“We’re writing the world as we want it to be.”
By Samantha Mangino on April 19, 2026
At BookCon, the panel “You Had Me at Hockey: A Look at One of Sports Romance’s Hottest Genres” featured authors Rachel Reid, Emily Rath, Ngozi Ukazu, Stephanie Archer, Kate Cochrane, and moderator Bal Khabra. They discussed the rise of hockey romance. Ukazu joked it was as if the genre “escaped containment,” while Reid highlighted the sport’s mysterious allure. Archer remarked on its physical intensity and celebrity culture. Rath pointed out that the genre’s popularity partly stems from its alignment with mainstream whiteness.
The panel also talked about the writing process, addressing how sex scenes contribute to character development. They emphasized writing BIPOC and queer representation in a genre typically centered on whiteness. Reid mentioned NHL’s willingness to collaborate for change.
Hockey romance continues to thrive, with authors and fans driving the genre’s inclusive evolution.
Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers tech-related products and trends for Mashable. She tests home goods, thoroughly vetting them and exploring internet trends.