A peculiar new trend has emerged on TikTok, where women are playfully rebranding ice hockey arenas as "boy aquariums". This viral phenomenon draws inspiration from the surge in popularity of hockey-themed romance content, including novels and television series, which has captivated a predominantly female audience.
The Origins of the Boy Aquarium Craze
The trend appears to have been sparked by the release of romantic media centred around ice hockey, such as the novel Icebreaker and the television show Heated Rivalry. These stories have not only provided entertainment but have also encouraged women to engage with the sport in a novel way, viewing it through a lens of romantic potential. Consequently, social media platforms, especially TikTok, have become flooded with videos where attendees humorously liken male hockey players to aquatic creatures on display.
Social Media Showcases the Trend
Numerous TikTok users have enthusiastically embraced the "boy aquarium" concept. For instance, TikToker Ava Stewart posted a video captioned "Went to the boy aquarium last night," playfully asking "Where'd all the fish go?" before panning to players during a match. Another user, @therealskellz, shared a clip with the overlay text "Went to the boy aquarium to find my husband," highlighting the trend's lighthearted, romantic undertones.
Even professional teams have joined in on the fun. The Stavanger Oilers created a TikTok video referencing the trend, featuring a candy bar attached to a hockey stick with the caption "Who wants to go fishing at the boy aquarium? We do!" This demonstrates how the meme has permeated official channels within the sport.
Creative Interpretations and Viral Moments
The creativity extends further, with some videos showing women "feeding" the "animals" at the arena, as rink employees distribute hockey pucks for practice. One TikToker joked, "I upset one of the fish!" after a player was checked into the glass, showcasing the trend's blend of humour and fandom.
The Impact of Heated Rivalry
The Heated Rivalry television series, which concluded its first season recently, has significantly fuelled this trend. The show, which follows two closeted gay and bisexual professional hockey players navigating a secret romance, has resonated deeply with viewers. Actor Hudson Williams, who portrays player Shane Hollander, revealed on Andy Cohen's Radio Andy show that he received heartfelt messages from closeted professional athletes across various sports, including football and basketball, after the series went viral.
Williams noted that the show was "hitting people right in the nerve," indicating its broader cultural impact beyond mere entertainment. Based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry has been renewed for a second season on Crave/HBO Max, suggesting its influence will continue to grow.
A New Lens on Ice Hockey Fandom
This "boy aquarium" trend represents a fascinating shift in how ice hockey is perceived and consumed by new audiences. By merging sports fandom with romantic fantasy and social media creativity, it has created a unique subculture that celebrates both the athleticism of the players and the communal experience of attending games. While it may seem whimsical, the trend underscores the powerful role that digital platforms and narrative media play in reshaping traditional sports engagement, attracting diverse fans who might not have previously shown interest in ice hockey.
