Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of “The Underdog”, a compelling new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Swedish hockey icon Anders Hedberg, one of the most celebrated players in the history of the Winnipeg Jets and a pioneer for European talent in North American professional hockey. Slated for global streaming release later this year, The Underdog is already generating buzz in both the sports and entertainment worlds for its emotional depth, cinematic quality, and historical significance.
A LEGEND WHO CHANGED THE GAME
Anders Hedberg was more than a star player — he was a trailblazer. As one of the first European players to find success in North America, he joined the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1974 and quickly made history. Paired with fellow Swede Ulf Nilsson and the legendary Bobby Hull, Hedberg helped form one of the most electrifying forward lines the sport had ever seen. In his very first season, he scored 53 goals and added 47 assists, instantly proving that European players could compete — and dominate — at the highest levels.
In The Underdog, viewers will journey from Hedberg’s humble beginnings in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, through his rise in the WHA, and later, his transition to the NHL with the New York Rangers. The documentary provides rare interviews with Hedberg himself, his longtime linemates, coaches, family members, and sports historians who speak to the cultural and athletic impact he made across continents.
A STORY OF RESILIENCE AND COURAGE
What sets The Underdog apart from standard sports documentaries is its emotional arc. It doesn’t just focus on Hedberg’s stats and accolades — though they are many. The film digs deep into the challenges he faced as an outsider in North American hockey culture, including language barriers, doubts from coaches and fans, and the pressure to perform as a European import.
The documentary includes candid accounts of the discrimination Hedberg and other Europeans encountered in the 1970s, when many in the hockey establishment were skeptical of foreign players. Hedberg responded not with confrontation, but with quiet determination and exceptional play.
“As a kid growing up in Sweden, I dreamed of making it in the NHL,” Hedberg says in the trailer. “But I never thought it would come this far. To be remembered as a Jet — as part of that incredible team and community — it’s the honor of a lifetime.”
RARE FOOTAGE AND FIRSTHAND TESTIMONIES
Netflix has spared no expense in producing this feature-length film. Working in collaboration with the NHL, WHA archives, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, the filmmakers have unearthed never-before-seen footage of Hedberg’s early WHA games, including behind-the-scenes locker room interactions, training camp sequences, and raw audio interviews recorded during his prime.
One emotional scene shows Hedberg visiting Winnipeg Arena, now long demolished, reminiscing about his first goals and the roar of a crowd that quickly embraced him as one of their own.
“Winnipeg wasn’t just where I played hockey,” Hedberg says. “It was where I became who I was supposed to be.”
Also featured are interviews with legends such as Bobby Hull, Mark Messier, Teemu Selanne, and current NHL stars like William Nylander and Gabriel Landeskog, who credit Hedberg as a pioneer who opened the doors for the European influx into the NHL.
FROM FAN FAVORITE TO FRONT OFFICE FIGURE
After retiring from professional play, Hedberg remained active in hockey, working in front office roles for teams such as the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers. The Underdog also explores his transition from player to executive, revealing the same intelligence and competitive fire that made him a star on the ice.
The documentary discusses how Hedberg helped scout and mentor young European players, using his own experiences to help them navigate the difficult transition to life in North America. He is credited with influencing the scouting strategies that have made international recruitment a staple of modern NHL front offices.
AN INTERNATIONAL RELEASE WITH LOCAL ROOTS
Netflix has confirmed that The Underdog will premiere globally in more than 190 countries, with subtitles available in over 30 languages. However, the streaming giant is planning a special advance screening in Winnipeg, with several Jets alumni and Hedberg himself expected to attend. The premiere will serve as a homecoming of sorts — a chance for the city that embraced the young Swede in the 1970s to once again honor its adopted son.
“We knew right away this wasn’t just a story for hockey fans,” said executive producer Lena Forsberg. “It’s a story about resilience, identity, and courage. Anders Hedberg is the kind of figure who transcends sport. His journey resonates with anyone who’s ever had to prove themselves in a new place.”
CRITICAL ACCLAIM ALREADY POURING IN
Though the film has not yet been released to the general public, early screenings for critics have generated glowing reviews. Sports Illustrated has called The Underdog “a landmark moment in hockey storytelling,” while The Globe and Mail praised it as “a stirring tribute to one of the sport’s most underrated pioneers.”
Hockey Night in Canada analyst Ron MacLean described the film as “essential viewing for any fan of the game, and a deeply moving portrait of a man whose influence is still felt in today’s NHL.”
A LASTING LEGACY
Hedberg, now 74, remains a revered figure in Winnipeg and Sweden alike. In 2012, he was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame and remains a proud ambassador for the game. The Underdog is poised to immortalize his story for future generations, ensuring that his legacy as both a trailblazer and role model endures.
As Netflix continues to grow its catalog of prestige sports documentaries — joining the ranks of The Last Dance, Untold, and Break Point — The Underdog may well be one of its most impactful entries yet.
In an era where celebrity often overshadows character, Anders Hedberg’s humility, drive, and love of the game shine through every frame. For fans of hockey, sports history, or simply great storytelling, this is one documentary not to be missed.
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