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YouTube’s Hockey Guy Keeps The Ice Tilted His Way With Wry NHL Takes
As the popularity of online sports content continues to soar, a niche audience has emerged: passionate fans of the National Hockey League. While some channels may prioritize sensationalism or controversy, YouTube personality “The Hockey Guy” has taken a different approach, carving out a unique space for thoughtful, even-handed analysis and witty commentary.
At the heart of The Hockey Guy’s appeal is his commitment to fairness and objectivity. “I don’t want to be seen as an insider or an outsider,” he says in an interview with Forbes. “There are a lot of fanbases out there who want to hear their teams talked about in the larger conversation, and so I try to be even-handed on the channel.”
This approach has resonated with viewers, attracting millions of followers and making him one of the most popular hockey-focused YouTubers. But it’s not just his views that set him apart – it’s also his willingness to take a stand against certain trends in sports media.
For example, The Hockey Guy is adamant about refusing to indulge in hype or speculation, avoiding shortcuts like using broadcast footage to create content. “I had a copyright strike on the channel once and it was a huge pain to get it lifted,” he recounts. “I know there are ways around it with fair use, and other channels do it, but it’s not something I want to deal with.”
Another key factor in his success is the NHL itself, which has experienced an upswing in popularity over the past eight years. The league has expanded to new markets like Las Vegas, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, drawing in new viewers and demographics. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers’ impressive run to the Stanley Cup finals last season – led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl – further boosted interest in the sport.
The Hockey Guy’s approach has also been influenced by his own experiences with addiction and problematic gamblers he knows personally. While online betting is a growing aspect of sports consumption, Skanes acknowledges that it drives some viewership but doesn’t want to perpetuate the cycle. “I don’t ever want to get an email saying my dad lost $500 because you did a bet prop on your channel,” he says.
As the popularity of The Hockey Guy’s channel continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether his unique approach will continue to attract new viewers and retain existing ones.
Source: www.forbes.com
