SI Films Season 1 Episode 1 Goals, Goons And Garbage: The Unlikely Story Of Hockey's Danbury Thrashers

In the premiere episode of Sports Illustrated's new docuseries, SI Films, viewers are taken on a journey with the Danbury Thrashers, a minor league hockey team with a unique history.

Titled "Goals, Goons And Garbage: The Unlikely Story Of Hockey's Danbury Thrashers," the episode dives into the team's beginnings in the early 2000s, when they struggled to find success and a fanbase in a town not exactly known for its hockey culture. However, things began to change when a group of businessmen, led by entrepreneur James Galante, bought the team and injected new energy and resources into the organization.

As the team started to rally, they also began to court a reputation as a "rough and tumble" squad, with a focus on physical play and enforcers (or "goons," as they are commonly known in hockey parlance). Along the way, the Thrashers also gained a reputation for their distinctive, trash-themed uniforms, which set them apart from other minor league teams.

Through interviews with former players, coaches, and fans, the episode explores how the Thrashers built a loyal following in the Danbury area, despite the team's on-ice struggles and the dubious tactics that sometimes earned them penalties and suspensions. It also examines the impact that Galante's legal troubles (which landed him in prison for several years) had on the team and its future.

"Goals, Goons And Garbage" is a compelling and fascinating look at a hockey team that defied expectations and forged their own path in the minor leagues. Whether you're a die-hard pucks fan or just curious about the strange and wonderful world of minor league sports, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten.