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In this powerful episode of the Up My Hockey Podcast, Jason Podollan sits down with 18‑year‑old Jackson Drum, a former CDA (Coeur d’Alene Hockey Academy) player whose life changed in an instant after a devastating on-ice collision left him with a C1–C2 “Christopher Reeve” spinal cord injury.

Jackson shares his journey from being a late-start, underestimated hockey kid in Minnesota—told he’d be a “C player” forever—to outworking everyone around him. He walks us through shooting 500 pucks a day until his hands bled, waking up at 3:30 a.m. for extra ice, and grinding his way into CDA’s 17U prep program with a growth mindset and deep faith.

Then he takes us inside the night of the injury: the hit, the immediate paralysis, the eight minutes without breathing, and the string of “coincidences” that kept him alive—a highly trained nurse, a firefighter in the stands, and emergency intervention that saved his life. Jackson describes waking up intubated, unable to move or speak, communicating only with tongue clicks and an alphabet board, enduring a misplaced feeding tube, and living through excruciating pain with no effective medication.

Through it all, he talks candidly about his mental battle: praying for “the opportunity to get better,” refusing to accept doctors’ predictions, celebrating tiny wins like the first leg “flicker” and feeling returning to his left arm, and shifting his dream from playing to walking, coaching, and ultimately “changing the world” and helping others living with paralysis.

Jason and Jackson dive into themes every player and parent can learn from:

• The difference between saying you want it and actually doing the work.
• How a growth mindset and faith prepared Jackson for the hardest moment of his life.
• Setting big, long-term goals (walking, independence) and breaking them into small, daily wins.
• Gratitude and perspective when life doesn’t go to plan.
• Why you should chase your hockey dream fully—so you never live with regret, no matter what happens.

If you or someone you love needs a reminder of what courage, perspective, and persistence look like in real life, this conversation with Jackson Drum will stay with you long after it’s over.

To contribute to Jackson's dream you can support him at https://www.givesendgo.com/prayforjackson

If Jackson’s story hits you, share this episode with a teammate or parent, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. After listening, leave a review and tell us: what’s one small goal you’re committing to this week?

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We sit down with Nick Kypreos to trace a path from a career-ending concussion to a 25-year run in broadcasting, unpacking what resilience looks like when you feel unready and afraid. Along the way we debate Canada’s modern hockey identity, Olympic roster choices, and why competitive edge still wins in the spring.

• resilience after a concussion and job loss
• early broadcast failures, nerves, and growth
• finding your lane as a glue guy
• trust, consistency, and people skills in teams
• media access, distractions, and focus
• playoff style: why heavy, old-school hockey still wins
• Sam Bennett’s value and Olympic snubs
• best players versus best team roster building
• Canada’s identity and hunger in junior pathways
• McDavid’s professionalism and sustainability

If you're somebody out there that hasn't rated the show, and if you're an Apple iPhone user and use the App Store or Apple Podcasts, by all means get out there and and and send a review

Get on the UMH68 watch list at UpmyHockey.com under the UMH68 section

Use code UMH2026 at AYCANE.com for a discount on cut-resistant base layers

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Andrew Cristall shares his remarkable journey from an undersized prospect to WHL scoring leader and Washington Capitals draftee, revealing how criticism and doubt have fueled his ascent in hockey.

• Weighing just over 100 pounds in his WHL draft year yet still selected eighth overall by Kelowna
• Used exceptional hockey IQ and skill to overcome size limitations and perceived skating deficiencies
• Played in the WHL bubble as a 15-year-old during COVID, skipping the traditional U18 level entirely
• Recorded 69 points as a 16-year-old and 95 points in his NHL draft year
• Selected 40th overall by Washington after hoping to go in the first round
• Led the WHL in scoring with 132 points and earned first-team CHL All-Star honors
• Tied the Spokane Chiefs playoff record with 21 goals in 19 games (second most in WHL history)
• Cut from Team Canada's World Junior team despite leading the WHL in scoring
• Focused on improving skating through specific technical training while maintaining his offensive production
• Aiming to make Washington's NHL roster but prepared to develop in Hershey if necessary
• Recognizes that being overlooked has consistently provided motivation throughout his career

Work on your weaknesses until they become strengths, and don't let others define your potential. Hockey IQ and determination can overcome physical limitations.

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Today's guest is the current Assistant Coach of the Edmonton Oilers, Brian Wiseman!

We talk about his playing career his success at Michigan State and of course, the Edmonton Oilers.

We discuss what it's like coaching world-class players like Connor Mcdavid and Leon Draisaitl and how they prepare to dominate on the ice night in and night out.

This is an incredible interview full of value! So if you are serious about taking your hockey game to an elite level, this is for you.

Also, if you are interested in working with me and my team and mastering your mindset, check out the Peak Potential Hockey Project here:

👉👉  https://upmyhockey.com/peak-potential/ 👈👈

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Josh Green is an assistant coach for the #1 team in the CHL, the Winnipeg Ice. 

In this episode, we discuss some of the game's top young stars, many of which are playing on the Winnipeg Ice. 

We discuss Peyton Krebs who was a centerpiece in the recent Jack Eichel trade and we dive into what players can add to their game to help them get recognized. 

If you are interested in learning how you can make it to the WHL or to whatever that next level may be for you, give this episode a listen! 

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This interview is with the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, Kevyn Adams.

Kevyn had a very successful NHL career. He played in over 500 NHL games and spent nearly 10 years playing in the best league on Earth.

After Kevyn retired, he got into the business side of the sport and has now worked his way up to becoming the General Manager for the Buffalo Sabres.

Going through a rebuild with an NHL team is no small task.

The Buffalo Sabres have not found much success over the last few seasons, however, they have a promising future.

With a team full of young talent, the Sabres are primed to turn the corner in the next season or two and begin putting together successful seasons with the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.

However, in order to get there, there are significant challenges and obstacles that Kevyn and the rest of the organization must overcome.

With the recent demotion of captaincy for their star forward Jack Eichel, it is now up to the rest of the young core to fill the leadership role that Jack once filled.

This episode discusses leadership, character, and what it takes to make it in the National Hockey League.

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Dave MacIsaac is an N.C.A.A champion, a Calder Cup champion, and long-time pro.

However, like many hard-working and talented players, he never actually played a game in an NHL jersey. But there is a lot of hockey being played outside of the NHL, and Dave has seen a lot of it.

In this episode we discuss Dave's career and how he made a career as a professional hockey player without playing in a single NHL game.

