Listen to “And…we're LIVE! Our First On-Air Episode!” on Spreaker.
Check out the first live episode of Hockey Now on 96.9 The Game! We jumped right into the Lightning’s big comeback win over the Boston Bruins and the continued magic provided by Nikita Kucherov. We shared a clip of our interview with Jackson Playfair of the Orlando Solar Bears and set up the remaining season for the team.
Listen to “Baier’s Back, The Spark of the Bolts and the NHLPA Awards.” on Spreaker.
(1:13) Solar Bears Assistant Coach and former Solar Bear Eric Baier joins us to talk about the recent set of games against the Idaho Steelheads, including their game at RDV Sportsplex Ice Den. Also, we talk about the raw talent of Solar Bears F Mathieu Foget and Akim Aliu’s opportunities with the Tuscon Roadrunners in the AHL.
(16:57) Short and sweet: we talk at length about the moment that started the building of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2018-19 President Trophy winning season’s Roster.
(34:16) In the NHLPA Players Survey, Brad Marchand is both loved and hated by his fellow NHL brethren – in the same category. With the season wrapping up, we’ll talk about the Playoff Magic Numbers and possible playoff scenarios. Bryan also continues his relentless assault on the Carolina Hurricanes and their post game choreography.
(1:08) Solar Bears play-by-play man Jesse Liebman joins us in studio for an extended talk about the teams’ trip to Newfoundland this past weekend and a recap of their games in Canada. We’ll also talk about the team’s game against Florida on Wednesday 3/13, and the physicality that came with the match. Plus, weeks ago we talked to Solar Bears Defenseman Cody Donaghey, who told us about the Newfoundland tradition called “Screeching”. Did Jesse get Screeched in?! Listen to his story about this most interesting Eastern Canadian Tradition!
(26:43) Matt Esteves of Raw Charge joins the show to talk about the Lightning and their recent schedule of games, including the instances in the loss to Minnesota last week at home. Steven Stamkos doesn’t like the Playoff structure in the NHL, but Bryan disagrees. Hear the discussion about that, and the importance of the Lightning upcoming schedule, including 3 games against the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
(42:36) We’ll talk about Geno Malkin’s 1000’th point, Ovi’s 1200’th point…and where Sidney Crosby fits into the equation between those 2 players. Plus, the UCF Knights Club Hockey Team has made it to the National ACHA DIII Tournament in Texas – we talk to Assistant Coach Anthony Mariani about the team, their early season hurdles and the outlook for Florida Collegiate Hockey! Then, we make the mistake of letting Floor Nick bring up his stats, including why “the Lightning ain’t that fire”.
Listen to “Drake Berehowsky, the best Russian? and the rat is back!” on Spreaker.
1:02) Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky calls in as the team travels to Newfoundland to take on the Growlers this weekend. What does Coach think about highlight reel goals like the one Otto Somppi scored this past weekend, and how he feels his team is responding to the process they’re going through. Is there drama in the Solar Bears locker room? Something might be up, and it could end up benefitting the team in the end!
(20:08) The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for just one win to clinch a Playoff Position, so we’ll talk about the next chapter for the Bolts and their schedule down the stretch. Also, Bryan asks Walt and Floor Nick the question of the hour: Is Nikita Kucherov the most underrated player in the NHL? You must hear this conversation!!!
(35:36) Brad Marchand is starting to throw the playoff shade at the Toronto Maple Leafs, surely the Bruins’ 1st round opponent. John Tavares returned to Long Island last week to face the Islanders faithful. Hear some of the chants they yelled, and whether anyone cares about Sean Avery’s opinion on the subject. Magic Numbers and Playoff Scenarios!
(:52) Solar Bears Forward Jackson Playfair joins the show to talk about the process of him joining the team after his season at Dalhousie University and his thoughts on the team’s current potential. Jackson talks about taking on teams who play a chippy game, and what he brings to the ice as a player. Also, Playfair shares how his families hockey legacy influences his game. Oh – and his brother is Reilly in Letterkenny!
(24:55) The road is set for the Lightning towards the playoffs, and their 10 game winning streak is evidence of their domination. When do the Lightning start their preparation for the Playoffs? Resting Players? There so much, and so little, to discuss when it comes to the Bolts!
(39:19) Trade Deadline transactions. Pretty much the whole NHL Segment is Trade Deadline transactions. AND John Tavares going back to Long Island to see his old team, and their very upset fans. Mostly Trade Deadline transactions, though.
(:38) Solar Bears broadcaster Jesse Liebman joins the show to talk about the recent success of the team and the impact Akim Aliu has had! Also, we talk about Mike Monfredo taking a greater role on forward and give an outlook at the possibilities for the Solar Bears in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.
(13:03) John Cooper is one lucky guy. He is currently coaching the handcrafted roster that leads the league by many! We’ll discuss the keys to the Bolts remaining season and whether or not the Lightning need to make a trade to set up the stretch. Also, Floor Nick will show you what its like to be a fan of any other team in the league facing the Bolts.
(28:06) TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!! John Tavares’ legacy among his teammates is in the crossfire, and the Carolina Hurricanes celebrations. But, again, TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!!
