The Stanley Pup, a playful event that mixes hockey and pet adoption, is returning for its second edition with even more heart—and more puppies.
This year, 32 rescue puppies—each named after an NHL player and representing all 32 teams—will take part in the lighthearted competition designed to raise awareness about animal adoption. The show will air in the U.S. on truTV on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, in Canada on Sportsnet on Saturday at 6 p.m., and on NHL Network on Sunday at 7 p.m. It will also stream on NHL digital platforms.
Last year’s debut featured 16 puppies representing teams in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. But some fans were disappointed that their favorite teams weren’t included.
“The fans were kind of bummed last year,” said Aimee Brillhart, vice president of productions for Monumental Sports and Entertainment. “It’s like, ‘Wait, where’s Pittsburgh or whatever?’ We spread the love this year.”
Brillhart, who also oversees video content for the Washington Capitals, helps create the dog roster, using player names and puns. One of the featured pups is named “Alex Ofetchkin.”
In Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the Capitals worked with local rescue groups—including Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, Lucky Dog Rescue, Humane Rescue Alliance, and Brandywine SPCA—to find dogs for the show and connect them with potential adopters.
“It just feels good to be including puppies from our community in this,” Brillhart said. “And they all end up getting adopted, which is the best thing.”
The show also highlights rescue work beyond the rink. After the wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena in January, Los Angeles-based producer Michael Levitt saw firsthand how local shelters stepped up.
“I was blown away by the response,” Levitt said. “Shelters and rescue organizations in Los Angeles immediately rallied to help all the displaced animals.”
To help ease the strain on local shelters, Petco Love, a nonprofit focused on animal welfare, teamed up with Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS). Together, they made room for animals rescued during the fires by relocating others to partner shelters across the Southwest.
“I flew on a cargo plane with 74 dogs from LA to receiving shelters,” said Chelsea Staley, director of lifesaving at Petco Love. “Honestly, it wasn’t much worse than coach. A little bit friendlier, a whole lot cuter, and not necessarily more stinky.”
In total, 468 animals—including horses, cows, and donkeys—were housed at two emergency sites and later returned to their owners. Another 63 pets were taken into LAAS shelters; 61 have since gone home or been adopted. Two are still in care while their owner rebuilds after losing their home.
The Stanley Pup will also showcase more than just dogs. Cats will be part of the ice crew and game-day entertainment. Even a rescue pig will perform the national anthem.
“It’s a chance to celebrate all kinds of rescue animals,” Levitt said.
Throughout the show, NHL players—including Victor Hedman (Lightning), Jaccob Slavin (Hurricanes), Sam Bennett (Panthers), Alex Kerfoot (Utah Mammoth), Brandon Duhaime and Ryan Leonard (Capitals)—will introduce adoptable dogs and support local shelters.
Celebrities will also lend their voices. Appearances include Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer, Cheri Oteri, George Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis, Joel McHale, Michael Bublé, Nikki Glaser, Paula Abdul, and Will Reeve.
Mark Shunock and NFL Network’s Chris Rose will handle commentary, while Michelle Gingras from MSG Networks will report from rinkside.