The NHL is continuing a unique 2021 season with no fans, battling the COVID-19 pandemic while delivering an entertaining product. However, the NHL still must find ways to improve upon the fan experience moving forward.

Given that most local governments have prohibited large gatherings in the 31 NHL cities, many games have been played without fans. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and the NHL is trying to find ways to incorporate fans into empty arenas, with cardboard cutouts and other initiatives. Teams have also placed tarps to hide empty seats and added artificial crowd noise to generate excitement in arenas.

With this in mind, I surveyed three writers and asked how they feel about the NHL fan experience during COVID-19 in 2021.

Matt:

“Having no fans hurts for all parties involved. Players and coaches consistently go on record saying how they miss the fans and hope they stay safe. Although the fans may often feel homesick not attending games regularly, what the teams are doing is fine. The tarps do help keep the feeling of empty seats to a minimum and they don’t take away too much from the viewing experience. Although the fake crowd noise may be a bit distracting in the wrong spot, it can help add the right feelings depending on the moment in the game. As a result, hockey games aren’t the same without fans in the stands. However, what the teams without fans have been doing doesn’t take away too much from the game, and doesn’t feel too different to what is was before.”

Lexi:

“With the NHL having no fans due to COVID-19, I think it’s a challenge for the players and staff, but also the fans. I attended almost every home game last season, it’s upsetting to miss out. It bothers me that I cannot attend, knowing the positive impact fans have. After the Islanders’ crazy 2020 postseason run, they deserve the thanks now more than ever. Even though the arenas pump through fake fan sounds, the players can hear the announcers from the ice and that seems like an unusual setting. To close out the Coliseum, I hope the Islanders can have at least some fans in the building. After all of the history and everything the Islanders have done for the fans in the offseason, they deserve one more proper send off.”

Will:

“I think I got used to no fans during the playoffs so the things they did this year really enhanced the experience. The  enhanced crowd noise is new and makes it sound real. The tarps on the seats are good ways to get advertising revenue. My favorite thing is the new camera angles. I’ve noticed new replay angles throughout the bubble and this season, that has continued with fans not being in the seats.”

Matthew Page

I am a first year student at Hofstra University and an avid Islanders fan. I have been writing for Drive4Five since March 2020. My family has been season ticket holders for the team since 2016, and hockey is my favorite sport. As I expand my knowledge in the field of Journalism, I am writing to express my love for the Islanders and the NHL.