A new Netflix documentary premiered on Tuesday called "Untold: Crime & Penalties," offering "fresh eyes to epic tales from the wide world of sports." 

In its first installment of the five-part series, the film highlighted the story of the Danbury Trashers — the 2004-2006 hockey team known for its brawls at Danbury Ice Arena.

Dave was actually the captain of the Trashers during their time in the league and has some must-hear stories to go along with his time there...

Enjoy the episode!

This episode is sponsored by Verbero, the exclusive jersey partner of the Danbury Trashers. If you want to get your official Gallante Trashers jersey or your own custom number, follow the link below:
https://www.verbero.com/podollan

For Up My Hockey gear and merch check out this link:
www.verbero.com/pages/up-my-hockey-team-store

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Carsyn is one of the newest members of the Jr. A Cranbrook Bucks of the BCHL. He’s 18 years old and has been a client of mine for a year and a half. 

When Carsyn and I started working together, he had a big goal (earning a D1 scholarship), but he was a player without a lot of confidence and without an identity. 

Carsyn and I started playing the long game. We figured out what was going to have to happen for Carsyn to get the results that he wanted. Carsyn bought in and worked hard at his craft on and off the ice. He developed the mindset required to improve as a hockey player while also improving as a person. 

The road is never smooth, but there are opportunities at every corner and Carsyn kept raising his standards and his commitment. He put one good day on top of the other and he ended up with a job in the BCHL – one huge step closer to reaching his goal of playing for a D1 university in the USA. 

There are many lessons to learn from this interview and plenty of inspiration. Enjoy! 

If you are a hockey player with big dreams too, and you’d like to know more about how mindset can help you grow your game, check out the Peak Potential Hockey Project! It is a 4 – week mindset program for hockey players designed and coached by me! It includes everything Carsyn and I talked about in this episode and it is making a huge difference for all those who have enrolled. 

Check it out at: 

www.umyhockey.com/peak-potential 

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Derek Plant was a NCAA Division 1 hockey player at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

From there Derek was drafted in the 8th round of the NHL draft but still found himself in the mix for the Calder trophy as one of the top Rookies in the NHL the following season.

Derek is known for scoring a game 7 overtime playoff winner with the Buffalo Sabres.

He played nearly 500 NHL games and won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars.

While Derek Plante has had an incredible career as a player, what excites me most about this interview is his current insights into the world of hockey for young athletes.

After retirement, Derek went on to become a skills development coach with the Chicago Blackhawks before earning the role as head coach for Minnesota Duluth.
The past summer, Derek was named head coach of the U18 USA development team where they earned a bronze medal at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Derek works with world-class prospects on a daily basis and he knows what scouts, coaches, GM’s and teammates are looking for in a player.

Listen up, and get ready to elevate your game.

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Chris Dingman was a 19th overall draft pick to the Calgary Flames in 1994.

Dingman had an incredible NHL career as he ended up winning 2 Stanley Cups while playing alongside some of the NHL's all-time greats.

From Joe Sakic to Ray Bourque in Colorado and Martin St.Louis to Brad Richards in Tampa, the amount of all-stars that Dingman got to play with is truly incredible.

Throughout this episode, Chris talks about his journey through the hockey world and his arrival in the NHL.

Chris discusses what it was like being a first round draft pick and being pegged as "washed-up" by the media at the age of 20...

Chris had to handle coaches he didn't like, opportunities he didn't get, and how he kept pushing through to have the N.H.L career that he did.

Listen to an incredible interview with 2X Stanley Cup Champion, Chris Dingman.

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Mackenze Stewart is a highly sought-after player development and life skills coach. His program has been recognized and used at the NHL level working with the Vancouver Canucks, as well as many young aspiring athletes. 

Mackenze’s unique journey to the NHL has made him into a passionate leader that brings the same level of intensity and work ethic to each client. 

Born with a hearing impairment and having to start the game at the age of 12 Mackenze reached an impossible feat of getting drafted to the NHL, and not a year later he signed his first NHL contract.

Throughout this interview, Mackenze discusses what it was like always being the player to "beat the odds".  

He discusses how challenging it was to ignore teammates who had him pegged as a "try-hard" or someone who took the game too seriously.

Mackenze shares his story about focusing on what mattered to him, and not the opinions of others. 

Enjoy this powerful conversation with Mackenze Stewart.

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Jason Blake had an incredible NHL career.

He played over 800 games, was an Olympian, a 40 goal scorer and was a pivotal player for 4 NHL teams.

But Jason's career did not come without its share of battles and adversity.

On October 8, 2007, Jason Blake announced that he had been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a rare, but highly treatable form of cancer.  Jason continued to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the rest of the season. He was awarded, in part, the Masterton Trophy for his absolute dedication to his team and the sport in the face of this illness.

Over the course of the podcast we discuss the challenges that Blake faced and how he carved out a role for himself by playing 6 inches taller than he really was.

Listen to his story of adversity and success!

Enjoy

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Morgan Geekie shares his journey from small-town Manitoba to becoming a 33-goal scorer for the Boston Bruins, highlighting the importance of resilience and embracing your unique development path in professional hockey.

• From being drafted 90th overall in the WHL to 67th in the NHL after being overlooked in his first year of eligibility
• Started this season as a healthy scratch before scoring more goals than NHL stars like Nathan McKinnon and Jack Eichel
• Growing up in Strathclair, Manitoba (population ~700) and developing alongside his brothers, including Connor Geekie
• The mental challenges of transitioning from being a fan to playing alongside NHL stars you once idolized
• Importance of time spent in the AHL for proper development and appreciation of the NHL
• How Boston's team culture, where "everything is earned," helped shape his professional approach
• Balancing old school and new school hockey mentalities as someone who bridges the generational gap

The lesson from Morgan's story is powerful: everyone's development timeline is different, and the path to success isn't linear. Control what you can control, embrace where you are, and keep pushing forward - your ceiling might be higher than you imagine.

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Mark Deyell, along with Frank Banham and Clarke Wilm, broke the WHL in the 1995/96 season with the Saskatoon Blades. Their line combined for 193 goals scored (Banham 83, Deyell 61, Wilm 49), while the rest of their entire team scored 121 goals.  

Deyell’s 159 points in 1996 has not been broken since.  

Deyell was small, a great play-maker, and an agitator. There was something about his style of play that got underneath the other team’s skin – heck, he even got under the skin of his own teammates from time to time! However, Mark always found a way to produce and get things done. He was gritty and played hard between the whistles. 

Mark was the centerpiece of a very strange set of circumstances in 1999. 

