'Slap Shot' Revisited with Dave Hanson

Forty years after it was released in 1977, the movie "Slap Shot" holds up as one of the true classics among feature-length sports films. Its' comical depiction of a minor league hockey team, resorting to violent play to gain popularity in a declining factory town, still resonates with audiences around the world. Much of the film's success has to do with Paul Newman's brilliant performance as aging player-coach Reggie "Reg" Dunlop. But the movie might never have achieved its truly iconic status without the bespectacled, brawling characters known as the Hanson Brothers played by former Johnstown Jets players Steve and Jeff Carlson and David Hanson. Primal Interviews host Paul Guggenheimer talked recently with David Hanson in Pittsburgh, where he now works as the General Manager of the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center.

[gregtaylor]

As a young kid I worked as an usher and saw the movie 100+ times. Absolutely hilarious movie. Went on to actually play the game, but the best thing I ever did was take the original movie poster once it left the theater. Still have it framed 42 years later in my TV room.

[simon]

One of the best sports films ever made, still holds up!

[markgriffin]

Hugely underrated movie. Love it. I'm 59 and have seen the movie 20 times and it never gets old. God save us

[mikemercer]

My favorite scene is when the Hansons are standing there all bloody listening to the anthem, and the ref is so pissed! Classic!

[leonmaliniak]

What a great interviewer and it is impressive to see how well spoken Dave Hanson is.

[getit]

Did not expect him to be such a gem. Dave Hanson is the man!

[sleuth]

I'm glad they used real hockey players, bc their ability to skate really made the scenes believable and authentic.

[bonzo]

"THEY BROUGHT THEIR FUCKIN TOYS!"

Always cracks me up!

[onedecimaleight]

Perfect interview. The interviewer talks little unlike most interviews today where they always want to interrupt and add their 2 cents. This is how an interview should be.

[Alliejen]

Years ago I was at this very rink where the interview was filmed for a meeting. I was asked to find the manager about an issue. I was pointed to Dave’s office. I’d seen the movie multiple times but had no clue Dave was living in the area. I walked in and there he sat. Very humble and nice man.

[woodrowcall]

I just found this today. Absolutely enjoyed every minute of this. I was a teenager in the 70s, so I know how he feels about that time. It was absolutely the best time of life. Thanks for making this, it really hit a nerve.

[timothyyates]

Very rare for me to sit through a 20+ minute youtube vid but this one was well worth it.

[johnhanselman]

Watching 'Slapshot' during the 1970s made me a forever fan of the notorious Hansen brothers!

[mxtrainerdave]

Outstanding! Was never a hockey player but "Slap Shot" gets logged as my favorite sports movie.

[VanaPica]

Great interview! Allowing Dave Hanson to speak without unnecessary interruptions. An excellent movie that still speaks to the imagination.

[philipmann]

Great interview. The guy knows how to talk, and the interviewer just stays out of the way.

[msbmsbus]

Best interview ever. Can't imagine Paul Newman drinking my beer, while I'm taking a nap.

[robfinlay]

This movie has really stood the test of time. It is still THE hockey movie, nothing has surpassed it.

[Moyersteam]

"Dave's a killer!" "Dave's a mess." Hilarious.

[badpete]

hockey players are the best pro athletes, they don't take themselves too seriously and are always great to talk to if you meet them in person