A new sports drama, Smudge the Blades, is set to captivate audiences with its portrayal of an under-18 Indigenous hockey team striving for success in a challenging league. Directed by Cody Lightning and featuring notable actors such as Ed Helms, Paulina Alexis, and Jana Schmieding, the film recently commenced production in Edmonton, Canada. With its eyes on the 2026 festival circuit, the movie promises to shed light on the experiences of young Indigenous athletes both on and off the ice. Written collaboratively by Samuel Miller and Cody Lightning, the story centers around the Treaty 6 Blades, a team navigating their final year of eligibility in a competitive environment.

Inspired by the immense popularity of reservation hockey in Canada, which rivals the cultural significance of high school football in Texas, director Cody Lightning expressed his excitement about bringing this unique narrative to life. The casting process was extensive, focusing specifically on young Indigenous talent. Key roles were filled by newcomers Treycen Wuttunnee, Isaiah Kakepetum, River Rayne Thomas, Elijah James Lee Moar, Ezekiel James Mekanek, and Tyler Halcrow, alongside established actors. Lightning himself takes on the role of Willie Gladue, a Zamboni driver turned coach who finds himself drawn to one of the hockey moms portrayed by Schmeiding.

This project marks Cody Lightning's second feature film following his successful debut with Hey, Viktor!, a mockumentary that premiered at Tribeca in 2023 and later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. His previous work garnered three Canadian Screen Awards nominations, setting a strong precedent for his upcoming release. The production team includes producers Samuel Miller, Joshua Jackson, Kyle Thomas, Sara Corry, Hayley Morin, and Dylan Morin from Ice Pirates Productions Inc., along with executive producers Ed Helms and Mike Falbo representing Pacific Electric Picture Company.

The film aims not only to entertain but also to illuminate the vibrant world of Indigenous hockey culture. Through its engaging storyline and authentic representation, Smudge the Blades seeks to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide, offering a compelling glimpse into the lives of these young athletes as they chase their dreams amidst formidable challenges.