As a teammate of mine in St. John’s, I watched Mark carry the puck up the ice and enter the offensive zone. He was being pursued from behind and his feet were lifted up from underneath him as he fell forward. His rising skate caught defenseman Jeff Libby in the eye. Jeff lost his eye from the accident and was forced to leave the game and pursue another career. 

Fast forward 5 months later, on the same sheet of ice, Mark Deyell gets caught with a stick in the eye during a playoff game against the St. John Flames. He knew something very bad just happened. Mark lost his vision in the eye and would later retire due to the injury. 

Crazy right???? What are the chances? So tragic... two careers cut way too short.

We discuss how Mark was failed after the accidents and about a career that could have been. 

Enjoy my conversation with Mark Deyell.  

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Todd Hlushko is currently the Director of Player Development/Director of Pro Scouting for German team Adler Mannheim.

Hlushko played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins. He played with the Canadian national team and was a member of Canada's silver medal-winning team at the 1994 Winter Olympics and bronze medal squad at the 1995 World Championship.

Todd and I played together for a few seasons in Germany and I will never forget the stories and amount of fun that this guy brought to the locker room every day.

Todd talks about his career and how he had to play a hard nose style of game to make it to the National Hockey League.

Enjoy this episode with Todd Hlushko

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Jason Krog won the Hobey Baker and dominated in the AHL... But why did he only play 200 NHL games?

In this episode on the up my hockey podcast, Jason Krog discusses his career from Junior A, to the N.C.A.A to the National Hockey League. 

He discusses what it was like playing with players such as Paul Kariya, and recalls what I think to be one of the greatest comebacks in sports... The infamous Scott Stevens open-ice hit.

He also discusses his issues overcoming his size and handling being told he is "too small" to make it to the next level.

This episode is full of great stuff and stories,

Make sure to check out the full interview.

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Kaleb Dahlgren is a survivor of the Humbolt Broncos tragedy on April 6th, 2018.

"The power of our choices and our decisions is profound."

This interview is with an inspiring young man who has gone through one of the greatest tragedies in the sporting world.

Kaleb discusses what his life was like after that tragic day and the choices that he had to make in order to move forward.

Kaleb touches on how you can change your perspective, and be grateful for the memories and times shared with the people you care about and love.

He discusses how he had to find acceptance, instead of searching for answers that he would never find or understand.

Kaleb recently published a book called Crossroads in which he discusses the different ways in which you can respond to tragic situations.   He wants to help others climb out of dark places and times of uncertainty after they go through traumatic experiences themselves.

This is an incredible person with a powerful mindset.

Please listen, share and make sure to check out Kaleb's book.

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Conor Geekie is a 16 year old hockey player for the Winnipeg Ice.

Conor was selected 2nd overall in the WHL draft a season ago and is preparing for the NHL draft next season.

He currently is 2nd in the WHL in rookie scoring and is averaging nearly 1 point per game as a 16 year old.

Conor provides advice to all young hockey players hoping to hear their name called In future bantam drafts and sheds light on the current situation in the WHL surrounding COVID-19.

Enjoy this interview with 16 year old, Conor Geekie

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Josh is a rookie for the Ottawa Senators and is currently tied for the team lead in scoring with 30 points through 48 games.

Josh is a huge advocate for building your mental side of the game.  

Throughout this episode Norris discusses:

- What it takes to play in the national hockey league

- What it was like growing up and playing hockey in Germany

- How he focusses on mindset on his character

- His journey throughout his hockey career

- How to keep the game fun and the importance of enjoying it 

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Brooks Christensen is the current GM of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL.

The BCHL is the top Junior A league in Canada in terms of moving athletes on to NCAA.

Recently, the BCHL has been looking to leave the National Junior A league and become a league of their own.

Brooks talks about this in detail and explains why he believes that is the best thing for the league and the benefits that come along with that.  

He also dives into the recruitment process and the struggles that COVID has brought along with it without players getting a chance to play, and the impact this has had on their athletes trying to get scholarships to the United States.

There is a lot of great stuff in this episode and tons of useful information for athletes to be aware of!

Enjoy the episode with Brooks Christensen.

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This was an incredibly powerful interview with my ex-teammate and 14 year NHL pro, Chris Joseph.

Chris is the father of Jaxon Joseph, who was a member of the Humbolt Broncos.
Jaxon passed away alongside 15 others in this horrific crash, on April 6th, 2018.

Chris talks openly and passionately about the passing of his son and the impact that an event like this has had on not only Chris's life but all the friends, families, and communities affected by this accident.

Chris also dives into some key learnings and lessons that he encountered over his 14 year NHL career and brings up the importance of confidence and preparedness.

He reflects on his time playing alongside Wayne Gretzky and the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Edmonton Oilers, and discusses what he wishes he had done differently.

This is a must-listen episode with Chris Joseph.

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René Corbet is a retired NHL player , who during his career including for the Colorado Avalanche , Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League and the Adler Mannheim in the German league as well.

He is a Stanley Cup Champion and had the privilege's of playing with NHL legends such as; 

Peter Forsberg, Joe Sakic, Mario Lemieux, Jari Kurri, Adam Foote, and that's just to name a few.

Rene talks about his time as stall mates with the legendary Mario Lemieux, and what he told him a few weeks into the season.

Rene acknowledges the opportunities that he was given were not initially what he had pictured, but the outcome was far greater than he could have ever predicted.

From a 79 goal scorer in Junior, to a Stanley Cup champion as a role player, I bring you, my interview with Rene Corbet.

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This weeks podcast is a special one. 

This week, I interviewed 16 year old Nathan Mackie. 

Nathan is currently playing in the midget AAA league and has signed a letter of intent with the B.C.H.L’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks. 

What amazes me about Nathan is watching his growth over the past 6 months, and seeing how he has grown as a person and as a hockey player by working on certain skills that most athletes simply are not training. 

Let me explain. 

About 6 months ago Nathan became one of my personal clients in the up my hockey coaching program.  

About a month into working together Nathan thought he was going to play a year of midget AA because he was told he was not good enough to play on the AAA team. Deep down he knew he was more than capable of playing on that team. 

In this interview we go over what Nathan did in a 6 month span that took him from being “not good enough” for midget AAA, to signing a letter of intent with a top notch Junior A team in the B.C.H.L. 

And I’ll give you a hint, it was not simply, work harder or lift more weights in the gym.

Enjoy this interview with my friend and client,  Nathan Mackie.

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Mitch Wahl, a former second-round NHL draft pick and Memorial Cup champion, shares his 15-year professional journey from the Spokane Chiefs to European leagues.

