theatre's inaugural production

HOCKEY DAD:
A PLAY IN 3 PERIODS
performed by James Popoff

The painfully funny story of one man’s turbulent return to the game his father loved.  Bobskates before he could walk, daily drills on the backyard rink with dad—Todd Williams has hockey in his blood.  But he craves a transfusion.

“Born the moment of Paul Henderson’s goal—I was doomed...”

Now he’s living his own worst nightmare: his daughter’s hooked on the game and he’s trapped in a rink-side dressing room with his childhood demons.  Exploring the potent bond between parents and their children, this interactive solo performance will delight audiences of all ages (7+).

A truly Canadian comedy, created by James Popoff and Stephen Waldschmidt.

Watch the Trailer

History of HOCKEY DAD

Since 2008, our inaugural production has seen nearly fifty performances touring Alberta: Calgary, Red Deer, Airdrie, Strathmore, Edson, Three Hills, and Cold Lake at the 2010 Alberta Winter Games.

Highlights of 2010 included touring to Vancouver, BC during the 2010 Winter Olympics and making our first foray into the world of the Fringe Festival.  HOCKEY DAD was well received at both the Winnipeg Fringe, where it was chosen the Sponsor Production, and at the Saskatoon Fringe.