Empty Netters host responds after remarks slamming Heated Rivalry resurface

Powers, in leaked text messages, referred to the show’s creators as “losers” and called the series “trash"

Dan Powers, co‑host of the popular ice hockey podcast Empty Netters, has addressed a growing controversy after private messages surfaced suggesting he criticised the hit hockey drama Heated Rivalry, even as his podcast publicly praised the show and helped boost its popularity.

The backlash erupted after reports claimed that in private text messages Powers referred to the show’s creators as “losers” and called the series “trash,” accusing it of pandering and “checking inclusivity boxes.” He also complained that the positive reaction to the show was “making blue‑haired Twitter happy,” and suggested he wasn’t inclined to “give the show the time of day … out of principle.”

In response, Powers released an almost 18‑minute video titled Here Are The Texts, insisting the messages were taken out of context and sent before he and his co‑hosts had actually watched Heated Rivalry. He said the timeline presented in the reports was “completely false and inaccurate,” explaining, “These messages were sent over a week before we had ever watched the show and before we had ever posted a review.”

Powers also emphasised that the texts were directed at another podcaster, not the series’ creators, and expressed disappointment at how the situation unfolded.

“What I was saying was not directed at the amazing people who made this show. It was totally taken out of context,” he stated, adding, “Anyone who knows me or has interacted with me will show you that what you saw and what we experienced together was just the truth. It was so honest and authentic, I loved every second of it.”

Fans of the show and the queer community are still not satisfied despite the apology and continue to criticise the choice of words and phrases by the hosts. They're even accusing the podcast of using the popularity of the show for their gains.