• California native who was drafted 4th overall to the WHL's Spokane Chiefs
• Won the Memorial Cup championship in 2008, his NHL draft year
• Selected 48th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2008 NHL Draft
• Represented Team USA at the World Junior Championships
• Career-altering injuries during his first pro season coincided with management changes in Calgary
• Found success in European professional leagues, playing in Sweden, Finland, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany
• Discusses the importance of building relationships and having organizational allies
• Explains how preparation creates confidence regardless of results
• Reflects on how hockey provided incredible life experiences and global travel opportunities
• Currently playing his 15th professional season in Germany at age 35

Play hard and keep your head up to maximize your hockey journey, finding success wherever the game takes you.

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From "Pain Killer", by Brantt Myhres:

"Brantt Myhres wasn't around for the birth of his daughter. Myhres had played for seven different NHL teams, and had made millions. He'd been suspended four times, all for drug use, and he had partied his way out of the league. By the time his daughter was born, he was penniless, sleeping on a friends couch, having been released from police custody just hours before. He had a choice of sticking around for the birth, or showing up for rehab. He went to rehab. For the fifth time."

I knew Brantt. He was my teammate for a partial season in Spokane with the Chiefs. The Brantt I knew, I wanted to be like. He was big and strong and respected. And he could put the puck in the net too. He liked to laugh and make people laugh. He liked the ladies and the ladies liked him. He was a good guy and a good teammate.

I never knew the Brantt I read about in the book. I didn't want to be like the Brantt in the book. It was a hard read for me at times, as it will be for you. It made me ask "Why?", and "How?" a hundred times. But as much as you want to slap Brantt silly for the poor choices he was making, we root for him. You have to. And he comes out on the otherside.

From everything to nothing to a man filled with purpose. After 13 years sober, Brantt will never stop fighting for sobriety and being the best father he can. 

This is an interesting conversation with my friend and ex-teammate Brantt Myhres. I hope you enjoy it.

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You just can't make this stuff up.

Andy Sutton's career path to some is unbelievable. To all, it's unlikely. However, it's real and it happened, and that's what I love about success - contrary to popular belief, it DOES NOT always follow the most talented.

That's not to say Andy wasn't talented. He was. You are required to have an elite skillset to play big minutes in the NHL. But teams weren't chasing him at 16. Or 17. And when he was 18 he wasn't drafted to the NHL. He was passed over again at 19. But Sutton was offered a partial scholarship to a small Div. I school called Michigan Tech.

At that time he was a forward.

1.5 seasons into his college he had 3 goals. Then on a suggestion from visiting coach Pierre Page, he switched to defense.

After Sutton's 3rd season he had a grand total 16 points in 83 games. He didn't have an agent. No one was calling to sign him. Professional hockey at any level wasn't in doubt, and Andy was considering what to do with his degree.

Then something crazy happened. He trained his mind to let go, to live with intention, to put in the work required so he could trust his instincts on the ice. And his game blew up.

As a D-Man, Sutton went off in his senior year. 40 points in 38 games... 16 goals! Defensive Player of the Year. And 14 NHL teams who wanted to sign him... for money that a first rounder would get.

The next season, Sutton made his way into the NHL, and stayed there... for 14 years. What a difference a year can make.

Find out the lesson's Andy learned along the way and what he thinks made the difference for him.

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Brad May played hard. 

He loved the battle areas - in front of the net, in the corners, and at the lines. Every time May had the opportunity to use his will against his opponent he would rise to the challenge. Many times in Brad's 1000 game career, that challenge also meant dropping the gloves. Brad it loved every time.

Many players will say (even the heavyweight enforcers), that they didn't like to fight. That it messed with their heads and the anxiety it caused was mentally exhausting. Brad doesn't feel that way - he LOVED it. In fact he says that is one of the things he misses most about not playing  - he can't fight.

However, May was much more than a fighter. He was a great teammate, always a fan favorite and an ambassador of the game where ever he played. 

He also scored some  big goals.

Brad May scored 131 goals in his career, but none was more memorable for hockey fans than  the one scored on April 24th, 1993. 

May was playing for the Buffalo Sabres and they were deadlocked in overtime against the heavily favored Boston Bruins. It was the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Sabres had miraculously won the first 3 games. They needed one more to end it. They couldn't give the Bruins any life.

And Brad May ended any hopes of a comeback. May received a pass cutting through the neutral zone from Sabre legend, Pat LaFontaine. Brad beat Bruins Hall of Famer, Ray Bourque 1 on 1, put a sick move on the tender, Andy Moog, and ended it.

The goal was beautiful and important, but the call by Rick Jeanneret was what made it even more special. Jeanneret screamed "Mayday!" again and again after Brad scored and the entire scene will be forever etched in our minds.

And with one goal, "Mayday" become his nickname for life. 

Mayday is a very charismatic guy with tons of stories. We revisit the famous goal, but we also talk about his humble beginnings to first round draft pick, the grind of establishing himself as an NHL regular, and the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in  2007.

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In 2004 when Cristobal Huet joined our team in Mannheim he was hard to beat. Really hard.

Every practice was the same. He would do everything in his power to stop EVERY shot. And some of the time he did.

I always admired Huet's competitiveness. Sure he was athletic, and technically sound, but his greatest attribute was his attitude. He would not stop trying! And he did it all with a smile on his face.

Attitude means everything when it comes to high performance and playing on a team. Your attitude affects your engagement, your own level effort and your commitment, but it also has an impact on those around you. Cristobal elevated our entire team every practice.

Huet played almost 300 NHL games and was one of the best goalies in the game for a couple seasons. He played for the Kings, Canadiens, Capitals and Blackhawks, where he won the greatest trophy on earth in 2010.

From humble beginnings in France, where Cristobal got his first goalie coach at 22 years of age,  Huet was the second player ever from that country to wear an NHL jersey.

We discuss it all... enjoy the conversation.

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Nolan Pratt had a 9 season, 592 game NHL career as a "stay at home" defenseman. If we count play-off games, Nolan totaled 630 career games. And Nolan scored a grand total of 9 goals.

Nolan shares how at the start of his career, while in the AHL, he battled with his identity. He wanted to be offensive. He thought scoring points was the only way to get noticed and receive the opportunity in the NHL that he wanted.

However, not everyone is meant to score points at the NHL level and Pratt decided to embrace what he was - a solid, dependable defender.

