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The NHL’s decision to make Jelly Roll the official theme song artist for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs has led to immediate backlash from fans across social media. While the league promoted the collaboration as a major cultural crossover, many hockey fans were not impressed with the choice.
The NHL and Amazon Music are now going to push the collaboration heavily throughout the postseason. Jelly Roll’s new track “Rise Up” will appear during broadcasts, in arenas, and across league social media platforms. A music video featuring the singer alongside the Stanley Cup debuted during Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.
MORE: Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon assigns blame after Game 1 loss to Vegas
NHL Public Relations announced the partnership on X, writing, “The NHL and Amazon Music team up to debut theme song, ‘Rise Up,’ for the 2026 #StanleyCup Playoffs by Grammy-nominated superstar Jelly Roll along with other exclusive content.”
The reaction quickly turned negative, a majority of it.
One fan posted, “Right, so keep my playback device on ‘mute’ unless the puck is in play. Got it. Thanks for the warning.”
Another user added, “I refuse to believe that there are real human beings out there that listen to this guy.”
A third fan went even further, writing, “I’ve heard multiple accounts, with proof, that that dude is a piece of s**t.”
“Should’ve picked literally any other Grammy-nominated artist,” a fan mentioned.
One user wrote, “Jelly Rollification has to be stopped.”
A fan joked, saying, “Maybe the Sabres NOT advancing to the ECF isn’t as bad now.”
Meanwhile, one fan pointed to the late timing of the song’s release, saying, “Releasing a theme song for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs… halfway through the postseason. ”
From a league perspective, the move reflects the NHL’s continued effort to expand beyond traditional hockey audiences. The league has spent years trying to create crossover appeal through celebrity partnerships, outdoor games, and music integrations.
Steve Mayer, NHL President of Content and Events, defended the decision. “Jelly Roll doesn’t just make music. He sets a tone, and it’s exactly right for the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” Mayer said. “Watching him experience the Stanley Cup for the first time was a special moment.”
Still, the backlash highlights a larger issue for the NHL. Hockey fans often value authenticity over spectacle, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unlike the NFL or NBA, the NHL rarely centers its postseason around celebrity-driven marketing, and it had no official theme song in the 2023, 2024, or even 2025 playoffs.
The criticism comes during an intense playoff run. The Carolina Hurricanes remain undefeated through eight postseason games and are rested to face the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference finals.
On the other hand, the Vegas Golden Knights lead the Colorado Avalanche with a 1-0 series score in the Western Conference Final.
So, the league’s music decision is indeed late, especially with the action on the ice already quite intense.
Continue reading...
The NHL and Amazon Music are now going to push the collaboration heavily throughout the postseason. Jelly Roll’s new track “Rise Up” will appear during broadcasts, in arenas, and across league social media platforms. A music video featuring the singer alongside the Stanley Cup debuted during Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.
MORE: Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon assigns blame after Game 1 loss to Vegas
NHL Public Relations announced the partnership on X, writing, “The NHL and Amazon Music team up to debut theme song, ‘Rise Up,’ for the 2026 #StanleyCup Playoffs by Grammy-nominated superstar Jelly Roll along with other exclusive content.”
The reaction quickly turned negative, a majority of it.
One fan posted, “Right, so keep my playback device on ‘mute’ unless the puck is in play. Got it. Thanks for the warning.”
Another user added, “I refuse to believe that there are real human beings out there that listen to this guy.”
A third fan went even further, writing, “I’ve heard multiple accounts, with proof, that that dude is a piece of s**t.”
“Should’ve picked literally any other Grammy-nominated artist,” a fan mentioned.
One user wrote, “Jelly Rollification has to be stopped.”
A fan joked, saying, “Maybe the Sabres NOT advancing to the ECF isn’t as bad now.”
Meanwhile, one fan pointed to the late timing of the song’s release, saying, “Releasing a theme song for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs… halfway through the postseason. ”
NHL chasing broader entertainment reach
From a league perspective, the move reflects the NHL’s continued effort to expand beyond traditional hockey audiences. The league has spent years trying to create crossover appeal through celebrity partnerships, outdoor games, and music integrations.
Steve Mayer, NHL President of Content and Events, defended the decision. “Jelly Roll doesn’t just make music. He sets a tone, and it’s exactly right for the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” Mayer said. “Watching him experience the Stanley Cup for the first time was a special moment.”
Still, the backlash highlights a larger issue for the NHL. Hockey fans often value authenticity over spectacle, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unlike the NFL or NBA, the NHL rarely centers its postseason around celebrity-driven marketing, and it had no official theme song in the 2023, 2024, or even 2025 playoffs.
NHL Stanley Cup playoffs already in the Conference finals
The criticism comes during an intense playoff run. The Carolina Hurricanes remain undefeated through eight postseason games and are rested to face the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference finals.
On the other hand, the Vegas Golden Knights lead the Colorado Avalanche with a 1-0 series score in the Western Conference Final.
So, the league’s music decision is indeed late, especially with the action on the ice already quite intense.
Continue reading...
