The Hanson Brothers
BOOSTERS CLUB
Join now by emailing or posting on the board
They're puttin' on the foil, staying away from that stinkin' root beer and winning our hearts. They're the Hansons, and they're on the loose.
Scroll down to find out more about these lovable goons and the men who gave them life.
Steve Hanson
Elder brother of the Hanson Brothers, enjoys moonlit walks on the beach, listening to songs and White Avenger comics.
Jack Hanson
Middle brother of the infamous Hanson Brothers trio. Prefers grape and orange soda over root beer.
Jeff Hanson
The youngest of the three, he has a fear of camper keys and has been known to bend the rules in slot car racing.
Fun Facts:
Jeff has a pet brick. He likes to walk it three times a day.
If you look at their glasses closely at times, all three pair are taped in different places.
Steve's favorite song is the National Anthem. Imagine that.
The Men Behind the Glasses: The Actors who gave the Hansons life.
Steve Carlson was born in Virginia, Minnesota on August 26, 1955. As the youngest Carlson brother, he spent most of his life, along with older brothers Jack and Jeff, dreaming about playing professional hockey. He also played the oldest Hanson.
Jeff Carlson was born in Virginia, Minnesota on July 20, 1953. Along with his younger brother, Steve, and older brother, Jack, he dreamed of playing professional hockey. He played the youngest Hanson brother.
Dave Hanson was born in Cumberland, Wisconsin on April 12, 1954. He was not related to Steve or Jeff Carlson, but did play on the Johnston Jets with all three Carlson brothers. He played the middle Hanson brother.
The real Jack Carlson was absent from the film, and replaced by Dave Hanson because he was called up by the Edmonton Oilers right before production for "Slapshot" started. Unfortunately, not much is known about him, except that he must not like root beer.
The Real Slap Shot
How the Johnstown Jets
were turned into
the Charlestown Chiefs
Way back in the 1970's the North American Hockey League had a hockey club in Pennsylvania called the Johnstown Jets. They were a tough bunch of boys. Three real brothers - Jeff, Steve, and Jack Carlson - all had long hair, thick glasses, and consecutive sweater numbers. Dave "Killer" Hanson was a guy that opposing players tried to avoid on the ice. Another team mate, Ned Dowd, had a sister who was a screen writer named Nancy. He told her stories about the Jets' outrageous exploits both on and off the ice.
Nancy Dowd wrote Slap Shot but actors who could skate well enough to portray professional hockey players proved hard to come by. Nancy and Ned suggested that director, George Roy Hill, give the Carlson Brothers and Dave Hanson a chance. After all, they really didn't have to act - they were "playing" themselves.
The filming was scheduled to take place in the off season, but brother Jack got called up because Edmonton made the playoffs. Dave Hanson took Jack's place and Jerry Houser was cast to play Dave's original role, "Dave 'Killer' Carlson."
It was a fun summer job, but no one ever dreamed it would be more than that. All the guys went on to play professional hockey (Jeff - 11 years, Steve - 14 years, Dave - 10 years, and Jack - 12 years).
The Hanson Brothers: Join the Booster Club!
That's Right! Be a part of the prestigous Hanson Brothers Booster Club and show the world how much you love these guys!
See your nearest group manager for details.
Credits: Information and most photos taken from Steve Carlson Hockey.