That choice not only solidified himself as a NHL regular, it also earned him two time Stanley Cup Championships. The first in 2001 with the Colorado Avalanche and the second in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Nolan got in to coaching after his retirement as a player and found joy in supporting players in the AHL make their way to the Show or establish successful pro careers. Pratter earned his promotion to the NHL for the 2016-2017 season with the Colorado Avalanche and he hasn't looked back since.

Nolan is responsible for the defensive pairings and the penalty kill units, where Colorado has been among the league leaders the past couple seasons.

In this conversation we cover a lot of great topics, like how to parent an aspiring athlete with big dreams, coachability, passion, the skill of self-assessment and much, much more.

Enjoy the conversation with my former Bantam teammate, Nolan Pratt.

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After an incredible season 1, and 50 episodes with some of the most influential people in the hockey world, we are taking a look at some of the highlights along the way.

Kevin Pedersen - NHL scout for the Arizona Coyotes - Dives into what it takes to get to where you want to go.  

Kevin Sawyer - Ex NHL heavy weight and Winnipeg Jets Broadcaster - Shares a story from when he was coached by one of the most successful coaches in NHL history, Mike Babcock.

Daniel Briere - Undersized NHL all-star - Danny Briere shares his secret about what he did off the ice, to finally crack an NHL lineup and set him up for an incredible career.

Brad Larsen - Assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets -  The importance of accountability and leadership if you want to succeed at all levels

Trevor Letowski - Head Coach of the Windsor Spitfire - How to overcome slumps and confidence issues

Enjoy this episode and if haven't heard episodes 1 to 5, they are worth you revisiting them!

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Try and find someone who doesn't like Ryan Johnson. Go ahead, I'll wait....

Still waiting... That's what I thought... You couldn't do it. 

Ryan Johnson is one the best guys you will ever meet and I think you will be happy to spend 2 hours with him.

I had the privilege of calling RJ my roommate in our first year pro. We were both second round draft picks by the Panthers in 1994 and we both had dreams of retiring As Panthers together.

We were young and motivated and naive. It didn't take long for us to figure out how pro hockey worked and 3/4 quarters of the way into our season, I was traded and we basically never saw each other again.

Ryan went on to play 700 games in the NHL. Almost all of which were played after my 41. He took a little longer to get there, but he stuck around for a hell of a lot longer! We talk about this lesson and his approach to becoming an NHL player.

We also discuss his role as Director of Player Development for the Vancouver Canucks and GM of the Utica Comets. 

As usual, there are lots of lessons and some great stories as you listen to the two of us discuss hockey and what it takes to become a professional.

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Rhett Warrener and I first crossed paths as members of Canada’s national U17 team. We were both coming off successful 16 year old seasons in the WHL, (Rhett was in Saskatoon and I was with Spokane) when Hockey Canada gave us the phone call that we were chosen to travel to Japan and play in the Pacific Cup.  

We were reunited at the 94 draft, when Rhett was chosen 26th overall and I went 5 picks later, both to the Florida Panthers. 

We were reunited again in 96 when we represented Canada at the World Junior Championship held in Boston, where we won the gold. We even appear together on the back of one of Rhett’s hockey cards, celebrating after we won the final! 

I joined Rhett and the Panthers for their epic 1996 playoff run, after my season with Spokane ended. I was a “black ace”, but Rhett was playing regular minutes. The Panthers made it to the final, but got swept by Colorado. 

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Terry Ryan is someone you want to be around. He makes you smile. He makes you laugh. And he makes you feel good. I always enjoy my conversations with TR and I know you will enjoy this one. 

Terry was a child prodigy when it came to hockey. He grew early, he understood the game, he could finish, and at 14 years old – he also found out he could fight. 

Being a child star comes with a lot of pressures. Some just and some unjust, but you have to learn to navigate them either way and Terry discusses how he learned to manage and the steps his family took to provide the best opportunity for him. 

Ryan went on to a WHL career that included a 50 goal season as a 17 year-old with the Tri-City Americans, which earned him an 8th overall selection to the Montreal Canadians in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. 

Along with a big signing bonus came big expectations and Terry was ready to tackle the NHL, but a change in management with the Canadians came with new bosses who didn’t see him in quite the same lens. 

Terry ran into problems with his coach, Michel Therrien, in the AHL and he couldn’t find his way out of the doghouse. Terry ended up losing his identity as a goal scorer and began fighting more than his 50 goal hands should have been.  

We reflect on Terry’s career. Some things he is proud of and some things he would have changed. But his journey has brought him to where he is today and he is proud of the man and the father he has become. That’s hockey, and that’s life. Keep learning and keep growing. 

Thank you Terry for sharing your story. Enjoy the conversation. 

If you want to reach out to Terry and get a personalized edition of his second book “Fights, Film, & Folklore” reach out on Instagram @terryryan2020 

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Tyler Wright was the 12th overall draft pick in the 1991 NHL entry draft to the Edmonton Oilers. Wright was a junior star, scoring 50 goals one season for the Swift Current Broncos.

Tyler's success with the Bronco's earned him consecutive spots on Canada's World Junior team, where he earned the gold in 1993 in Sweden, after failing to medal in 1992. As if often the case with junior stars, Tyler's junior pedigree did not initially transfer to the pro level. Wright struggled to find his way for his first 3 seasons and ended up in a trade for a 7th round pick to Pittsburgh - and Wright was in a deep dark hole.

We discuss this time in Tyler's career, how he got through it, and the one pivotal person who helped him believe in himself again.

Wright ended up playing over 600 NHL games and had a very successful career. Now he spends his time trying to  identify what 18 year old hockey players will be able to become NHL contributors as the Director of Scouting for the Edmonton Oilers. 

Learn what Tyler looks for in a player, how he manages draft day and his favorite question to ask his area scouts when discussing a prospect.

Enjoy the conversation!

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Jeremy Mylymok, former pro hockey player and current director of hockey at Coeur d'Alene Hockey Academy, shares his remarkable journey from a California skateboarder to Notre Dame Hounds student to professional hockey champion, revealing how character development and consistent effort create pathways to success in hockey and life.

• Character is defined as "how you behave when nobody's watching"
• Consistent effort in practice, weight room, and off-hours separates successful players from others
• Honest feedback from coaches is crucial for development even when difficult to hear
• Mental toughness is often the most overlooked but important component of player development
• The journey from Notre Dame Hounds to University of Alaska Anchorage to professional hockey
• Winning championships with the Chicago Wolves after starting as an unlikely prospect
• Building Coeur d'Alene Hockey Academy with a focus on developing the right players, not just the best
• Comprehensive facilities with on-site training, academics, and development create the ideal environment
• The importance of self-motivated players who utilize available resources during free time
• Finding coaches and programs that understand your child as both a player and person

If you're considering where your player might continue their development, Coeur d'Alene Hockey Academy offers exceptional facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and a proven approach to player development in a beautiful setting with spots available for the upcoming season.

