NHL pulls 'Hot for Hockey' audio series from Spotify
The NHL has removed its 'Hot for Hockey' audio series from Spotify and will not produce additional episodes. The campaign, which featured short hockey-romance stories using real players' names and likenesses, was initially planned for a longer run during the 2026-27 season. The league said the series was intended as a one-week opening campaign, and the removal followed fan concerns about player privacy.
The league hired writers, illustrators, and voice performers to produce short romance stories built around real NHL players. Early installments included one with Philadelphia’s Trevor Zegras and another centered on Edmonton’s Connor McDavid. Though the NHL called it a one-week season-opening promotion, prior reporting suggested it would continue through 2026-27.
Following audience worries about athletes’ personal boundaries, the league removed the episodes and ruled out more. Commissioner Gary Bettman had pointed to new fans drawn in by hockey romance shows, while the 2023 Seattle Kraken and Alex Wennberg situation highlighted comparable objections about treating players as romantic subjects.
The episode may shape how leagues blend athlete likenesses with entertainment genres. Players and their families could gain clearer expectations around privacy, while fans might see fewer romance-style crossovers. Authors, illustrators, and voice actors involved in similar campaigns may face reduced opportunities if teams become more cautious. Conversely, leagues may still pursue broader audience growth through less personal, celebrity-led promotions. The outcome could influence future marketing decisions across sports.