Netflix has officially announced the release date of “The Underdog,” a deeply personal and highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life and career of legendary Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault. The feature-length film is set to premiere globally on July 15, 2025, and is already generating buzz among hockey fans, sports historians, and documentary lovers alike.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Sarah Collins (Edge of Ice, Behind the Bench), “The Underdog” takes viewers behind the curtain into Vigneault’s remarkable journey—from his modest beginnings in Quebec to his pivotal role in leading the Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final and beyond.
“Alain Vigneault’s story is one of grit, heart, and leadership,” Collins said in a statement. “He wasn’t always the loudest voice in the room, but his impact was undeniable—on the players, the franchise, and the entire hockey world. This film is a tribute to that journey.”
The documentary will feature never-before-seen footage from the Canucks’ historic 2010–2011 season, candid interviews with former players like Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Roberto Luongo, Kevin Bieksa, and Ryan Kesler, as well as commentary from sports media icons and NHL insiders.
Vigneault, who coached the Canucks from 2006 to 2013, is remembered not only for his sharp hockey mind and calm demeanor but also for cultivating a team identity that made Vancouver one of the most feared teams in the league during his tenure. He remains the winningest coach in Canucks franchise history.
“I never considered myself a superstar,” Vigneault says in the trailer. “But I knew how to get the best out of people. That’s always been enough for me.”
“The Underdog” promises to be more than a hockey documentary—it’s a story of leadership, resilience, and the emotional highs and lows of chasing greatness in one of hockey’s most passionate markets.
With The Last Dance and Beckham setting high bars for sports documentaries on Netflix, expectations are sky-high for “The Underdog.” Early reviews from private screenings have described it as “inspiring,” “emotionally raw,” and “a must-watch for any hockey fan.”
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