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Two furry athletes from North Syracuse are preparing to take the field in one of television's most adorable sporting events. Helping Hounds Dog Rescue has announced that two of their canine residents – Goldendoodle Cinnamon and fellow rescue Basil – will participate in Puppy Bowl XXII, scheduled to air on Super Bowl Sunday.
Cinnamon will represent Team Fluff while Basil will compete for Team Ruff in the annual event that has become America's longest-running call-to-adoption television program.
This year's three-hour extravaganza will feature 150 adoptable puppies from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, according to First Coast News. The competition will air on Sunday, February 8, at 2 p.m. ET and will be simulcast across multiple platforms including Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and Discovery+.
Referee Dan Schachner returns for his 15th year officiating the puppy players, while Victoria Schade marks her 20th year as lead puppy trainer for the event.
"My responsibilities include ensuring puppy happiness and safety during gameplay," Schade explained. "So if there's any moment where a puppy looks like they're overwhelmed or they just need a break, I'll step out and give them a little break on the sideline."
New to this year's competition is a special exhibition match featuring senior dogs, with Team Oldies facing off against Team Goldies during the halftime show.
The broadcast will also include play-by-play commentary from sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rocks, puppy cheerleaders, and DNA test results for each player.
Puppy Bowl XXII continues the event's mission of encouraging viewers to adopt rather than shop for pets. Anyone interested in bringing home Cinnamon, Basil, or any other adoptable pet can reach out directly to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in North Syracuse or their local animal shelters.
The Puppy Bowl Kickoff Show will begin at 1 p.m. ET, giving viewers a chance to see Schachner and Schade scout ten puppy prospects on a practice field before the main event.