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Rick Vaive was a sniper and a top prospect. Going into his draft in 1979, he was coming off a 76 goal season. He also spent 199 minutes in the penalty box that year. His season was good enough to get him drafted 5th overall by the Vancouver Canucks. It was also a sign of things to come in the NHL. 

Rick Vaive loved scoring goals and was wired to compete. His competitive nature and hatred of losing often got him in the penalty box, but it also earned him the Maple Leaf captaincy at 22 years of age. 

He was the new face of the franchise and it was his team lead. Rick thrived under the spotlight and produced 3 consecutive 50 goal seasons in the 80’s and to this day is still the only player in Maple Leaf history to score 50 goals in a season. The personal success was bittersweet. Unfortunately, the team did not have the success the fans or Rick wanted during this time. 

The chaos surrounding a Harold Ballard team, the lack of team success and some personal struggles, meant Vaive’s career was not without controversy. He had the captaincy taken away from him after missing a morning skate and was later traded to the Blackhawks.  

We get into some of his career, but I left most of that for those who will read his book. Rick released his autobiography, “Catch 22”, earlier this year, where he chronicles his career and the ups and downs in it.  

In this conversation we talk about coaching, parenting, mindset, competitiveness and character… and a lot of other things. I think you will see a side Rick Vaive you haven’t seen before, enjoy. 

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Willie O'Ree is a legend. 

Mr. O'Ree is a legend that until all too recently I wasn't aware of.

I regret having to admit that. My ignorance to one of the games greatest stories is not something I am proud of, but I am grateful for knowing it now. And I am also grateful to have spent an hour with this incredible human being.

Willie O'Ree broke the NHL color barrier in 1958, when he suited up with the Boston Bruins for a weekend set against the Montreal Canadians. There were only 6 teams in the league at that point. Only 120 players in the world got to call themselves NHL'ers each season - Willie O'Ree was one of them - he was an NHL'er.

What captivated me most about this discussion was Willie's personality. He was engaging, contemplative, and sharp, and he's 85 years young. So many experiences are wrapped up those 85 years and I did my best to try and capture some lessons while we honored the past.

The history of the game is something we should take more pride in as a hockey culture. Understanding those who came before us, their accomplishments and their struggles, can only strengthen our love affair with the sport.

O'Ree had a such a passion for hockey that he overcome great odds and unimaginable adversity to live out his dream and wear an NHL jersey. 21 years of professional hockey to his credit, and he did it all without the use of his right eye! The story gets even better too, but I'll let you hear it from Willie himself.

Sport is about people, and Willie O'Ree is a person whose story we should all know. We should all have conversations with our players and our children about Willie. 

Enjoy my conversation with one of the game's greatest gentleman, Mr. Willie O'Ree.

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David Quinn is a straight shooter. He knows hockey. He also knows people. And he believes that if you take care of the person, the hockey player will thrive. It’s a coaching philosophy that is gaining popularity in the sport – some are just better at it than others. David Quinn has been doing it his entire career. 

The head coach of the New York Rangers also has a sternness about him that lets you know he means business. He balances this sternness with a sense of approachability that makes him easy to talk to. David Quinn didn’t give me canned answers to my questions. He didn’t fill me up with cliches.  

We had a conversation. 

David Quinn’s humility shone through in this interview. Here was the head coach of New York Rangers talking shop with someone he’s never met, and making it feel like we’ve done this many times before.  

I bet his players know they can walk through his office door, or ask him a question on the ice at any time… but they also know they better be prepared to hear a straight and honest answer and it might be something they don’t want to hear. 

That’s called integrity. David Quinn is prepared to have the tough conversations. 

There are so many lessons contained within this interview I don’t where to start if I wanted to summarize them. 

Enjoy this candid conversation with one of NHL’s newest coaches… he also happens to be one of the most respected. 

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Not many players can say their first NHL training camp happened at 28 years old, but Derek Ryan can. 

Derek’s road to the NHL was not typical. It was so far from typical you might think it was made up. However, that is one of my favorite things about sports… it’s real.  

Derek never got drafted. 

Derek never signed as free agent out of junior. 

He played Canadian University hockey for 4 years. 

Doc played 3 seasons in a mediocre Austrian league. 

Then he moved to Sweden for 1 year. 

Then signed a 2-way NHL contract at 28 years old. 

Derek recently signed a 3 year contract for over 9 million dollars with the Calgary Flames. 

You can’t make this stuff up! 

Lots of lessons in this one and you will hear some familiar themes: professionalism, trust, character, relationships, mental toughness, perseverance. 

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Dane Jackson was a what some might call a journeyman pro hockey player.

He was drafted in the 3rd round by the Canucks and went on to play 671 AHL games 45 NHL games with 8 different teams.  He wore a letter (C or an A) on 5 of those teams and was recognized as a leader throughout his career.

Dane took the role of leader seriously. He knew what it took to be a professional - consistency, preparation, integrity... and HE MADE THOSE AROUND HIM BETTER. 

True leaders lift others up and Dane had a remarkable ability to do just that. In this episode we uncover just how valuable his presence was to other aspiring players toward the end of his playing career.

When you have a 600 game NHL veteran,  reflecting on their career saying, "I wanted to be like Dane Jackson," you know you have a special individual on your hands.

After his retirement Dane entered the coaching ranks and has been a part of the staff at University of North Dakota, his alma mater, for the past 15 seasons. He loves giving back to those who want to be better and in this episode we talk about all the intangible "human" traits that make you a better hockey player.

When I originally requested this interview, my main motivation was to untangle some of the controversy of the Mitchell Miller saga. Miller was playing for Jackson at UND prior to his release from the program. Although we do touch on Mitchell, this interview turned out to be much much more than that.

Dane Jackson is a class act. He is a leader. He also happens to be a great coach and role model.

I am honored to have him on the pod.

Enjoy this fantastic guide on how to be a better leader, teammate, and high performer.  

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I don’t have the space to list all the accomplishments of Jarome Iginla. 

“First ballot Hall of Famer”, is the one accolade that sums up his career perfectly. In my opinion, he was also the greatest power forward of his era.

1554 NHL regular season games

81 NHL play-off games

625 career goals

1300 career points

1 Art Ross 

2 Rocket Richard's

2 Memorial Cups

2 Olympic Gold Medals

1 World Championship

1 World Junior Championship

1 win away from a Stanley Cup

Like I said, we could go on and on about what Iggy accomplished on the ice, but Jarome was also a Hall of Famer off the ice.

