- BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary about Colorado Avalanche Legend Joe Sakic, Slated for Release on June 14, 2025…………….
By SportsDesk | May 9, 2025
Netflix has just dropped the trailer for one of the year’s most eagerly awaited sports documentaries, The Underdog, centered on the life and career of NHL Hall of Famer Joe Sakic. The documentary, which will premiere globally on June 14, 2025, explores the humble beginnings, remarkable rise, and lasting legacy of the legendary Colorado Avalanche captain.
Sakic, known for his quiet demeanor and fierce leadership, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history. Born and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, Sakic’s journey from a working-class neighborhood to hoisting the Stanley Cup twice has long inspired hockey fans. The Underdog takes a deeper look at what drove him—on and off the ice.
Produced in collaboration with NHL Productions and directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Liz Garbus, the documentary features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive interviews with former teammates, coaches, rivals, and Sakic himself. The film promises a raw and emotional portrayal of the pressures and triumphs of a player who let his play do the talking.
Netflix describes the project as “an intimate, gritty, and powerful look at one of the NHL’s most beloved captains.” The film charts Sakic’s early years with the Quebec Nordiques, the team’s relocation to Colorado, and the iconic 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup victories that cemented his status as a hockey legend. It also touches on his post-retirement transition into the Avalanche’s front office, where he helped rebuild the team into a new-era powerhouse, culminating in another Cup win in 2022.
“The goal was never to glorify me—it was to show the journey, the battles, and the people who made it all possible,” Sakic said in a statement. “I hope it gives fans a new perspective on what it takes to win.”
The trailer, released this morning, quickly gained traction across social media, with fans and former players alike sharing memories of Sakic’s greatest moments—including his lightning-fast wrist shot and his iconic 2001 Cup handoff to Ray Bourque.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the release: “Joe Sakic exemplified everything good about the sport of hockey. The Underdog is a fitting tribute to a true ambassador of the game.”
Netflix has seen growing success with its sports documentary lineup, including titles like Untold, Quarterback, and Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The Underdog is expected to attract not only hockey aficionados but also broader audiences drawn to inspirational sports stories.
With just over a month until the release, buzz is building around The Underdog as a potential award contender. Whether you’re a die-hard Avalanche supporter or simply a fan of underdog stories, this documentary promises a powerful and unforgettable viewing experience.
The Underdog begins streaming worldwide on Netflix, June 14, 2025.
Would you like a list of key moments the documentary is expected to cover?
