NEW YORK — Erik Johnson and Garnet Hathaway each signed contracts with the Philadelphia Flyers on July 1.

However, they have also dedicated their time to preparing for something that goes beyond the forthcoming NHL season.

On July 17, at the NHL offices in Manhattan, Johnson and Hathaway joined seven other current and recently retired players to participate in the inaugural NHL Broadcast Training Camp.

The event spanned the entire day and included various modules focused on game preparation and study, reporting, studio work, as well as social media and podcasting. Renowned personalities such as TNT’s lead play-by-play voice Kenny Albert, analysts Eddie Olczyk and Brian Boucher, ESPN’s studio host and play-by-play voice Steve Levy, and Philadelphia Flyers’ studio host Ashlyn Sullivan provided instruction.

Hathaway expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “As I continue to play and acknowledge that my hockey career will eventually come to an end, I believe it’s perfectly acceptable to explore my interests beyond the sport. Age 32, I have recently signed a two-year contract worth $4.8 million, with an average annual value of $2.4 million, which will commence in the 2025-26 season. The main question for me is whether my future lies within hockey or elsewhere. Therefore, this presents an incredible opportunity for me to delve into the unknown and experience what lies on the other side.”

At 36 years old, Johnson has recently secured a one-year deal worth $1 million to continue his impressive career in the NHL. Having played a remarkable 987 regular-season games and 55 intense matches in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he possesses a deep understanding of the demanding nature that comes with being a professional hockey player.

He realized that managing the broadcasting side comes with its own set of challenges that can be equally as difficult.

“The amount of notes and research invested in this is the most significant aspect for me,” Johnson expressed. “When they’re assigned a Dallas-Edmonton game, they thoroughly examine the team’s last two matches in order to prepare for the upcoming one. These professionals possess an extensive collection of notes and statistics accumulated over many years. To label them as anything less than highly skilled would be an understatement.”

Levy expressed that player engagement was at a peak during his programs, as there were numerous inquiries focused on his workflow while utilizing an IFB, which is a wired earpiece enabling communication with producers.

He expressed, “The IFB, the coiled wire, the cord that appears intimidating. I notice everyone glancing at it from the corner of their eye, questioning how they will handle it. Putting it in their ear, wondering how it will feel. And then, realizing someone might be speaking to them while they are also speaking. I believe this is what confuses them to some extent, and it happens to be one of the most crucial abilities in our industry. It’s a skill that requires practice and becoming accustomed to.”

During his classes, one of the concerns raised by players, as mentioned by Olczyk, was regarding their appearance on a broadcast.

“It’s not just about the conversation, but also about what I should do with my hands,” he expressed. “Where should I position myself? Should I have notes prepared or go without them? And where should I direct my gaze? Should I maintain eye contact with the camera?

This aspect encompasses two distinct elements: hockey and the broadcast aspect. However, in our scenario, the broadcast aspect holds greater significance than the hockey itself. Since the audience is already knowledgeable about hockey, our focus is to assist them with the broadcast aspect. To deliver an exceptional show, one must excel in both areas.

Also taking part were Colorado Avalanche forward Chris Wagner, New York Rangers goalie Louis Domingue, and former players Devante Smith-Pelly, Nate Thompson, Michael Del Zotto, Darius Kasparaitis and Ryan Kesler.

According to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, we visited our clubs and actively sought out potential candidates – players who may be interested in entering the field of broadcasting hockey once their playing career comes to an end. This initiative is part of a larger effort to provide comprehensive player development resources, encouraging athletes to consider their life beyond the rink and plan for their post-hockey careers.

The NHL has been focusing on player development since 2013 when they established the NHL/NHLPA Player Orientation Program. Additionally, each of the 32 teams has off-ice player development directors who play a vital role in managing the League’s resources. These resources encompass various programs such as the Broadcast Training Camp, AthLife for career and education guidance, the NHL Visiting Player Program, placement assistance for the Fanatics Athlete Immersion Program, and the NHL Coaches’ Global Clinic.

The Broadcast Training Camp, on the other hand, provides players with an opportunity to grasp the essential skills required to remain actively involved in the game in a more visible manner.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman explained that this entire process serves two essential objectives. Firstly, it provides players and former players with a clear focus for their next career, while also ensuring they stay connected to the game, which is significant for them. Secondly, it offers fans the opportunity to be more engaged with the game by introducing a fresh group of broadcasters who possess an intimate understanding of the sport and can provide unique insights from a player’s perspective.

Bettman expressed his desire for the inaugural class to help promote the importance of Broadcast Training Camp.

Del Zotto, who played for eight teams over 13 NHL seasons, including the Ottawa Senators in 2021-22, definitely lent his support.

If any of his former teammates were offered the opportunity to participate, he would encourage them to seize it, he said.

He stated that it was a clear choice, a positive experience that they should not miss out on. According to him, it provides valuable learning opportunities.