Where was Slap Shot filmed?
1977
City Locations
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Location Types
House, Sports Venue
Location Styles
Mid-Century Modern, Modern Building, Modern Car
About Slap Shot
Slap Shot is a famous sports comedy film from 1977. The movie is about the Charlestown Chiefs, an ice hockey team in the US Rust Belt. It was directed by George Roy Hill and starred the famous Paul Newman. Things start to go well for the struggling team when they try an unusual plan of outrageously violent hockey goonery to boost their performances and get more fans.
Reggie Dunlop, played by Newman, is a frustrated former hockey player and coach who is trying desperately to get his career going again and save his marriage that is falling apart. Dunlop chooses to turn the Chiefs into a show of raw aggression and brawling antics because the team isn't doing well and people are losing interest. This makes the fans happy.
This approach breathes new life into the team and the town, as the Chiefs' games quickly become a hot ticket. The newfound popularity of the team is further fueled by the arrival of the Hanson brothers, three bespectacled siblings known for their rough-and-tumble style of play.
Slap Shot is a raucous and irreverent exploration of 1970s minor league hockey, blending rowdy humor, absurdity, and moments of profound humanity. It's not just a sports film, but also a snapshot of a particular time and place, capturing the spirit and struggles of small-town America during that era.
Two sequels were released directly to video following the original film: Slap Shot 2: Breaking the Ice in 2002 and Slap Shot 3: The Junior League in 2008. None of the original cast members, including Paul Newman, reprised their roles in these follow-ups, except for the Hanson brothers who played significant parts in both sequels.
Slap Shot Locations
Slap Shot was shot in a variety of locations in Pennsylvania and central New York. These locales created a visually appealing backdrop for the picture and gave a sense of authenticity that continues to resonate with people today.
The majority of the sequences were shot in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, which is recognized for its rich history and picturesque alleyways. The Cambria County War Memorial served as the fictional Charlestown Chiefs' main base, while additional scenes were shot throughout the city. Fans of the film will recognize several locations and points of interest, including the legendary arena, which has hosted professional hockey teams for decades.
In addition to Johnstown, segments of the film were shot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and central New York State, including the Clinton Arena in Clinton and the Onondaga County War Memorial Arena.
A visit to these locales is undoubtedly rewarding for any die-hard Slap Shot enthusiast. Not only will you be able to follow in the footsteps of Paul Newman and the rest of the actors, but you'll also get the opportunity to learn about the region's distinctive history and culture.
Did you know?
The film's script was written by Nancy Dowd, who based it on her brother's experiences playing minor league hockey. This makes it one of the few sports films of the era written by a woman, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to this beloved classic.
Introducing the Charlestown Chiefs scene in Slap Shot
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA
The steel factory in Charlestown, Pennsylvania, is about to close permanently. The impending closure jeopardizes the livelihoods of 10,000 employees and threatens the Charlestown Chiefs, the town's minor league hockey franchise. The team's entire existence is in jeopardy as a result of a string of losses, disinterested players, and an increasingly hostile fanbase.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the largest city in Cambria County, is a location of rich history and cultural diversity. It also features heavily in Slap Shot. Located 57 miles east of Pittsburgh, Johnstown is known for its steel industry roots and resilience through adversity. The city offers a variety of attractions including live performances, exhibits, and unique dining experiences. A notable aspect of Johnstown's past is its founding by Joseph Johns, a Pennsylvania German immigrant, highlighting its deep-rooted immigration history.
Getting to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is easy via several modes of transportation. Visitors can fly into the nearest major airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and then take a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours east. Alternatively, Amtrak's Pennsylvanian route offers a daily train service connecting Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, with a stop in Johnstown.
Reggie and Ned's conversation scene in Slap Shot
Bridge St, Johnstown, PA, USA
Player-coach Reggie and team star Ned Braden (Michael Ontkean), walk by the local steel mill in the fictional town of Charlestown, Pennsylvania. They are in talks about the imminent shutdown of the mill, putting 10,000 jobs at risk. This situation could have dire consequences for the Charlestown Chiefs, their minor league hockey team. This conversation adds a layer of depth to the film, showing the economic realities that underpin the world of sports.
