What started as a way to stay connected to hockey has quickly turned into a growing career for one local videographer, now getting a taste of the professional level.<\/p>\n
Hayden Bodnar said he first picked up a camera about three years ago while still in high school, looking for a way to remain involved in the sport he loves.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always loved being around sports, and I always just kind of wanted to find a way in to be around the sport that I love, which is hockey,\u201d Bodnar said. \u201cI couldn\u2019t make the NHL playing it, so I had to find a way in elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
From the Wheatland Kings to the NHL<\/p>\n
Since then, Bodnar has filmed a range of events, from local teams to major showcases, including the Strathmore Stampede, tournaments in Las Vegas and Kelowna, and several games for the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, he was in Seattle, where he was covering games involving the Seattle Kraken, including a matchup against the Calgary Flames.<\/p>\n
Bodnar said the opportunity came through connections built while working with a Calgary-based U18 AAA team, eventually leading to an introduction to the Kraken\u2019s video production staff.<\/p>\n
While the jump to the NHL level has been exciting, he said it also comes with new challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely a lot faster game,\u201d he said. \u201cWith the Kings, it\u2019s a little bit slower pace, so I can anticipate the play\u2026 but in the NHL, you don\u2019t expect it. You just put your camera in and hope that you get the goal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Related Stories:<\/p>\n
A local start<\/p>\n
Closer to home, Bodnar got his start by reaching out to local teams, including the Kings, where he began filming games regularly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just kind of reached out to them\u2026 and I shot a game for them,\u201d he said. \u201cRight after that, they asked me if I wanted to come back and shoot year-round with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the rapid growth of his work, Bodnar said the path hasn\u2019t been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to meeting client expectations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can film it, and I can make a cool video, but if the players on the ice don\u2019t do the cool stuff, then it\u2019s kind of tough,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A fast-growing career<\/p>\n
Even so, he said the momentum has been surprising.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I started it three years ago, I didn\u2019t really expect anything\u2026 “It\u2019s just been building momentum and just reaching out to people,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s kind of started to grow into a more serious career than when I thought of just kind of a fun hobby.\u201d<\/p>\n
For now, his work with the Kraken is limited to a weekend opportunity, but Bodnar hopes it can lead to something more permanent.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the future, I would hope to kind of expand into a full-time position with either the Kraken or another NHL team,\u201d he said. \u201cBut right now, it\u2019s just the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to\u00a0news@strathmorenow.com<\/a>. You can also message and follow us on Instagram:\u00a0@104.5morecountry<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Online](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_19.jpg\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n