Stanley Pup: A Heartwarming Celebration of Dogs and Hockey for Animal Adoption
Get ready for the third annual Stanley PupFAIRFAX, Va. -- A group of rescue dogs took to a makeshift rink to film Stanley Pup, a special event coinciding with the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. The dogs, representing all 32 NHL teams, showcased their skills in a friendly competition to promote animal adoption. The show will feature 32 adoptable dogs and celebrity guest appearances, airing on truTV, HBO Max, Sportsnet, and NHL Network, as well as the NHL's YouTube channel and Monumental Sports Network in the Washington, D.C., region. The event aims to raise awareness about pet adoption and find forever homes for the participating dogs.
The competition will see the dogs playfully compete for a miniature Stanley Cup, with special appearances from celebrity dog lovers and advocates, including NHL players and broadcasters. The event is a fan-favorite tradition that combines the competitive spirit of the NHL with the mission of finding homes for animals in need. The dogs featured in the event, provided by adoption partner Brandywine Valley SPCA, are ready to find their forever homes. BISSELL and Halo Collar are sponsors of the show, supporting the cause of animal rescue and adoption.
Elias Weiss Friedman, known as The Dogist, will anchor heart-warming adoption follow-up segments to showcase the real-world impact of the broadcast. The event has had a positive impact on families like the Bachman family from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, who fell in love with a dog named Matts Booparello during the 2025 broadcast and later adopted her from a shelter near them. The show's heartwarming stories and mission to promote pet adoption resonate with viewers and have led to many successful adoptions.
In conclusion, Stanley Pup is a heartwarming event that combines the love for dogs with the excitement of hockey to promote animal adoption. The third annual event will feature 32 adoptable dogs representing NHL teams, with celebrity guest appearances and a friendly competition for a miniature Stanley Cup. The show aims to raise awareness about pet adoption and find forever homes for the participating dogs, supported by sponsors and adoption partner Brandywine Valley SPCA. The event's impact goes beyond entertainment, as it highlights the importance of animal rescue and adoption, touching the hearts of viewers and leading to successful adoptions like that of the Bachman family and their beloved dog, Matts Booparello.