Character, class, integrity, leadership, and professionalism are all apt adjectives for Jarome. He was a leader of men and also a leader in the community. 

For all you hockey players out there who are looking for a role model – on and off the ice – pick Iggy. He treats people right, he’s humble, he’s grateful, he’s gritty and he was a fierce competitor. He is the exact type of person you want to build a franchise around and model your game after.

The Calgary Flames and their fans were blessed to have him for 15 seasons. NHL fans everywhere were blessed to watch him suit up for 20 seasons.

In this interview we discuss the evolution of Jarome Iginla – from player, to star, to captain, to father, to coach.

Enjoy the conversation.

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When Ken Reid called me and asked if I’d like to be a part of his new book called “One To Remember”, I wasn’t sure what to say. Ken wanted to tell the stories of various players who scored a grand total of one NHL goal in their careers.  

I liked the idea, but a piece of me didn’t want to deal go down that road. 

Telling the story about my one NHL goal would require me to admit there should have been more and perhaps have to explain why I underachieved. 

For me, my one goal has always been an example of failure. Failure to have the career I dreamed of. Failure to step into my potential as a player. Failure to figure out how to become an NHL regular. 

But working on the book with Ken helped to change that a little bit for me.  

He made me recognize what a huge accomplishment ONE goal is. Scoring a goal in the NHL has only been done by 5000 other humans… ever. So regardless of what could have been, might have been, or should have been, I did score a goal in the greatest league in the world.  

That goal represents pints of blood, buckets of sweat and pools of tears that were donated to its pursuit. Countless hours on busses, at the rink and riding the bike invested in the chase for more. But for some of us, there was only one and that “ONE To Remember” can never be taken from us. 

Thank you Ken for reminding me that my goal against Ron Hextall and the Philadelphia Flyers is something to be proud of, not something to look at with embarrassment. 

This a great conversation with one of the nicest guys in the game. Ken Reid is a grinder, a professional, and he knows how to treat people. He also knows how to tell a pretty damn good story! 

 There are lots of parallels we can take from Ken’s journey to the mountain top… intention, coachability, accountability and practice. Want to be good at something? Grab those 4 traits and I like your chances. 

Please enjoy my interview with Mr. Ken Reid. 

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I am sitting at my desk trying to write an episode description for myself and it's weird.

I have been looking at my keyboard for a while now, and not sure how to do this. Perhaps I should begin with how it came to be.

Nick Konarowski is a Maple Leaf fan, a sports memorabilia collector, and a fan of Up My Hockey. He was also starting his own podcast called “Jersey Stories” when he asked me if I’d be willing to interview for it. Apparently, my first game with the Maple Leafs was also his first game watching the Maple Leafs live, so it seemed appropriate for us to talk.

Nick conducted a great interview and I enjoyed being his guest. However, prior to releasing my episode, Nick’s employer thought "Jersey Stories" might be a conflict of interest and asked him to stop producing the podcast. So that left him with my episode in the can and one that would never be heard. 

We came up with the idea that I should use it as an episode for Up My Hockey.

Once I got past my hesitation and resistance to publish a personal episode, I concluded that it made sense and I had to get over my own insecurities. Since my story is the reason why this podcast exists, I realized it deserved to be told. 

Nick and I get into all the good stuff… Spokane, my draft year, my draft day and the CRAZY Cliff Fletcher story, World Junior gold, my trades, pro hockey and a whole lot more. We also finish with three stories about my favorite pieces of memorabilia that I enjoyed sharing.

There is also a story about a horse. I’m shaking my head just thinking about it.

I hope you enjoy my story… this in the story of Jason Podollan.

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If you look up Jarred Smithson on HockeyDB, you’ll probably notice something pretty quickly – Jarred never scored a lot of goals.  He never had more than 12 in a season as a pro and topped out at 14 in junior. 

He wasn’t drafted in bantam. 

He wasn’t drafted by an NHL team either. Twice he was passed over. 

But he did play 606 games in the best league in the world.

Smithson went on to play 10 straight seasons in the NHL after breaking through as a 26-year-old with the Nashville Predators. 

Some younger athletes might be asking how he did it? Most of them think only the super skilled players that score all the goals and get all the points go on to the glory of the NHL. But that’s just not true, and you see it time and time again. 

Smithson played 600 games in the NHL because he embraced a role, and he did it well. 

He perfected his face-offs. He played with energy. He hit. He knew how to play defense and be reliable in his own end. His coach could trust him. He killed penalties.  He would defend his teammates. He was a good teammate and well-liked in the dressing room. 

This is not to say Jerred wasn’t skilled - you must be incredibly good at all aspects of your game to play regular minutes at that level - but Smithson never tried to be something his coach didn’t want him to be. He knew his role and he filled that role with pride and to the best of his ability.

This conversation is filled with lessons. Perseverance. Belief. Passion. Coachability. Accountability. Resilience. I know you’ll enjoy it.

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Dampy Brar, former pro-hockey player and co-founder of Apna Hockey was recently named the winner of the 2020 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award at the NHL Award's Banquet.  

Dampy also happens to be a member of the “Up My Hockey – Parent Group” I host on Facebook.  

The Parent Group is a private group dedicated to hockey families all over North America and designed to be the ultimate hockey resource for parents to successfully navigate the journey of their aspiring players. 

One of my habits within the group, is to personally welcome new members by greeting them on Messenger. When I messaged Dampy, his name got my attention - I had never met a “Dampy” before – but I was also curious about his profile picture. He was wearing hockey gear and clearly looked like a pro or junior player. 

I almost never asked him, but my curious nature got the best of me, and I asked if he played pro before. We ended up having a short conversation over Messenger and it was eventually unveiled that he won the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award (moral of the story – be curious and interested about the people you meet!). 

I quickly invited Dampy for an interview and he graciously accepted. I am so thankful for our fateful encounter. Hearing the stories directly from hockey ambassadors like Dampy, who are tirelessly dedicating their energy towards our youth athletes and growing the diversity of the game is powerful. 

Black, brown, yellow, white, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Sikh, boy, girl, straight or gay… hockey is a game for everyone. Diversity is a strength, but right now it is a weakness in our sport. We collectively need to make it more accessible and more inclusive to all. 

Dampy’s organization, Apna Hockey, has a mandate to increase participation and social change in hockey within the South Asian community across Canada. Apna hockey ensures South Asian players have access to mentorship and hockey programs in major cities across Canada.  

