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An Interview with PsychoPuckLady
by Patrick Hoffman on 11/01/09 at 08:43 AM ET
Comments (8)
I recently had the opportunity to do an e-mail interview with a big-time hockey fan. Her real name is Katrina Cady but hockey fans know her as PsychoPuckLady on Twitter and on her web site.
Katrina took the time to tell us how she got into hockey, where and who she has written for, how her favorite team, the Phoenix Coyotes, are doing and more. Enjoy!
PH: How did you first get into hockey?
KC: It’s hard to escape hockey living in Canada, but I personally got into the game as a kid when my uncle took me to my first Leafs game. After that I sought hockey out on my own time. My parents weren’t big into watching any sports unless I was playing.
PH: Growing up, who was your favorite team? How about your favorite player?
KC: The Leafs were my favourite team right up until university. I never missed a Leafs game, but I was also really involved with junior hockey (Kitchener Rangers, St. Michael’s Majors) As a kid I had a few favourite players, but my first jersey had Felix Potvin’s name on the back.
PH: At what point in your life did you know that you wanted to get involved in hockey as a writer/blogger?
KC: When I was seventeen I had the idea to write a book about hockey subculture, Down the Rabbit Hole: A Guide to Puck Bunnies (DTRH), and a season later I did write it. However, my publisher ended up having to shut down his business after he was diagnosed with cancer, so the book never saw the light of day. I’ve always been fascinated by the culture around hockey, so I’ve continued on in my personal study of it – my blog is the product of this passion.
PH: Name some of the outlets that you have written/blogged for and tell us how you think it led you to where you are today.
KC: I think my book was really the biggest thing that led me to where I am today, but I have also been co-writing a regular feature on IllegalCurve.com. Writing DTRH really taught me how to market hockey – what hockey fans might want to read about and what to look for. When I go to a hockey game, the puck isn’t the only thing I’m following.
PH: How else are you involved with the game of hockey?
KC: Apart from financially supporting the NHL, I have also worked for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and was involved as an advisor with the CBC series MVP: The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives.
PH: How do you see yourself involved with hockey in the future?
KC: I would love to continue doing what I’m doing but on a larger scale. I don’t think there is nearly enough hockey culture content out there, which is a shame because it’s really quite fascinating.
PH: Now for some actual hockey talk: Tell us about your Coyotes so far. Who has been a surprise? Who has been a disappointment?
KC: The Coyotes are incredible right now, which makes it hard for me to hate them! I’ve been trying to find a more practical team for me (Phoenix isn’t exactly close to Toronto), but it’s hard to leave them while they are shocking the world and playing the way they are. Bryzgalov and LaBarbera have been a lethal combination in goal, but I can’t say I’m disappointed in anyone for their on ice performances.
PH: How do you think new head coach Dave Tippet has done so far?
KC: There are no words for this. I knew the Coyotes would turn things around, but I didn’t think they would turn it around like this. Granted we’re only thirteen games in, but I keep wondering when I’m going to wake up from this dream.
PH: Any words of wisdom for hockey fans out there?
KC: If I could give any advice to hockey fans, it would be to the female hockey fans. Be yourself! It can be hard to be a fan, when you are too distracted trying to battle everyone who thinks you’re a puck bunny. You know you’re not a puck bunny, and that should be enough. It’s a hard thing to do, but you will be fighting this uphill battle your entire life, and missing sweet passes and awesome goals in the process. Don’t be afraid to get your nails done, or wear a pink jersey if you want to! Being a girl doesn’t make you less of a fan – remember that.
Filed in: | Goal Line Report | Permalink
Tags: Interview, PsychoPuckLady,
Comments
I’m just blogging - no need to jump on me about it.
Posted by Patrick Hoffman from White Plains, NY on 11/01/09 at 08:47 AM ET
Maybe we can get every blogger at KK to make a comment here. Tony, you should be up, wehre are you?
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 11/01/09 at 08:49 AM ET
Actually, I found this rather interesting. It was a very good interview.
Posted by Teri on 11/01/09 at 08:54 AM ET
I honestly don’t understand all the talk about female hockey fans fighting an “uphill battle.” I am a female hockey fan and have not experienced any impediments to enjoying the game because of my gender. If Ms. Cady is fighting battles, it’s because of she has sexualized the game rather than just appreciating the sport. She is fortunate that outlets like this are providing her an opportunity to promote her blog, and I understand why they do, as any coverage of her is going to attract traffic and discussion. But her message is unfortunate and sadly drowns out the intelligent female hockey fans who truly enjoy the sport for what it is.
Posted by Lori from Washington, DC on 11/01/09 at 09:03 AM ET
I’m just blogging - no need to jump on me about it.
Posted by Patrick Hoffman from White Plains, NY on 11/01/09 at 08:47 AM ET
I wasn’t. Just preparing you for the onslaught.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/01/09 at 09:41 AM ET
I agree that there is certainly room for more hockey culture content. It is a unique way of life.
As far as the “Puck Bunny” thoughts...I’m not sure why it should be difficult to be a female and be a fan of the game. I know, and interact with, many female hockey fans that are knowledgeable and passionate about the game.
In fact, with the growth in women’s hockey and the media attention that is being gathered due to the great rivalry created between the Canadian and USA women’s national teams, as well as the exponential growth of women’s hockey in the NCAA, I would think that now is a fantastic time to be a female hockey fan. Nothing sexual about it...or maybe I’m being naive.
But, then again, I’m a male and have not worn her shoes and there certainly are female “fans” that sexualize the game of hockey and/or its players...but if one doesn’t present themselves that way, there is no reason for others to believe that is the case.
Posted by Tyler @ NHLDigest on 11/01/09 at 01:08 PM ET
LOSER!
Posted by university of toronto from Toronto on 11/13/09 at 02:18 PM ET
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The Goal Line Report will focus on all things Eastern Conference. Do I have a bias towards the Eastern Conference just because I am a New Yorker? No, but it certainly does make things easier! I’ll make my opinions known on Eastern Conference news bits (as often as I can), big games, hot and cold players, trades (I don’t make things up) and anything and everything else related to the Eastern Conference that I think is important for hockey fans to know. I will, in every sense of the word, be the beast of the East while also making sure to drop my thoughts on other hockey news items.
I, Patrick Hoffman, have covered the NHL since 2003 and have worked for a variety of hockey media sources including: Stan Fischler, Spector’s Hockey, TheHockeyNews.com, HockeyBuzz.com, McKeen’s Hockey, Blueshirt Bulletin, XM Home Ice Channel Hockey Blog, HockeyPrimeTime.com, FantasyHockey.com. NY SportsDay, and HokejaVestnesis.com.
For questions, comments or to talk hockey, feel free to send me an e-mail at .
Oh. This is gonna go over really, really well.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/01/09 at 08:45 AM ET