On Monday, September 11, 2023, Hockey Hype Australia secured NHL Media Accreditation for the NHL Global Series event in Melbourne. Co-founders Andrew Macdougall and Gordon Goodenough commented on the significance of accreditation and the event.

How did you feel when you found out your application for NHL Media Accreditation had been approved?

Andrew: I am still pinching myself now. It’s quite surreal, to be honest; never in a million years would I think this would happen. I have been covering hockey here in Australia since 2010, radio, podcasts, online print, and anything to help grow the sport. Then, recently launching Hockey Hype Australia, I think NHL media accreditation is a great reward for a lot of volunteer hard work.

Gordon: I applied in August and thought it was a long shot; we hadn’t even launched our website! Then, on Monday the 11th, I was at uni and checked my phone between a lecture and a tutorial. I had an email titled Media Accreditation Update. When I opened it, I couldn’t believe it said I was approved. I had to read it several times to make sure. I was absolutely ecstatic for the rest of the day, and I’m still buzzing.

What are you most looking forward to about the event in Melbourne?

Andrew: The easy answer is the hockey, it will be quality never seen in Australia – that’s exciting. However, seeing how the community embraces the NHL will be interesting. Hopefully, it gives them a love for the game, which will then make them want to seek out local hockey. That’s what we ultimately need out of the NHL coming here.

Gordon: I’ve never been to a live NHL game. I know it’s not a regular season game – it’s an exhibition game – but I’m pleased both teams are bringing full-strength rosters. I know so many people who are travelling from all parts of the country to attend, so it will be great to see Rod Laver Arena packed out with our terrific community. Similar to Doogie (Andrew), I’m hopeful the event will convert new fans to our sport.

What content can fans expect from Hockey Hype Australia from the event?

Andrew: Cooley, Cooley, and more Logan Cooley. But seriously, video content, podcast snippets, and at least one article on Hockey Hype about the whole event. We will try and cover as much as we can for Australian hockey fans.

Gordon: Anze Kopitar was a big part of me winning my fantasy hockey league in 2017-18, so I have some love for Kopi. I usually avoid using my phone at these events, but I’ll capture as much behind-the-scenes footage as possible. Keep an eye out on our socials for reels, photos, and more. Plus, Doogie and I may even have a chance to record the first episode of our new podcast – Backchecks, Beers, and Banter, while we’re in Melbourne together.

What impact are you hoping this will have on the sport here in Australia?

Andrew: More government investment in the sport locally is what we need here, more places for kids to pick up a stick and play. We seem to lose more rinks in Australia than we gain. It’s a problem, but a problem the government could resolve.

It would be good to see increased membership and attendance at AIHL or AWIHL games from this, but ultimately, the grassroots level is where we need to see the impact of this. Kids walking away from the Global Series wanting to play hockey and then having access to make this dream happen.

Gordon: Similar to Doogie, I hope that this will impact the grassroots of our sport. National Teams get comparatively a greater piece of the pie when it comes to funding and attention. But the grassroots will supply sustainable success. There’s so much potential in this country when it comes to ice hockey. We’ve been saying that for years. The NHL coming here is huge, but it can’t be a one-and-done exercise. We need to leverage this for lasting success.