Shaftesbury and Sphere Animation, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL®) and Boat Rocker Studios, have announced a new 26 x 11-minute animated action-adventure series, Screech Owls, re-imagined for a global audience. Executive produced by NHL All-Star P.K. Subban, and currently in production in Toronto, Screech Owls is set to launch Fall 2027 in English on CBC and Winter 2028 in French on Radio-Canada and TFO (Télévision française de l’Ontario). The NHL has exclusive distribution rights within the United States and Nordics. Boat Rocker Studios has exclusive distribution rights for the rest of the world, excluding Canada. 

Based on Roy MacGregor’s acclaimed book series of the same name, and the 2001 live action series produced by Shaftesbury (YTV/Discovery Kids), Screech Owls follows a team of young hockey players who are swept into a world of hidden clues, high-tech villains and impossible missions. John May and Suzanne Bolch return as head writers for the new series designed as a multi-platform franchise with plans to extend beyond television and books into interactive gaming, consumer products, and global licensing.

PWHL star Sarah Nurse is also making a cameo as herself and the series will feature additional guest stars, to be announced at a later date.

“A major focus of my career has been finding new ways to grow the game and reach young, diverse audiences with positive role models and Screech Owls, a series I grew up reading, does both,” said P.K. Subban, Star and Executive Producer. “Hockey teaches character, leadership, and teamwork. You don’t need to know what ‘offside’ means to watch Screech Owls – you just have to love globe-trotting kids solving mysteries, working together, and having a blast.” [Additional executive commentary below]

From jewel heists in Vancouver to mind-control plots in Montreal, no mystery is too strange – or too dangerous – for the Screech Owls hockey team. Guided by their larger-than-life leader, Coach P.K., they rely on courage, quick thinking and trust in one another to stay one step ahead and save the day, while somehow making it home in time for their next game. When duty calls, the team GEARS-UP in specially designed suits that amplify their natural abilities and unlock powerful new possibilities. Through their signature “Power Pulses,” the Screech Owls can outpace pursuers, break through obstacles, repel incoming threats and turn everyday objects into ingenious crime-fighting tools.

The Screech Owls:

• NEELA (voiced by Ana Sani) The courageous, can-do captain. Her powerful, accurate shot always comes in handy. Power Pulse ability: stick charges her hardest shot.
• ISHKODE (voiced by Joshua Odjick) The silver-tongued, charismatic forward. His super speed is his greatest asset. Power Pulse ability: suit sparks a burst of speed and dexterity.
• CAMILLE (voiced by Erika Prevost) The curious, direct goalie and the team’s tech expert. Her deflection ability can shield the team from almost any incoming object. Power Pulse ability: gloves energize objects into projectiles.
• TREVOR (voiced by returning Screech Owls star Jonathan Malen) The brains-and-brawn defenceman. His size and strength make him an immovable force when danger closes in. Power Pulse ability: suit powers through barriers, baddies and anything standing in the team’s way.

Additional Executive Commentary:

• “Screech Owls is being built as a true multi-platform franchise, reimagining a beloved Canadian story for a whole new generation with adventure, mystery, and heart. Partnering with Sphere, CBC/Radio-Canada, Boat Rocker Studios, and the NHL allows us to expand this universe globally, while having P.K. Subban on board adds an incredible layer of authenticity and energy.” — Christina Jennings, Chairman and President, Shaftesbury
• “The NHL is reimagining how hockey reaches, inspires and entertains youth and families. With Screech Owls we have a unique opportunity to meet kids where they are — through high-energy storytelling, adventure and characters they can connect with — while showcasing hockey’s best attributes in a way kids will love and parents will appreciate.” — David Lehanski, NHL Executive Vice President, Innovation & Growth Strategy
• “This gem of a series is just what kids need right now – Screech Owls wraps friendship, teamwork and sport in a lighthearted and uplifting animated version of Canada. It’s an honour to collaborate with P.K. Subban on this fresh adaptation of the classic Canadian books, which will no doubt captivate a new generation of young audiences with the perfect mix of mysteries and hockey.” — Marie McCann, Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids
• “Radio-Canada is thrilled to offer young audiences Screech Owls, a series packed with mystery and humor that is sure to delight them. Having someone as inspiring and devoted to young people as P.K. Subban on board makes this project even stronger, conveying fantastic values of courage, perseverance, and teamwork. — Christiane Asselin, Executive Director, Streaming Services, Youth Programming and Digital Sports, Radio-Canada
• “Animation gives us the opportunity to expand the world of Screech Owls in exciting new ways. Our team is focused on creating a visually distinctive series that captures the spirit of the original books while bringing a fresh cinematic scale and energy to the screen.” — Bruno Dubé, CEO & Executive Producer Sphere

Shaftesbury and Sphere Animation produce Screech Owls in association with CBC, Radio-Canada and TFO with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund, Ontario Creates, IPF Fund, Refundable Tax Credit for Québec Film and Television Production (for local/regional productions) and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. Worldwide distribution rights are held by Shaftesbury Sales Company, the NHL and Boat Rocker Studios, positioning the franchise for broad international reach. John May and Suzanne Bolch return as Head Writers and Suren Perera is directing. Executive Producers are P.K. Subban; Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie and Jay Bennett from Shaftesbury. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment; Marie McCann is Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids; and Swin Chang is Executive in Charge of Development and Production, CBC Kids. For Radio-Canada, Sophie Morasse is General Manager, Entertainment, Sports and http://tou.tv/; Christiane Asselin is Executive Director, Streaming Services, Youth Programming and Digital Sports; and Nathalie Chamberland is Director, Youth Programming. The series is produced by Jennifer McCann for Shaftesbury and Marianne Culbert for Sphere Animation.