Oh people talking about getting into hockey professionally... alright here is what it is from my observations and experience (thread, sorry) in order of importance.

1) The best thing is to play pro hockey, or be related to someone who did. Look at who is in hockey ops; a great deal of them are. It’s unfortunate as if things were 100% merit base it wouldn’t be that way but it is.

2) Make connections. Most of the above people got in because someone already knew about them. If you can’t play pro for that find other ways. Meet people at events, HACs, and other places and try not to be a fan about it.

3) Create a portfolio. Write or podcast or YouTube or whatever. Have a portfolio where people can see your work. Figure out questions people haven’t asked. Redo older work with updated data (cite the old work!!!).

4) Ask those of high profile who still discuss with the public hockey questions. From these conversations you can show your portfolio eventually and/or make connections. Your portfolio gets exposed this way.

5) Get experience. Volunteer for a local team: junior, AAA, minor pro, school, whatever. Maybe you could show some of the work you’ve done in your portfolio and ask if they’d be interested in doing some of these things.

Oh sorry did I say that these are in order... I forgot the true number one... luck.
I worked hard. I did good work. I did what I could. But, I was also lucky.

Also missed... learn. Constantly try to learn and hone your craft.
Do all those things and maximize your chances but realize working in sports is a very niche thing that very few people get to do and generally make less money than they would doing similar work elsewhere.