Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
The appearance of pop sensation Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday night has ignited frustration among some hockey enthusiasts. Coverage favoring the celebrity couple has drawn criticism from fans seeking focus on the Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers hockey showdown.
Fan Reaction to Swift and Kelce at Stanley Cup Finals
Unlike typical announcements that precede the attendance of the 14-time Grammy Award winner at public events, her and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s presence in Sunrise, Florida, for the NHL championship game became known shortly before the game commenced. However, TNT’s broadcast dedicated significant screen time to Swift and Kelce, showcasing them enjoying the match from a luxury suite, eclipsing the attention on core hockey action.
This public appearance is a departure from the couple’s recent low profile since February’s Super Bowl defeat for Kansas City. Kelce owns a residence in the area, reportedly serving as a getaway for him and Swift amid his offseason engagements with the Chiefs.
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Social Media Outcry
die-hard Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and general NHL followers expressed discontent with the repeated glimpses of the couple on their televisions. Examples of fan reactions include:
- ‘Well NHL fans we should have known Taylor Swift was multi talented. She has proven she can ruin viewing football and hockey!!!’
- ‘She’s drinking and pouting as usual,’
- ‘@NHL_On_TNT enough of the Swift/Kelce bulls***. Nobody Cares,’
- ‘They will be showing her all night long. I’m out,’
Previous Hockey Connections
Swift has previously displayed an affinity for hockey, having posed for a photograph with current Oiler Jeff Skinner during his tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes. Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, also featured Panthers player Matthew Tkachuk and his brother Brady Tkachuk on their ‘New Heights’ podcast several weeks prior.
Tkachuk Brothers’ Involvement
The Tkachuk siblings both represented Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off and were notable participants in altercations with Team Canada within the opening seconds of a game during their February encounter.