As podcasts developed into an emerging communications platform and became enormously popular and successful among those looking to connect more directly with their pastimes and passions, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) sought to develop its own podcast. Having been around since 1967, the PHPA has represented thousands of players across the American Hockey League, ECHL, Central Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and International Hockey League with no shortage of guests to choose from, and no shortage of stories to tell.
However, instead of creating a podcast that merely focused on players’ on-ice exploits, re-capping the latest scores, recycling hockey rumors, or even trying to compete with the wildly successful Spittin’ Chiclets (hosted by PHPA Alums Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney), the PHPA chose to go down a different route.
The PHPA Podcast is being utilized as a means to help build deeper connections and relationships amongst all those involved in the sport including PHPA Members, PHPA Alumni, sponsors, media, and fans. The intent is to leverage the platform to grow the PHPA brand by educating listeners about the impact the PHPA has within the hockey community and the service it provides for both its current and former Members.
Now 15 episodes in, the PHPA Podcast is slowly but surely developing an audience by delving into topics relevant to all hockey fans. Among the points of discussion are the many unique challenges encountered at the AHL and ECHL levels, circumstances and situations that may not be encountered at the NHL level.
Episodes to date have covered a wide range of topics from an exclusive one-on-one interview with PHPA Executive Director Larry Landon, to former PHPA Player Representative Brad Mills recounting his epic experiences years ago at the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives, to world-renowned hypnotist Danny Zzzz! explaining how hypnosis can help players focus on improving their game. The PHPA Podcasts have already featured several unique guests, each of whom provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional hockey.
Although the podcast originally featured three co-hosts, including PHPA Director of Communications and Business Development, Darryl Dionne, the impact of COVID-19 was felt, and with his two co-hosts no longer available, Dionne was confronted with the decision to either put the Podcast on the shelf until further notice, or tackle it head on.
“After speaking with Larry, we decided it would be beneficial to keep it going,” said Dionne. “So I became the primary host, producer, editor, promoter, and every other task that comes along with hosting a podcast, on top of my usual responsibilities and workload.”
As Director of Communications and Business Development for the PHPA, Dionne oversees the Association’s marketing initiatives, corporate partner programs, licensed products, communications, digital marketing, community programming, among several other roles, but saw the value in building the PHPA Podcast into a viable communications tool.
“Not only is the Podcast an emerging communications platform and a different means to reach our audience, but ultimately it becomes a sponsorable marketing asset which we can leverage to help promote our corporate partners, player programs, and highlight the significant achievements of not only our current and former players, but of the PHPA itself.”
Thus far, the PHPA Podcast has featured current players such as Riley Weselowski and Cameron Gaunce, both esteemed veterans who are part of the PHPA Executive Committee, along with Nelson Nogier, PHPA Player Representative from the Manitoba Moose. Former PHPA Members have discussed their post hockey career transitions including Andrew Campbell who is embarking on a career in coaching, and Rob Schremp who founded his own business venture 44Vision Hockey. Marketing guru Rob Striar, developer of the global marketing and brand agency M Style Marketing has also been a guest on the Podcast.
The PHPA has also featured staff members such as Steve Carney who oversees the popular PHPA Career Enhancement Program, and Field Consultant Jim Wiley, who has had a lengthy career in the game as a player, coach, and administrator and is beloved by many throughout the sport.
“There are so many topics as well as personalities and contacts who we have in our vast network who we plan on featuring in future episodes,” said Dionne. “The objective is to provide an interesting topic where the listener learns something and takes away a deeper understanding, and hopefully we present it in an entertaining way. I’m getting better at hosting and trying to insert some humor. Each episode seems to be smoother than the last.”
Listeners can check out all past editions of the PHPA Podcast which are also available on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you go to listen to your favorite podcasts, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Whether listeners are comprised of current players, former players, fans, or simply those interested in the off-ice aspects and business of hockey, the PHPA Podcast offers a unique glance and insider’s perspective into the life of a professional hockey player.