Ed Helms and Paulina Alexis Star in the Heartfelt Hockey Dramedy ‘Smudge the Blades’ – An Exclusive Look!
A trio of performers has joined the cast of the sports feature *Smudge the Blades*, directed and written by Cody Lightning.
Ed Helms (known for *The Hangover*), Paulina Alexis (from *Reservation Dogs*), and Jana Schmieding (of *Rutherford Falls*) will star alongside Lightning. Production has recently commenced in Edmonton, Canada, with plans for the film to debut at the 2026 festival circuit.
*Smudge the Blades* tells the story of the Treaty 6 Blades, an under-18 reservation hockey team striving to capitalize on their final year of eligibility amid the challenging dynamics of their league in northern Alberta. Samuel Miller co-wrote the script with Lightning.
“Rez hockey in Canada is bigger than high school football in Texas,” says Lightning, who is also known for his role in Marvel’s *Echo*. “I’m so honored to have this incredible cast to bring to life the experiences of Indigenous hockey players, both on and off the ice.”
The film conducted an extensive casting call for young Indigenous hockey players. Key roles on the team were secured by Treycen Wuttunnee, Isaiah Kakepetum, River Rayne Thomas, Elijah James Lee Moar, Ezekial James Mekanak, and Tyler Halcrow, who will portray the Treaty 6 Blades. Lightning will play Willie Gladue, the Zamboni driver who unexpectedly takes on the role of coach while pursuing the affection of the hockey mom, portrayed by Schmieding.
*Smudge the Blades* marks Lightning’s second feature film, following his directorial debut *Hey, Viktor!*, a mockumentary that premiered in 2023 at the Tribeca Film Festival and later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. That film received three nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards.
The producers of *Smudge the Blades* include Miller, Joshua Jackson, Kyle Thomas, Sara Corry, Hayley Morin, and Dylan Morin. Produced by Ice Pirates Productions Inc, the film is executive produced by Helms and Mike Falbo for Pacific Electric Picture Company, along with Harlan Kingfisher. Brett Harris oversees the project for Pacific Electric.
Stay tuned for more updates from HiCelebNews, your go-to source for the latest happenings in the film industry!
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