‘Youngblood’ remake brings back 80s hockey drama with filming in Barrie

A remake of the 80s cult classic Youngblood is being shot in Barrie.

A classic 1980s hockey film is getting a fresh take, with filming already underway - and some of the action is unfolding in Barrie.

An adaption of ‘Youngblood,’ the 1986 sports drama that originally starred Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Keanu Reeves, is now in production. The production crew shot scenes of the film, which explores the pressures and toxic culture surrounding a young hockey prodigy, at the Sadlon Arena during a Barrie Colts game, using fans in the stands as extras.

• Related | Colts fans treated to film shooting of ‘Youngblood’ remake

Actor Ashton James, who plays the lead role, was eager to be part of the project from the start. “Our first director, Charles Officer, was someone I really wanted to work with. So when the opportunity came across to audition for a project that he was doing, and to be the lead, I was really, really happy.”

James said he auditioned, but didn’t get a response. “I called my agent and was like, ‘Please, just get me in the room or something, I’ll do anything. And it somehow came back. I got a call back.”

Officer has since passed away, and James said he’s now focused on honouring the late director’s vision through the film. It will be directed by Hubert Davis.

In addition to Barrie, Hamilton will serve as a principal filming location for the production.