Sticks and Stones

An uplifting Canadian-American story about the power of youthful ideals, STICKS AND STONES centers on one boy's intention to right a wrong. A pee-wee hockey team of 12-year-olds from Brockton, Massachusetts is excited to travel to New Brunswick to compete against a tough Canadian team. It's 2003 and the U.S. invasion of Iraq is all over the news. En route, the kids and their chaperones are intercepted by anti-war protesters who rock their bus and burn the American flag. Frightened, they vote nonetheless to stay on and play, only to be rudely treated by Canadian fans and a seemingly anti-U.S. referee. When the Brockton team attends a Montreal Canadians game and the crowd boos the U.S. national anthem, they vow never to return to Canada. But it's not only the Americans who are disgusted by Canadian behavior toward their guests; one boy on the Canadian team vows to make it right. Supported reluctantly by his dad, young Jordan makes a case for inviting the Americans back to a friendship tournament, taking his plan all the way to the Premier's office. Inspired by a true story, STICKS AND STONES features a strong cast of young actors as the hockey players. – B.B.