Dampy is doing his part to diversify hockey, and by listening to this conversation you are doing your part to promote hockey’s evolution. Understanding the struggles, and successes of people from backgrounds different than our own, allows us to connect on a human level. Greater awareness equals greater understanding and empathy.  

It means we can all be a part of the cultural shift to end racism. And if we can make our hockey arenas a safe and inclusive place for all, we are off to an amazing start. 

So without further ado, I bring you my conversation with Dampy Brar, hosted live in the Up My Hockey – Parent Group. 

Enjoy the conversation. 

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Craig Geeky shares his philosophy on raising three talented hockey players, including NHL stars Morgan and Connor, through a multi-sport approach in a small town of just 150 people.

• Creating a pathway to hockey success by having kids play multiple sports (badminton, curling, basketball, volleyball, track, baseball)
• Building a strong foundation through accountability, self-assessment, and objective feedback
• Delaying specialization until age 16-17 when his sons naturally chose their preferred sport
• Developing perseverance, leadership, and teamwork by playing with varied skill levels in a small community
• Emphasizing character development and life skills over NHL aspirations
• Supporting his sons in missing hockey events for provincial tournaments in other sports
• Understanding that each player's development path is unique - "no path is going to be the same"
• Working with coaches who provide accountability while showing genuine belief in player potential
• Participating in the UMH 68 Invitational to create opportunities for young players in Manitoba
• Valuing the educational and developmental aspects of hockey beyond just competition

Parents and players interested in the UMH 68 Invitational in Manitoba starting May 29th should visit upmyhockey.com and fill out the watch list form for consideration or see link blow.

MB 2011 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuAXXLsLb9N8X3tnP71FpwGjPj-4K1TaxlO4cicurGTeEi_w/viewform

BC 2012 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfipqujezcRNyFOiWO6PISEFCpxbf0nj6GYt4UcZs3j3J_Rag/viewform

BC 2011 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3hch0UvEu-1tBXzzXTFvbEKr3FCXxTAM5LMJT7RWIvm8iwA/viewform

SK 2012 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefCCa-eu5HPlu9cSSuHInMDorVkz5prkCKsIe4QGti_xsfDg/viewform

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Bruce Boudreau is a lot of things: a Memorial Cup Champion, an NHL second rounder, an AHL scoring champion, and a former Toronto Maple Leaf. He is also a Jack Adams Award winner (voted best coach in the NHL), with 14 seasons as an NHL head coach under his belt, and one of the highest winning percentages in NHL history. Bruce is also a great guy. 

When The Coaches Site reached out to me and asked if I would be a part of their Virtual Coaches Summit this year I was excited and honored. They wanted me to interview an NHL head boss, and I knew exactly who I wanted to reach out to. I played for Bruce with the Lowell Lock Monsters, way back in the 1999-2000 season. He was a rookie coach in the AHL, and I was his leading scorer that year and I thought it would be great to catch up with him. And in typical Bruce Boudreau fashion, he agreed to make the time to talk with me. 

That’s Bruce – he has time for people. He has time for his players. He cares about the people around him. And in my opinion, that is what makes him a great coach. 

We cover a lot in this conversation. From his playing days and the lessons he learned as a player, to his start in coaching and his journey to the NHL.  

The Coaches Site called this interview, “Lessons Learned During a Lifetime of Hockey”, and it is a perfectly accurate title. But I chose to call it, “The Coach You Wished You Played For”, because from a player’s perspective, that’s exactly who he was. He was honest, and straight forward. He was passionate, and he cared. He wasn’t perfect and he was the first to admit it. He was a real person doing the best he could, and that made him respectable and likeable and he earned our trust. 

Bruce still coaches the same way. Like any high performer with longevity, he has evolved and grown and become better at his craft, but he is still Bruce. He is still the man that is friendly, warm and honest, and someone you would want to invite over for dinner. He just also happens to have 567 wins in the NHL. 

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Bruce Boudreau. 

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Dennis Maruk scored 66 goals in 65 games with the London Knights. 

It earned a 21st overall selection in the 1975 NHL Draft by the California Seals. 

At 5’8”, 155 pounds, he surprised management and earned a spot on the Seals as a 19-year-old. Not only did he make the team, but he scored 30 goals, finished second in team scoring, and finished third in voting for the Calder Trophy, the NHL’s Rookie of the Year Award. 

The Seals moved to Cleveland and became the Barons in 76-77 season, but that didn’t slow Maruk down, as he scored 78 points in 80 games and led the team in scoring. 

Maruk continued to be a very solid producer and ended up getting traded to the Washington Capitals at the beginning of the 1978 season. With the Capitals he ended up having his monster seasons. 

He scored 50 goals in 80 games in 80-81 season and then followed that up with 60 goals and 136 points the following year. 

Maruk ended that season 4th in the NHL points race. The names in front of him were Gretzky, Mike Bossy, Peter Stastny. The names behind him were Brian Trottier, Denis Savard, and Marcel Dionne. 

Maruk is one of 20 players in the history of the NHL to score 60 goals. So why haven’t you heard of him? 

We discuss all that and more as we uncover one games forgotten stars. 

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Todd Warriner was initially best known as an NHL player, but now many recognize him as broadcaster and analyst with Sportsnet. 

At the OHL level, Todd was a force. After a fantastic rookie campaign at 16 years old, he netted 41 goals in only 50 games for the Windsor Spitfires in his draft year. His stat line, excellent skating ability and competitive nature earned him the 4th overall selection by the Quebec Nordiques, in the 1992 entry draft. However, many thought (including Todd and his agent) that he going to go 1st. We get into that incredible story on the episode. 

Todd would never play a game for the Nords though as he was a piece of a blockbuster trade in 1994 that sent Mats Sundin to the Leafs in return for Wendal Clark. 

But before he got traded to the Leafs, Quebec management suggested he play with the Canadian Men’s Olympic team. It was the 1993-94 season and the Olympics were being held in Lillehamer. Todd made the choice to join the team, and he chronicles that teams rise to an Olymypic silver medal.  

Warriner went on to play for 6 NHL teams (Leafs, Ligthning, Coyotes, Canucks, Flyers, Predators) racking up 453 games. Todd also spent time in Europe, experiencing time in Finland, Switzerland and Germany. 

We hear some great stories in this episode, including how he got his nickname “One-touch” in his rookie year in the NHL and also some stern advice from coach Pat Burns. 

Todd had some tech problems so we had to cut this interview short, so consider it Part 1. 

Please enjoy, Todd Warriner.