It’s also been described as Friday Night Lights on ice and will feature Mission Impossible star

Michelle Monaghan, known for her roles in the Mission Impossible film series and HBO’s The White Lotus, has been confirmed to star in Netflix’s upcoming drama, touted as the ‘answer to Heated Rivalry’.

The eight-part series, which is currently being filmed, has yet to reveal its title. The project is the brainchild of creator Nick Naveda, with Bridget Bedard serving as showrunner.

Naveda is known for his work on indie films such as Say You Will and Words on Bathroom Walls, while Bedard boasts credits including Grosse Point Garden Society, Transparent, and writing for episodes of Mad Men.

Netflix has released some plot details about the forthcoming series. It will be set in the small working-class town of South Dorothy, Minnesota.

It is a place renowned for its high school hockey team that has consistently produced state championships and NHL stars for decades, largely thanks to their legendary Coach “Sully” Sullivan.

White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan will lead the new series (Image: HBO)

However, tragedy strikes when a bus crash claims the lives of several players and Coach Sully himself, leaving the once formidable team reeling, reports the Mirror.

In the wake of this devastating loss, the town turns to Harper Sullivan, Coach Sully’s widow, to coach a new team of young men, each grappling with their own hardships. She is charged with the daunting task of reviving the team from the brink of defeat and restoring life to South Dorothy.

What emerges is an inspiring and memorable tale of underdogs who unite to revitalise their community, restore their identity, and transform collective sorrow into an extraordinary force.

Michelle Monaghan takes the lead as Harper Sullivan. Audiences will know her from the latest season of The White Lotus, as well as playing Tom Cruise’s romantic interest across several Mission Impossible instalments.

Her credits also include the first season of True Detective and The Family Plan.

Michelle Monaghan has previously appeared opposite Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible franchise (Image: Stephen Vaughan)

She’ll be supported by an ensemble cast featuring:

Emilie Bierre (Teacup, A Colony) as Riley Sullivan
Shai Chase (Diary of a Muslim Cynic, ANINO) as Henry Sullivan
Josh Macqueen (Motorheads, Black Snow) as Rhett Nelson
Costa D’Angelo (Tell Me Lies, the upcoming East of Eden) as Owen Boone
Carter Shimp (Best Medicine, Curse of the Sin Eater) as Austin Ryder
Ethan Holder (Ballard) as Cooper Cunningham
Isaac Arellanes (My Life with the Walter Boys, Reservation Dogs) as Manny Rodriguez
Chloe Avakian (Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, This Is Not a Test) as Izzy Miller
Caleb Baumann (It’s Not Like That, Grey’s Anatomy) as Elu
River Codack (Happy Face, Earth Abides) as Tyler Walker
Angus Albinati as Jack McGrath
Callum Orchison (The Best Is Yet to Come) as Derek Marchbanks

Filming has only recently commenced on the new series, with no confirmed release date yet announced. Nevertheless, the platform is anticipated to provide further details soon.

Fans have already expressed their excitement following the announcement on social media. Many have drawn parallels to the devastating 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Canada.

Though the show’s creators haven’t officially confirmed this connection. One enthusiastic fan wrote online: “Anyone else getting Friday Night Lights vibes but on ice? Okay Netflix… this has potential.”

Another commented: “Netflix’s response to Heated Rivalry.” Whilst someone else confessed: “Didn’t expect a hockey drama from Netflix.”