Los Angeles, CA – June 27, 2023 – Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired Global VOD rights to the sports documentary TAKE THE ICE. TAKE THE ICE will be available to rent/own on all digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms worldwide, as well as on DVD, starting on July 25, 2023, through Freestyle Digital Media. TAKE THE ICE tells the story of world-class female hockey players fighting for equality in their sport and making history. Ten-year-old Dani Rylan was obsessed with hockey and dreamed of growing up to play in the NHL. As one of the best players on the Florida state junior team, Dani saw no reason not to have the same ambitions as everyone else. But, as the only girl on the team, the reality of being denied entry into an all-male sports league set in. Seventeen years later, Dani decided to change the history of the sport by founding the first professional women’s hockey league. TAKE THE ICE goes behind the scenes as Dani creates the National Women’s Hockey League and 88 elite female athletes compete to win its first championship. As Dani struggles to keep the league afloat, the players must come together in the wake of an on-ice accident that leaves their teammate paralyzed. TAKE THE ICE is a moving, intimate story of a group of world-class athletes making strides for recognition and equality, and in the process, making history. Directed by Rachel Koteen, TAKE THE ICE was produced by Rachel Koteen, Batya Feldman, and Judah-Lev Dickstein. Female ice hockey players profiled include Dani Rylan Kearney, Denna Laing, Molly Engstrom and Anya Packer – among many others. “We’re so excited to have Freestyle Digital Media as our distribution partner for TAKE THE ICE,” said filmmaker Rachel Koteen. “Sharing the stories of these trail-blazing female athletes with a wide audience was our goal in making the movie. The competitive spirit and athletic prowess on display will be entertaining to sports fans and non-sports fans alike. And anyone who has ever worked hard to achieve a dream will be moved by this tale of teamwork and determination in the face of adversity.” Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire TAKE THE ICE directly with filmmaker Rachel Koteen.