Bridge Street, located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is a bustling street home to various businesses and residential properties. The area also hosts charming homes and the Bridge Street Bridge.
Accessing Bridge Street in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is straightforward via various transportation methods. For travelers flying in, the nearest airport is Pittsburgh International, followed by a scenic drive east for about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak's Pennsylvanian train service connects Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, including a stop in Johnstown.
Pittsburgh Production Spaces Directory
Jeff reprimanding the referee scene in Slap Shot
J. Howard Starr Rink, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346, United States
As the national anthem plays, the referee (Dick Roberge) approaches Jeff Hanson (Jeff Carlson) and warns him about his actions on the ice. In a show of patriotism, Hanson reprimands the referee for speaking during the national anthem. This sequence stands out for its hilarious timing and Hanson's unexpected reaction, demonstrating the film's distinct blend of humor and sportsmanship.
The J. Howard Starr Rink is an ice rink that opened in 1959 and is located on the campus of Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. With room for 2,246 people, the rink was a lively venue. Starr Rink was a beloved and important part of Colgate sports for many years.
The nearest major airport to this location is Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which is where people can fly to get to J. Howard Starr Rink at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. From there, it takes about an hour to drive southeast of Hamilton along a beautiful route. On the other hand, you can take a scenic drive from big towns like New York City or Boston through the beautiful landscapes of Upstate New York.
The Hanson brothers fight the fans scene in Slap Shot
Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202, United States
The Hanson Brothers (played by Steve Carlson, Jeff Carlson, and Dave Hanson) famously storm into the stands. This occurs after a fan tosses a cup of ice at Jeff. In retaliation, the brothers take matters into their own hands, resulting in a violent brawl among the audience. Unfortunately, they go after the wrong fan, adding to the comedy of errors. Following the game, the Hansons are imprisoned for their activities, setting up another iconic scenario.
This scene was filmed in Syracuse, New York, at Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial. Up to 6,230 people can watch hockey games there, and up to 7,500 people can attend shows there. It has been around since 1951 and is home to the Syracuse Crunch, an AHL team that is connected to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
There are a few different ways for people to get to 515 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, which is where the Upstate Medical Arena is located. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the closest airport for people who want to fly. You can rent a car or take a cab from there for the short 10 to 15-minute drive. Syracuse is easy to access by car because it is connected to both Interstate 81 and Interstate 90.
Uncover Syracuse Film Shoot Locations
Bus scene in Slap Shot
Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658, USA
As the Chiefs’ bus passes a group of jeering neighbors, the players decide to moon them from the bus windows. This act of disobedience and contempt swiftly silences the audience while demonstrating the team's cohesiveness and bold attitude. This scene has subsequently become one of the film's most widely discussed moments.
This scene was filmed in the charming town of Ligonier in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The town of Ligonier has a long past that goes back to the 1760s. It has many cute shops, great restaurants, and interesting attractions. From the beautiful views between Laurel Mountain and Chestnut Ridge to the lively Ligonier Country Market and the historic Fort Ligonier, this small town has a lot to offer in terms of history and natural beauty.
There are several ways for visitors to get to Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Pittsburgh International, which is the closest big airport. Ligonier can be reached by car via US Route 30, a beautiful road through Pennsylvania's farmland.
Find Filming Locations
Conclusion
Slap Shot, a 1977 comedy picture, has a unique place in the hearts of hockey aficionados and moviegoers alike. The film, directed by George Roy Hill and written by Nancy Dowd, is a lasting tribute to the sport's rough-and-tumble attitude. It portrays the essence of small-town hockey culture through footage shot in several locales in Pennsylvania and central New York. The streets of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, provided the backdrop for countless unforgettable scenes and served as the home of the fictional Charlestown Chiefs.
Additional filming was done in Pittsburgh and in the Clinton Arena and Utica Memorial Auditorium in central New York. Even today, memorabilia from the film may be seen dispersed around these places, acting as a constant reminder of the film's enduring legacy. Slap Shot is a must-see for any sports fan and a beloved piece of cinematic history.