Recent reports have surfaced about a controversial situation involving the hosts of the popular hockey podcast Empty Netters. The show’s co-hosts, Dan and Chris Powers, are former ice hockey players who gained recognition for their enthusiasm about the gay ice hockey romance series, Heated Rivalry. Initially, they championed the show publicly, but private communications reveal a starkly different sentiment.
Public Praise for Heated Rivalry
Throughout their podcasts, Dan Powers expressed significant admiration for Heated Rivalry. From the first episode, he conveyed excitement, stating, “What I loved about this is they throw us into the show.” He highlighted the unique approach of the series, indicating that it diverged from typical hockey narratives. Powers praised the emotional moments shared by characters, stating, “This show is out of control in all the best ways.”
The response from listeners was overwhelmingly positive. Many fans appreciated the podcasters for demonstrating non-toxic masculinity and openly supporting LGBTQIA+ representation in sports. One listener remarked how hearing emotional discussions about a gay romance show positively impacted his perception of masculinity.
Contradictory Private Texts
However, a contrasting view emerged through private messages sent by Dan Powers. According to reports from Outsports, he criticized Heated Rivalry, calling its creators “cowards” and dismissing the show as pandering. He expressed disdain for the positive reactions it received, noting that such acclaim seemed directed at “blue-haired Twitter.”
These private critiques preceded their public endorsements of the series, raising questions about their true stance. Did the Powers brothers shift their opinions because of the show’s growing popularity, or were they leveraging it for increased visibility and financial gain?
Impact on Empty Netters’ Popularity
The public enthusiasm for Heated Rivalry significantly benefitted Empty Netters. Recap episodes of the series attracted nearly 500,000 views on YouTube, standing in sharp contrast to the average 13,500 views for their other content. Additionally, the podcast expanded its merchandise line with Heated Rivalry-themed products, further capitalizing on the show’s success.
As the situation unfolds, Dan Powers has not yet responded to the controversy. Questions remain regarding his private criticism and whether it aligns with his public persona. The duality of public support and private skepticism reflects a complex dynamic in the sports and LGBTQIA+ discourse.
