Magic in the Meadowlands

I’m still coming down from the high of Sunday’s NHL Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium. I mean, what a spectacle. It was truly one of the best sporting events I’ve attended. If you haven’t been to one of the NHL’s outdoor games, I highly recommend it.

Those who know I grew up a diehard Rangers fan always ask me how I react in the press box when something crazy happens during a game. I’ll admit, it’s certainly hard to hide the emotion and passion at times. Yesterday was one of those times.

Even the players struggled to hide their emotions. There are plenty of hockey fans out there who complain about how guarded NHL players can be, but after Sunday’s game, Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad offered incredibly raw, heartfelt accounts of their experience.

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I, too, had the opportunity to take the ice at MetLife Stadium, as the NHL welcomed in a group of creators on Thursday night to test out the surface. I must say: It was the best outdoor ice I’ve ever skated on, and just having the chance to be out there and look around the stadium was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I have chills just thinking about it.

On a larger scale, the way the NHL has invested in the creator community has been incredible for the sport.

Confession: I literally skated up to the guy who started the “Cha Cha” dance on TikTok and told him I loved his moves.

I’m sure he found it extremely weird. I also got to meet a popular guy who goes by “Kickball Dad.” To be fully transparent, I wasn’t familiar with his content, but I now follow him and am enjoying his stuff. That’s the weirdest/coolest part about these things. You can’t really tell if someone knows who you are or follows your work, but everyone is kind and genuine about it. 

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I know some people don’t understand why others care so much about sports, but if you were at MetLife Stadium this weekend, it was truly more than just a game. When over 150,000 people gather for an event, no matter what the event, it’s special and incredibly unique. 

One of the coolest parts of this weekend for me was getting to meet a bunch of Blue Crew podcast listeners in the parking lot before the game. I was only able to hang out for a bit, but meeting folks who listen to the show and follow my work is always a surreal experience. It’s funny to go from conversations with my friends who look at me and say, “You’re such a fucking dumbass,” to chatting with people who actually appreciate my opinions. No offense to any of my friends.

Even cooler than that, though, was hearing from a 5 for Writing reader this past week. Special shoutout to Josh Schneider, who reached out to me after last week’s newsletter. Josh and I have been going back and forth, and we’re trying to connect this week to discuss “blind hockey.” Josh had no idea it even existed until he lost his vision for 7 years. Now, his mission is to bring eyes to blind hockey.

Yes, the pun is intended. And I can’t wait to learn more from Josh.

One of the main reasons I started this newsletter was for interactions like that one. I’ve always had an interest in people, and it’s wild for me to think that I interact with tons of hockey fans daily without knowing anything about them. I thought this would be a cool way for you all to get to know me, but I’m learning that it actually might be a better way for me to get to know you.

Enough of my stories, I want to hear some of yours.

I know this is only our third week together, but it seems like we’re building a pretty cool community here. So, as always, thank you for reading, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to hear about certain things or ask any questions. Or even just share a story about yourself. 

Talk to you next week.

With love, 

Jonny

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