EXCLUSIVE: P.K. Subban is putting on his skates for animated action-adventure series Screech Owls.

The NHL All-Star will exec producer and star in the show, which is set to launch in the fall of 2027 in English on CBC and winter 2028 in French on Radio-Canada and TFO (Télévision française de l’Ontario).

The co-production is bringing together a number of Canada’s biggest production houses, with Shaftesbury and Sphere Media producing in partnership with the NHL and Boat Rocker. The NHL has exclusive distribution rights in the U.S. and the Nordics, with Boat Rocker taking them elsewhere.

Based on Roy MacGregor’s book series of the same name, and the 2001 live-action series produced by Shaftesbury for YTV and Discovery Kids), Screech Owls follows a team of young hockey players who are swept into a world of hidden clues, high-tech villains and impossible missions.

John May and Suzanne Bolch, who adapted the live-action series, will return as head writers for the animated show, which is designed as a multi-platform franchise with plans to extend beyond television and books into interactive gaming, consumer products, and global licensing.

Subban, the former defenseman who retired from the NHL in 2022 after 13 seasons, will play the larger-than-life Screech Owls hockey team coach, who provides guidance for the team as they thwart jewel heists in Vancouver and mind-control plots in Montreal.

Cast as the team are Ana Sani, who plays courageous captain Neela; Joshua Odjick, who is charismatic forward Ishkode; Erika Prevost, who plays curious and direct goalie Camille; and returning Screech Owls star Jonathan Malen, who plays brains-and-brawn defenseman Trevor.

When duty calls, the team gears up in specially-designed suits that amplify their natural abilities and unlock powerful new skills. Through signature ‘Power Pulses’, they’re able to outpace pursurs, break through obstacles and turn everyday objects into ingenious crime-fighting tools.

PWHL star Sarah Nurse is also making a cameo as herself and the series will feature additional guest stars, who will be announced at a later date.

“A major focus of my career has been finding new ways to grow the game and reach young, diverse audiences with positive role models and Screech Owls, a series I grew up reading, does both,” said Subban. “Hockey teaches character, leadership, and teamwork. You don’t need to know what ‘offside’ means to watch Screech Owls – you just have to love globe-trotting kids solving mysteries, working together, and having a blast.”

“Screech Owls is being built as a true multi-platform franchise, reimagining a beloved Canadian story for a whole new generation with adventure, mystery, and heart,” added Christina Jennings, Chairman and President, Shaftesbury. “Partnering with Sphere, CBC/Radio-Canada, Boat Rocker, and the NHL allows us to expand this universe globally, while having P.K. Subban on board adds an incredible layer of authenticity and energy.”

Marie McCann, Senior Director, Children’s Content at CBC Kids, added that the “gem of a series is just what kids need right now,” while David Lehanski, NHL Executive Executive Vice President, Innovation & Growth Strategy, said: “The NHL is reimagining how hockey reaches, inspires and entertains youth and families. With Screech Owls we have a unique opportunity to meet kids where they are — through high-energy storytelling, adventure and characters they can connect with – while showcasing hockey’s best attributes in a way kids will love and parents will appreciate.”

Shaftesbury and Sphere Animation are producing Screech Owls in association with CBC, SRC and TFO with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund, Ontario Creates and the IPF Fund.

May and Bolch are head writers and Suren Perera is directing. Executive Producers are Subban; and Jennings, Scott Garvie and Jay Bennett from Shaftesbury. Jennifer McCann from Shaftesbury and Marianne Culbert from Sphere Animation are producing. For For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment; Marie McCann is Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids; and Swin Chang is Executive in Charge of Development and Production, CBC Kids. For Radio-Canada, Sophie Morasse is General Manager, Entertainment, Sports and TOU.TV; Christiane Asselin is Executive Director, Streaming Services, Youth Programming and Digital Sports; and Nathalie Chamberland is Director, Youth Programming.

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