Empty Netters Host Calls Heated Rivalry 'Trash' — Are Hockey Bros' Cheers Real or Just for Views?

The popular hockey podcast Empty Netters is facing a significant crisis of authenticity following a report detailing leaked private communications in which co-host Dan Powers reportedly disparaged the hit series Heated Rivalry. The revelations have sparked a firestorm of criticism within the hockey and LGBTQ+ communities, with many questioning whether the 'hockey bro' hosts' public embrace of queer representation was a genuine shift in perspective or a calculated strategy to exploit a lucrative new audience.

Since its television debut, Heated Rivalry—based on the novels by Rachel Reid—has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly for its portrayal of a secret romance between two rival NHL stars. Empty Netters, hosted by brothers Dan and Chris Powers, gained national attention for their effusive, high-energy recaps of the show, which frequently featured the hosts 'geeking out' over the romantic and sexual chemistry of the lead characters. This public pivot helped the podcast's YouTube viewership surge nearly 50 times its usual hockey-only numbers, according to Outsports.

The Dichotomy of Private vs Public Praise

The controversy erupted on 22 January 2026, when Outsports reported on a series of text messages sent by Dan Powers during the height of the show's popularity. In the private messages, Powers reportedly referred to the production as 'trash' and labelled its creators 'losers' and 'cowards.'

'This is the trash they make because it panders, it's provocative, and it checks inclusivity boxes,' Powers allegedly wrote in one exchange. In another, he expressed frustration that the show's success was 'making blue haired twitter happy,' a phrase often used as a derogatory shorthand for progressive social media circles. These private sentiments stand in stark contrast to his public commentary, where he described the pilot as 'out of control in all the best ways' and claimed he 'cannot wait' for subsequent episodes, as detailed by Reddit's r/hockey community.

Backlash and Allegations of 'Grifting'

The fallout has been swift across social media platforms. Fans who once praised the Empty Netters for their 'vibrant masculinity' and 'wholesome allyship' have expressed a sense of betrayal. The podcast has been accused of 'grifting' by selling unofficial Heated Rivalry themed merchandise and interviewing cast members—such as Robbie G.K. and Ksenia Daniela—under what critics now call false pretences.

'They've been happy to profit off the success of Heated Rivalry by pretending to like it,' wrote one user on the Heated Rivalry subreddit. 'The texts are peak hypocrisy.' The timing is particularly sensitive as the podcast had recently built a reputation as a bridge between traditional 'hockey culture' and queer fandom, as previously highlighted by InsideHook.

Impact on the Hockey Community

The controversy has also reignited discussions about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in sports. One gay hockey player told Outsports that the disparity between Powers' public and private personas is exactly why many athletes remain in the closet. The player noted that if the actors and producers had known about the 'disdain' voiced behind the scenes, they likely would not have lent the podcast their credibility through appearances.

As of 23 January, the Empty Netters hosts have not issued a formal statement, though reports indicate that they have begun deleting critical comments on their Instagram and YouTube pages.

While some defenders suggest the hosts may have genuinely 'warmed up' to the show as the season progressed, the use of politically charged dog-whistles in the private messages has made that narrative difficult for many in the fandom to accept. The future of the podcast's 'Heated Rivalry' coverage remains uncertain as the community awaits an explanation for what appears to be a dual-track engagement with the series.