Troy Anderson (front right), a Marquette High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor, takes to the ice to take photos of Florida Panthers players, including Gustav Forsling, pictured, after their championship-winning Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., on June 24. (Photo by Troy Anderson)
His story is proof of how passion and creativity can carve out a unique career path.
He currently works as a live social contributor for the National Hockey League and National Football League, blending his passion for sports with his media skills to capture moments such as the Stanley Cup Finals and NFL training camps.
Anderson's love for hockey dates back to his childhood, when he would play at various outdoor rinks around town.
“I started playing house league hockey when I was about 7 or 8 years old.” He said. “I ended up playing at Marquette High School from 2008-2009.”
Troy Anderson, a Marquette High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor, stands holding two of the highest trophies awarded in the NHL playoffs, the Stanley Cup on the left and the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP on the right, in this photo taken at an NHL media party in the Miami area during the Stanley Cup Final series in June. (Photo by Troy Anderson)
It was during this formative period that his interest in photography began to take shape.
“I started experimenting with my parents' Sony video camera.” He said.
This early experiment laid the foundation for what would become an important aspect of his life.
After graduating from high school, Anderson went on to Michigan State University to study urban planning.
But it was a study abroad trip to Cuba that reignited his passion for photography.
Troy Anderson, a Marquette High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor, stands at the Zamboni entrance at Amerante Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., prior to Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final on June 10. (Photo by Troy Anderson)
“That trip was an eye-opener.” Anderson said. “I rediscovered my love for capturing moments and telling stories through images.”
This realization led him to start a small media business during his college years specializing in documentary filmmaking. One of his notable projects was a documentary about Clark Park in Detroit, which became a major breakthrough in his career.
His current NHL job has him visiting the Miami area for the Stanley Cup Final home games between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, and he even posed for photos on the ice after the Panthers won the Cup a few weeks ago.
Anderson, 33, travels extensively during the NHL season, capturing the key moments and behind-the-scenes stories that define the sport's rich culture. From the excitement of a goal in overtime to quiet moments of reflection in the locker room, Anderson's lens offers fans an intimate look at the sport they cherish.
“Being able to document hockey history is very important to me.” He said. “Growing up in Marquette, hockey was a big part of my life, and now I get to share that with a wider audience.”
Troy Anderson (left), a Marquette High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor, stands with other members of the NHL social media crew at the rink at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., after Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final on June 24. (Photo by Troy Anderson)
Despite finding success away from his hometown, he maintains his ties to Marquette, spending summers there and remaining involved with his family’s business, Iron Fish Distillery.
“I'm excited to be back at Marquette.” He said. “The natural beauty here and the community support are always inspiring.”
His message is clear: a career in sports photography, media, video production and broadcast production is not only possible, but rewarding.
“Marquette is a great place to develop these skills thanks to its natural beauty and the excellent media programs at local schools, including Northern Michigan University.” He said. “Marquette provided me with a solid foundation.”
He encourages aspiring photographers and media professionals, especially those from his hometown, to explore these career paths.
Marquette High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor Troy Anderson (wearing hat at right) takes a photo on his cell phone before Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., on June 8. (Photo by Troy Anderson)
“There are numerous opportunities in sports photography, media, video production and broadcast production.” Anderson said. “If you have a passion, pursue it. Marquette University is a great place to start.”
He encourages Marquette youth to explore these fields as career options.
“I want my experience to let the kids of Marquette know that it's an option.” He said. “If you have a passion, pursue it. There are so many opportunities out there.”
Anderson continues to document major sporting events and contribute to his family's business, and his journey from the ice rink at Marquette University to the professional arenas of the NHL and NFL serves as an inspirational reminder that with passion and dedication, dreams can come true.
Caden Sierra can be contacted at 906-228-2500, extension 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.
