“Shattered Ice” — A Story of Hope, Healing, and Life After Loss
A new independent film, Shattered Ice, is sparking meaningful conversations about mental health, grief, and recovery — all through the lens of high school hockey.
Written and produced by Jake Miskin, a native of Needham, Massachusetts, Shattered Ice draws inspiration from Miskin’s own high school experience and his effort to navigate life after the death of his best friend by suicide. Twelve years in the making, the film aims to reach teens and young adults struggling with loss, isolation, and mental health challenges.
Shattered Ice confronts one of the hardest truths of adolescence — the silent crisis of youth suicide — and transforms it into a story of resilience, compassion, and connection. Writer-producer Jake Miskin uses his own experience with loss to remind audiences that suicide is not the end of the story — hope, help, and human connection can rewrite it. And, by bringing the realities of grief to the screen, Shattered Ice helps break the stigma around mental health and shows that no one has to skate through darkness alone.
At its heart, Shattered Ice follows Will Mankus, a high school hockey player portrayed by Charlie Gillespie, who finds himself shattered by grief and struggling to move forward. With the support of his family, teammates, and small-town New England community, Will begins to rediscover purpose, healing, and hope through the sport he loves.
“In the area where we grew up, there was a series of suicides, mostly among young male athletes,” Miskin says. “We want young people to see Charlie’s performance — and the rest of the cast — and feel permission to reach that point of emotional vulnerability, like Will does with his family, friends, team, and community.”
Directed by Alex Ranarivelo and produced by Miskin, Benjamin Stephen, Daniel Sheldon, and Christopher V. Nelson, Shattered Ice features an impressive cast that includes Sterling Beaumon, Kyla Kenedy, Kevin Chapman, Pat Shea, Jack Falahee, and Matt Letscher.
The film premiered on August 15 at the Jane Pickins Theatre in Newport, Rhode Island, in collaboration with NOSOLO, a mental-health-driven lifestyle brand known for connecting purpose with style.
Since its debut, Shattered Ice has earned major festival recognition — including:
Most Impactful Film, Sedona Film Festival
Audience Award – Narrative Features, Berkshire International Film Festival
Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature and Directors’ Choice Award for Best Ensemble Cast, Woods Hole Film Festival
Through its authentic storytelling and community-centered message, Shattered Ice reminds viewers that even in the coldest seasons of loss, connection and hope can begin to thaw the pain.