re: Why does Hockey translate so well in film

In the case of Slap Shot, it was written by Nancy Dowd, whose brother was a minor league hockey player (he also played Ogie Oglethorpe in the film). It was true to life because most of it was based on fact, albeit with a lot of dramatic license. Add outstanding performances by Newman, Ontkean, and Crouse, and throw in a mix of great character actors and memorable unknowns, and you have a classic.