Hockey Dreams: Marquette Senior High School Graduate Troy Anderson's NHL Social Media Work Includes Level of Ice in Stanley Cup Final | News, Sports, Jobs

His story is a testament to how passion and creativity can create a unique career path.

Today, he works as a live social contributor for the National Hockey League and National Football League, capturing moments like the Stanley Cup Finals and NFL training camps, combining his passion for sports with his media skills.

Anderson's early love for hockey dates back to his youth, when he played on various outdoor rinks around the city.

“I started playing hockey in the house league around the age of 7 or 8,” he said. “I ended up playing for Marquette Senior High School in 2008-2009.”

Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor Troy Anderson stands with two of the most important trophies awarded in the NHL playoffs, the Stanley Cup at left and the Conn Smythe Trophy at right for the playoff MVP. This photo was taken at the NHL Media Party in the Miami area during the Stanley Cup Final series in June. (Photo courtesy of Troy Anderson)

It was during these formative years that his interest in photography began to take shape.

“I started experimenting with my parents' Sony camcorders,” he said.

These early experiments laid the foundation for what would become an important aspect of his life.

After high school, Anderson took him to Michigan State University, where he studied urban planning.

However, it was a study trip to Cuba that rekindled his passion for photography.

Troy Anderson, a Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League player, stands at the Zamboni entrance of Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, before Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final on June 10. (Photo courtesy of Troy Anderson)

“That trip was an eye-opener,” said Anderson. “I rediscovered my love for capturing moments and telling stories through images.”

This realization led him to start a small media company focused on making documentaries during his college years. One of his notable projects was documenting Clark Park in Detroit, an endeavor that significantly boosted his career.

His current work with the NHL has taken him to the Miami area for the Florida Panthers' home games in their Stanley Cup Final series against the Edmonton Oilers, as well as taking to the ice to take photos after the Panthers won the Cup a few weeks ago.

Anderson, 33, travels extensively during the NHL season, capturing pivotal moments and behind-the-scenes stories that define the sport’s rich culture. From the thrill of overtime goals to the quiet moments of locker room reflection, Anderson’s lens offers fans an intimate view of the sport they cherish.

“Documenting hockey history is something I take very seriously,” he said. “Growing up in Marquette, hockey was a huge part of my life, and now I get to capture that for a wider audience.”

Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League employee Troy Anderson stands, left, with other members of the NHL social media team on the Amerant Bank Arena rink in Sunrise, Florida, after the deciding Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final on June 24. (Photo courtesy of Troy Anderson)

Despite his success outside his hometown, he remains connected to Marquette, spending his summers there and being involved in Iron Fish Distillery, the family business.

“I love coming back to Marquette,” he said. “The natural beauty here and the support of the community have always been inspiring.”

His message is clear: careers in sports photography, media, video production and broadcast production are not only profitable, but rewarding.

“Marquette is a great place to develop these skills because of our natural beauty and the excellent media programs at our local schools, including (Northern Michigan University),” he said. “Marquette provided a solid foundation.”

He encourages aspiring photographers and media professionals, especially those from his hometown, to explore these career options.

Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League player Troy Anderson, right, wears a hat and takes a photo with his phone before Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., on June 8. (Photo courtesy of Troy Anderson)

“There are countless opportunities in sports photography, media, video production and broadcast production,” said Anderson. “If you have a passion for it, go for it. Marquette is a great place to start.”

He encourages young people in Marquette to consider these fields as career options.

“I hope my experience shows the kids in Marquette that it is an option,” he said. “If you have a passion for it, go for it. There are so many opportunities.”

As Anderson continues to document major sporting events and contribute to his family’s business, his journey from the rinks of Marquette to the professional arenas of the NHL and NFL can serve as inspiration. It’s a reminder that with passion and dedication, dreams can become reality.

You can reach Caden Sierra at 906-228-2500, extension 551. His email address is [email protected].