Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Van Gels.
Hi Keith , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
More than a decade ago, I made a satirical YouTube video with every intention of it being a one-time project. In fact, I originally wanted someone else to appear on camera because I had no interest in being the face of it myself. When nobody volunteered, I reluctantly stepped in.
The video spread throughout the hockey community and, over time, people began encouraging me to continue developing the character I had created. That character—my alter ego—is Kane Van Gate. The easiest comparison is Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite, except instead of obsessing over high school football, he’s a passionate beer-league hockey goalie who believes his accomplishments on the ice carry far more significance than they actually do.
What began as a joke evolved into something I never could have anticipated. I certainly never imagined it would still exist all these years later, much less become a meaningful part of my career. Not long after releasing that first video, I signed with Talent Plus, a local talent agency, and began working in commercial acting. In a very real sense, that one satirical video unexpectedly opened the door to two entirely new professions.
My third career is coaching hockey goaltenders, which naturally complements the other two. I work with athletes at every stage of development—from young goalies just learning the position to NCAA Division I players and professionals pursuing NHL opportunities. Because of that background, I possess both the technical knowledge and the self-awareness that make the Kane Van Gate character amusing to people who know me personally.
Ironically, those who don’t know me often assume the opposite. Many believe Kane Van Gate is my real name, that the character is an authentic representation of who I am, and that I genuinely view my beer-league accomplishments as significant achievements. The humor, of course, lies in the contrast. The character is completely convinced of his own greatness, while I am fully aware of how absurd that mindset is. I think that tension between confidence and self-awareness is what has allowed the character to resonate with so many people for so long.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I truly have very little to complain about, but that doesn’t mean the journey has been effortless. One thing many people underestimate is the amount of work that goes into creating long-form content. The filming is often the easy part; it’s the hours of editing, refining, and storytelling afterward that can be overwhelming enough to make most people quit.
Interestingly, I’ve never struggled with ideas. Not once have I found myself wondering what to create next. Creativity has never been the challenge. For me, the greatest obstacle has always been time.
Between content creation, acting, coaching hockey goaltenders, and family life, my schedule is consistently full. Now, as the father of two young boys, time has become my most valuable resource. Learning how to balance professional ambitions with being present for my family has been both the greatest challenge and the most important priority. More than anything, success has become less about generating ideas and more about managing time wisely enough to pursue those ideas while still being the husband and father I want to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My career path has been anything but conventional. I create hockey-focused content online, work as a commercial actor, and coach ice hockey goaltenders. None of those professions come with a traditional roadmap, and each has taught me something different about perseverance, adaptability, and resilience.
The acting side, in particular, has been a lesson in handling rejection. I audition regularly, and while I’m fortunate to book some opportunities, many more end with a polite “no.” Over the years, that process has helped me develop thick skin and a healthy perspective. Rejection is simply part of the job, not a reflection of your worth.
Coaching has allowed me to carve out a niche that is both professionally rewarding and deeply fulfilling. Combined with content creation and acting, it has given me something I value tremendously: control over my schedule. While my days are often incredibly busy, having the flexibility to be present for my family is a luxury I never take for granted.
I intentionally spend a great deal of time with my two boys, and that is easily what I’m most proud of. Professional accomplishments are meaningful, but being an engaged husband and father has always been the priority.
That said, I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some incredible people and organizations throughout my career. Most notably, I’ve collaborated with the National Hockey League on several projects and trips. As someone who has loved the game my entire life, those experiences are still surreal, and they’ve never lost their sense of excitement.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Honestly, the simplest way people can support what I do is by watching, sharing, and engaging with my content. In today’s digital landscape, views, comments, likes, and shares genuinely matter because they help introduce my work to new audiences and allow me to continue creating content full-time.
Beyond that, I’m always open to meaningful collaborations. Whether it’s a brand looking to connect with the hockey community, a company seeking creative content, or an organization interested in partnering on a project, I enjoy finding authentic ways to work together. The best partnerships are the ones that feel natural and provide value to everyone involved, especially the audience.
At the end of the day, I’ve been fortunate to build an incredible community around the game of hockey. Every view, comment, and conversation contributes to that community’s growth, and I’m genuinely grateful for the people who choose to spend a few minutes of their day watching something I’ve created. Without them, none of this would be possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: HockeyJourney.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/KaneVanGate38
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/KaneVanGate38
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/KaneVanGate38
