**Kenan Thompson Celebrates Hockey’s Popularity in Season Finale of Good Sports**
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In a heartwarming tribute to the sport he has a personal connection with, actor and comedian Kenan Thompson has expressed his admiration for ice hockey during the season finale of his show, *Good Sports*. Known for his role as Russ Tyler in the *Mighty Ducks* film series, Thompson reflects on the game’s current cultural prominence, buoyed by recent events such as the Winter Olympics and a successful NHL season.
At 47, Thompson has garnered considerable love and support from the hockey community, derived from his early career in the *Mighty Ducks* films, which played a significant role in shaping both his and fans’ relationships with the sport. During a segment shared with PEOPLE, he remarked jokingly about the contemporary surge in hockey’s visibility, particularly due to the new series *Heated Rivalry*, which continues to capture the audience’s attention.
Throughout the segment, Thompson highlighted his participation in the recent Anaheim Ducks game, a local NHL team founded by Disney in the 1990s following the release of the first *Mighty Ducks* film. These connections, he explained, deepen his appreciation for the sport and resonate strongly with fans who approach him to share their own heartfelt experiences and motivations tied to the film and its legacy.
Kevin Hart, Thompson’s co-host, added some light-hearted banter regarding Thompson’s hairstyle, amusingly acknowledging him as a “hockey icon.” This playful moment underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect the two share, allowing them to engage with the audience in a relatable manner.
Thompson has previously discussed how working on the *Mighty Ducks* sparked his interest in hockey, which he noted during a 2022 interview with ESPN. He recounted how fans often approach him post-game, expressing their admiration for the films and revealing the positive impact they had on their hockey journeys. “It’s always been super-duper love,” Thompson recalled, emphasising the joy he finds in engaging with the passionate fanbase.
In the final moments of the *Good Sports* segment, Thompson proudly reaffirmed his affection for hockey and his unique status within the sport’s narrative due to the films he starred in. “I think it’s the coolest thing in sports. We’re the only team from a movie and we’re a legit team,” he remarked, likening the spirit of the Ducks to that of a real team working together towards victory.
“Knuckle Puck forever. That’s all I can say. Russ Tyler signing out,” he concluded, leaving viewers with a warm reminder of the enduring impact of the *Mighty Ducks* franchise and the sport itself.
Fans eagerly await the season finale of *Good Sports*, set to air on February 24 at 5:00 PM PT on Prime Video, where Thompson’s reflections on ice hockey and his journey will surely resonate with audiences old and new. As the sport garners more recognition on and off the screen, Thompson’s contributions continue to be celebrated, weaving a rich tapestry of nostalgia and modern appreciation for hockey.