His story is a testament to how passion and creativity can carve out a unique career path.

Today, he works as a live social contributor for the National Hockey League and the National Football League, capturing moments like Stanley Cup Final and NFL training camps, blending his passion for sports with his media skills.

Anderson’s early love for hockey is rooted in his childhood, where he played on various outdoor rinks around town.

“I started with house league hockey around age 7 or 8,” he said. “Eventually, I played for Marquette Senior High School in 2008-09.”

Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor Troy Anderson stands with two of the top trophies awarded in the NHL playoffs, the Stanley Cup at left and the Conn Smythe Trophy at right for the playoff MVP. This photo was taken at the NHL Media Party in the Miami area during the Stanley Cup Final series in June. (Photo courtesy Troy Anderson)

It was during these formative years that his interest in photography began to take shape.

“I started experimenting with my parents’ Sony camcorders,” he said.

This early experimentation laid the groundwork for what would become a significant aspect of his life.

After high school, Anderson’s path took him to Michigan State University, where he studied urban planning.

However, it was a study abroad trip to Cuba that rekindled his passion for photography.

Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor Troy Anderson stands at the Zamboni entrance to the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., before Game 2 of the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final on June 10. (Photo courtesy Troy Anderson)

“That trip was eye-opening,” 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, focusing on documentary filmmaking. One of his notable projects was documenting Clark Park in Detroit, a venture that significantly boosted his career.

His current work with the NHL brought him to the Miami area for the Florida Panthers’ home games in their Stanley Cup Final series against the Edmonton Oilers, including getting on the ice to take photos after the Panthers won the cup just a few weeks ago.

Anderson, 33, travels extensively during the NHL season, capturing pivotal moments and behind-the-scenes stories that define the sport’s rich culture. From the thrill of overtime goals to the quiet moments of reflection in locker rooms, Anderson’s lens offers fans an intimate view of the sport they cherish.

“Being able to document hockey history is something I take very seriously,” he said. “Growing up in Marquette, hockey was such a huge part of my life, and now I get to capture that for a wider audience.”

Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor Troy Anderson, left, stands with other members of the NHL social media crew on the Amerant Bank Arena rink in Sunrise, Fla., after the clinching Game 7 of the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final on June 24. (Photo courtesy Troy Anderson)

Despite his success away from his original home, he remains connected to Marquette, spending summers there and staying involved with Iron Fish Distillery, his family’s business.

“I love coming back to Marquette,” he said. “The natural beauty here and the community’s support have always been inspiring.”

His message is clear — careers in sports photography, media, video production and broadcast production are not only viable but rewarding.

“Marquette is a great place to cultivate these skills because of our natural beauty and the excellent media programs in our local schools, including (Northern Michigan University),” he said. “Marquette provided a solid foundation.”

He encourages aspiring photographers and media professionals, especially those from his hometown, to explore these career paths.

Marquette Senior High School graduate and current National Hockey League contributor Troy Anderson, wearing a hat at right, takes a photo with his phone before Game 1 of the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., on June 8. (Photo courtesy Troy Anderson)

“There are numerous opportunities in sports photography, media, video production and broadcast production,” Anderson said. “If you have a passion for it, pursue it. Marquette is an excellent place to start.”

He encourages young people in Marquette to explore these fields as career options.

“I hope my experience shows kids in Marquette that it’s an option,” he said. “If you have a passion for it, pursue it. There are so many opportunities out there.”

As Anderson continues to document major sporting events and contribute to his family’s business, his journey from the ice rinks of Marquette to the professional arenas of the NHL and NFL can serve as an inspiration, reminding us that with passion and dedication, dreams can become reality.

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.