Stanley Pup 2026 Rescue Dog Competition Premieres to Celebrate Hockey Playoffs

NHL’s Stanley Pup Returns for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

The NHL’s beloved Stanley Pup competition is set to make its return this year, celebrating its third installment in conjunction with the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The event will premiere on June 8 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TruTV, with simulcasts on HBO Max.

This 90-minute special will highlight a series of adoptable puppies as they showcase their skills in a friendly competition on a miniature rink. For those unable to watch the premiere, the Stanley Pup will air on NHL Network on June 10 at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET, and will be made available on the NHL’s YouTube channel on June 9.

Celebrity dog lovers will make guest appearances throughout the event, adding to the excitement. Notable participants include Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson, who will serve as a coach alongside the renowned broadcaster Doc Emrick. NHL players Devin Cooley (Calgary Flames), Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes), and Will Smith (San Jose Sharks) will also join in the fun. Commentary will be provided by Mark Shunock and Chris Rose, while Alexa Landestoy will report from the rink side.

A new addition for this year’s broadcast, Elias Weiss Friedman, known as The Dogist, will anchor heartfelt segments that follow up on the puppies’ adoption journeys.

Each of the NHL’s 32 teams will be represented by an adoptable rescue dog as they participate in the Conference Finals and compete for the title in the Stanley Pup Final. This year, pups will be supplemented by those available through Brandywine Valley SPCA, the adoption partner for the event.

The Stanley Pup is executive produced by Michael Levitt, a noted advocate for animal welfare, alongside NBA Productions’ Steve Mayer and Matt Nicholson, as well as Jim Kowats and Aimee Brillhart from Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Their previous projects include various rescue-themed programs such as American Rescue Dog Show.

"We are thrilled to bring Stanley Pup back for year three," stated Mayer. "This event has quickly become a fan-favorite tradition, blending the competitive spirit of the NHL with the mission of finding homes for animals in need. When Patrick Kanine, Cole Pawfield, Quinn Chews, and others find families because of Stanley Pup, we know that this show has true meaning."

In Canada, NHL fans can catch the 2026 Stanley Pup on Sportsnet, starting at 8 p.m. ET.