{
  "id": 11281935,
  "title": "NHL Says Players in ‘Hot for Hockey’ Campaign Approved Content",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/nhl-says-players-in-hot-for-hockey-campaign-approved-content",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T20:58:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Front Office Sports",
    "slug": "front-office-sports",
    "url": "https://frontofficesports.com/article/nhl-says-players-in-hot-for-hockey-campaign-approved-content/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The NHL has approved the use of players' names and likenesses in a marketing campaign called \"Hot for Hockey,\" according to a league spokesperson. This 30-to-90 second audio series, inspired by hockey-themed romance novels, features six players - Connor McDavid, Trevor Zegras, Sebastian Aho, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, and Mika Zibanejad. Each installment of the series lasts between 30 and 90 seconds and uses evocative language and dramatic production elements. The campaign has already released seven episodes on Spotify. A spokesperson for the NHL stated that players had approved the content prior to its release, emphasizing it was a playful nod to the cultural zeitgeist. However, the campaign has received mixed reactions, with some questioning the players' privacy and safety. The NHL Players Association did not respond to the inquiry, but the league plans to continue using this and other marketing campaigns to attract new fans.",
  "summary": "The romance novel–inspired marketing effort has received mixed reviews.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}