PHOTOS: Everyone Was Saying The Same Thing About The Jaw-Dropping Hockey Fan Who Was Distracting The Crowd At Leafs-Devils Game
Female hockey fan (Photos via @danicoopps/IG)
It’s not every day that a hockey game becomes secondary to the action in the stands, but that’s exactly what happened during a recent matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils. Amid the intense on-ice battle between two of the NHL’s marquee teams, one fan in the crowd managed to steal the spotlight—and the internet has not stopped buzzing since.
A female hockey fan, decked out in a Devils Jack Hughes jersey, became the center of attention not for her choice of team allegiance, but for her eye-catching ensemble and viral photos that quickly swept across social media. With her jeans barely containing her curves and her confident presence radiating from the stands, she turned what should have been a hockey highlight reel into a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter).
The original photo of this fan, snapped during the game, first made waves online earlier this year. But now, a new set of images showcasing her assets has resurfaced, reigniting the frenzy just ahead of the weekend. As it turns out, this fan has not only become a viral sensation but also a de facto ambassador for drawing new eyes to hockey—whether that was her intention or not.
The Viral Phenomenon That Broke the Internet
The internet has a way of finding its stars, and this hockey fan’s meteoric rise to viral fame is no exception. The combination of her striking appearance, bold outfit, and unshakable confidence made her an instant sensation.
The now-infamous photos captured her mid-game, cheering enthusiastically for the Devils. Yet, as viewers quickly noted, her choice of attire became the real conversation starter. The snug fit of her jeans and her pose in the stands left little to the imagination, sparking debates, admiration, and even a touch of envy online.
One popular X post featuring her photo cheekily asked, “Are you a hockey fan?” The responses flooded in, ranging from amused quips to full-on declarations of newfound fandom.
Here are just a few of the standout reactions:
Check it out right below:
The Fan From The Leafs-Devils Game Recruited Some New Hockey Supporters
As you might imagine, at least a few new hockey fans are prowling the internet by now.
“Considering it 🫶🏼😍,” a user admitted.
“Good lord yes! 🔥 🥵,” another added.
“Can be persuaded lol,” said a third.
“I am now 😂😂😂😂,” someone laughed.
“How do those jeans even hug you like that? 🫂” someone wondered.
“I’m a.. whatever this is fan🤩,” a comment read.
“No, but I am a fan of that…..” said another.
The Power of Viral Moments in Sports
Sports fans are no strangers to viral moments, but it’s rare for one to come from the crowd rather than the field or ice. This particular incident underscores the unique power of viral fame in today’s digital age, where even an unscripted moment can capture global attention.
The hockey world has traditionally been laser-focused on the action between the boards, with players like Jack Hughes and Auston Matthews drawing the majority of the spotlight. But this fan’s ability to command attention from the stands shows just how much social media has reshaped the way we consume sports.
Her viral moment didn’t just captivate existing hockey fans—it pulled in a whole new demographic. People who might never have paid attention to the Leafs-Devils game were suddenly intrigued, not because of the score or highlights, but because of a single snapshot. In a way, she achieved what countless NHL marketing campaigns have tried to do for years: spark widespread interest in hockey, albeit in an unconventional manner.
Who Is This Hockey Fan? The Mystery Deepens
Despite her newfound fame, the identity of the fan remains somewhat mysterious. While her Instagram handle (@danicoopps) has been tagged in various posts, she hasn’t publicly addressed the viral moment in a significant way. Her online presence, however, suggests she’s no stranger to attention.
Dani Coopps, as she’s known online, has built a following with her stunning looks and engaging personality. Her attendance at the Leafs-Devils game seemed like just another night out for her, but little did she know it would turn into a viral phenomenon.
In the days following the resurfacing of her photos, her follower count skyrocketed, with fans flocking to her profile to see more. Whether she intended to or not, Dani has become something of a cultural icon, embodying the intersection of sports fandom and modern internet virality.
New Hockey Fans in the Making
Perhaps the most amusing aspect of this viral story is how many people have admitted to being drawn to hockey for the first time because of Dani. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments from people joking (or perhaps not) about suddenly becoming hockey fans.
“Sometimes, that’s all it takes,” one user quipped in response to the growing fanfare.
And they’re not wrong. While the NHL has worked tirelessly to grow its audience through traditional means, moments like this highlight the unpredictable nature of fan engagement in the social media era. A single viral image can do what millions of dollars in advertising sometimes cannot—capture the imagination of a broader audience and bring new fans into the fold.
The Leafs-Devils Game That No One Remembers
Lost in all the commotion is the actual game itself. For the record, the Devils came out on top in a thrilling contest, with Jack Hughes delivering yet another standout performance. But even Hughes’ brilliance on the ice was overshadowed by the unexpected star in the stands.
Fans of the Maple Leafs and Devils have debated whether this viral moment is a distraction from the game or a welcome infusion of excitement into the NHL fandom. Regardless, it’s clear that the Dani Coopps effect has left a lasting impression on hockey fans—and non-fans—around the world.
A Marketing Lesson for the NHL
If there’s one takeaway from this viral sensation, it’s the importance of embracing the unexpected. The NHL has often struggled to compete with other major leagues like the NBA and NFL when it comes to mainstream appeal. Viral moments like this one offer a golden opportunity to capture attention and convert casual observers into dedicated fans.
Rather than shying away from the unconventional nature of Dani’s rise to fame, the NHL should consider how to harness this kind of organic buzz. From spotlighting fans in promotional campaigns to embracing social media trends, there’s a lot the league can learn from this unexpected viral moment.
The Fan Who Stole the Show
As the dust settles on this whirlwind of internet fame, one thing is clear: Dani Coopps has left an indelible mark on the hockey world. Her viral moment at the Leafs-Devils game is a reminder that sports fandom isn’t just about the action on the ice—it’s about the stories, personalities, and unexpected moments that make the experience unforgettable.
Whether or not she intended to, Dani has become a symbol of the power of individuality and the unpredictable nature of modern sports culture. For the NHL, her viral fame is a wake-up call to embrace the diverse and dynamic ways fans engage with the sport.
In the end, Dani’s moment in the spotlight might just be the catalyst for a whole new wave of hockey supporters—and that’s something the league should celebrate.