Watch Hockey's Lost Boy: The Rise & Fall of George Patterson

Hockey's Lost Boy: The Rise & Fall of George Patterson is a 2016 documentary about the dramatic life of Canadian hockey player George Patterson. Directed by Paul Kimball and produced by Serge Senécal, the movie explores Patterson's rise to fame as a promising young player in the 1980s and his eventual downfall due to drug addiction.

Throughout the film, the audience is introduced to Patterson's childhood in a working-class family in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. As a talented young athlete, Patterson quickly realized that hockey was his passion and started dedicating all his time to become a professional player. With his exceptional skills on the ice, he joined the Ontario Hockey League and was soon picked up by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, as Patterson's career was taking off, he became increasingly dependent on drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The pressures of fame, combined with the physical and emotional tolls of playing professional sports, led him down a dangerous path. His addiction began taking a severe toll on his performance, and he bounced around to various teams, unable to find consistent success.

The film features insightful interviews with former teammates, coaches, and journalists who witnessed Patterson's rise and fall firsthand. Additionally, it highlights the devastating effect Patterson's addiction had on his personal life, including estrangement from his family and ongoing struggles with legal troubles.

Despite the tragic nature of the film, Hockey's Lost Boy also provides insight into the complicated issues surrounding addiction in sports, including the stigma surrounding mental health and the pressure to perform at a high level. The movie highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these underlying issues in order to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the use of archival footage, which allows viewers to witness Patterson's incredible talent on the ice and fully appreciate the magnitude of his downfall. The film also showcases the considerable impact that Patterson had on his teammates and the hockey community, which makes his story all the more tragic.

The documentary is narrated by former NHL player Doug Gilmour, who provides a thoughtful and nuanced perspective on Patterson's story. Additionally, the film includes interviews with sports writers such as Bob Goodman and Kevin Shea, who provide valuable context for the events of Patterson's life.

Overall, Hockey's Lost Boy: The Rise & Fall of George Patterson is a powerful and emotionally charged look at the life of a talented athlete who lost his way. Through its insightful interviews, archival footage, and nuanced exploration of complex issues, the film provides a compelling and unforgettable portrait of a man who struggled to overcome the demons that haunted him throughout his life. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, addiction, and personal struggle.

Hockey's Lost Boy: The Rise & Fall of George Patterson is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.