(:57) Solar Bears Defenseman Cody Donaghey joins to talk about the teams recent success, and setbacks, in the last few weeks of the season! Cody also talks about his days in Juniors, including playing for Patrick Roy in Quebec, and what it’s like to be reunited with a teammate from those days, Olivier Archambault. Plus, as a native Newfoundlander, Donaghey explains what exactly “screeching” is to those not from Eastern Canada!
(18:35) Nikita Kucherov had 4 points in the Lightning’s recent game against Calgary, so the question remains, how many points CAN Kuch accumulate before the seasons end? The year 2017 was so important to the Bolts and their current roster, but 2 moves in particular helped sure up the defense corps the Lightning take the ice with every night. With the trade deadline approaching, we’ll discuss the options the Lightning could have.
(31:55) Evgeni Malkin was suspended for only 1 game on his careless stick swinging towards Michael Raffl. Floor Nick is livid and says its not enough, Bryan agrees, but not as intensely. Kevin Boyle got his first NHL start and shutout last night, his cousin and friend of the show, Chris Boyle of the Daytona News-Journal, joins to talk about his cousin’s rise to success! Well talk trade deadline and wrap up the show…by professing our love…for our favorite players.
Listen to “Episode 15 – Colby McAuley, The Bolts Purse and Dubas/Matthews Influence!” on Spreaker.
This week’s show is for Ann O’Brien.
(:44) Colby McAuley joins the show to talk about his Shootout winning goal last night vs. Jacksonville in the Solar Bears’ first game back at Amway a month! We’ll discuss Colby’s journey through Junior Hockey in Canada, and an award he won in the 2015/16 season in the WHL. McAuley also shares some insight into the mindset of the team playing frequent division games and the importance of the points at stake. Plus, is Colby McAuley a Disney fan?! Did Bryan and Bacon find a new podcast to start?!
(24:07) How confident is the coaching staff in themselves and their team in Tampa Bay? Bryan watched much of the recent Lightning visit to MSG to play the Rangers, and a lot of his observations on the team were validated in the game! Are the Lightning to worry about the loss to Vegas this week in a shootout? We’ll then discuss the lingering trade deadline and the cap situation the Lightning find themselves in when working possible new players into the mix!
(32:38) Kyle Dubas, 33, and Auston Matthews, 21, are changing the face of hockey as we know it. With Matthews recently signing an extension in Toronto, we talk about what that does for the Leafs and their roster – including who may be on the outside looking in once the summer signing period hits. Brian Burke doesn’t like the Carolina Hurricanes’ new post game ritual, and Bryan completely agrees, though the boys see it different. Bacon (Blackhawks) and Floor Nick (Flyers) are riding high on their teams successes, but at what cost would they like to see a playoff run over other possibilities.
Listen to “Episode 14 – OSB F Tayler Thompson, Lightning Rumors and Senior Sidney!” on Spreaker.(0:35) Fresh off his OT Winner for the Solar Bears this past weekend in Atlanta, Tayler Thompson joins from the bus to recap the recent games for the Bears, and the growing chemistry within the team! While Tayler is enjoying his 2nd season with the Solar Bears, we’ll find out what made him want to return to Orlando for this season, and some insight on his career before the ECHL. Thompson also talks about the awkward play earlier this season that resulted in his injury, and the injury suffered by Linesman Charlie O’Connor.
(18:11) Steven Stamkos is the Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and last night in the teams’ first game back from a 10 game break, he did the most Captain thing he could! The road gets tougher for the Bolts in February with an intense schedule, but the current rumors are the hot topic with a name Bryan threw out a few weeks ago possibly coming to the Bay! We’ll also recap the All Star Game weekend for the 3 Lightning players visiting San Jose.
(26:52) Sidney Crosby was the NHL All Star Game MVP, and at this stage in his career, can you still hate him? We’ll mention some players, like Crosby, who have become the “old guard” in the NHL and their place in the league. We’ll recap the All Star Game Weekend as a whole, including the Skills competition results, even though Bryan is kind of over some of the events. And of course, ‘tis the season…for Trade activity and rumors!
(3:51) Eric Baier, former Captain of the Solar Bears, joins Bryan and Bacon to talk about his career as a Solar Bear, as the team announces their Celebrity Classic Game, in which Eric will play! We’ll talk about Baier’s current role with the club, as well as the reasons He and his Brother Paul had for coming to Orlando in the ’13-’14 season. Also, did Baier always have it in his plans to be a Coach?
(23:08) The All-Star Break is upon us, and the Bolts got snubbed! One of their players should absolutely be in San Jose this weekend, as you’ll learn in the segment. Also, Bryan has been looking for something the Bolts can do at the Trade Deadline, and he found it! Find out what the Lightning could do to improve their seemingly perfect team, and recap the last weekends game.
(33:45) Edmonton’s recent management changes were a long time coming, after 4 years of foolish moves since drafting Connor McDavid. We’ll go over some headlines around the league, including a reunion and trade deadline buzz! We’ll preview the weekend events around the All Star Game…and of course…Gritty.
