Journeys into Hockey

Podcast: Voices of Hockey - Ron Weber

2011-03-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

This Journeys into Hockey guest is Ron Weber, the former longtime play-by-play voice of the Capitals, who last Fall received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award at the Hockey Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. We speak with him about the honor and of his career.
Weber broadcasted the first Capitals game and every one after that until his retirement on April 13, 1997 — a total of 1,939 games.

When the Washington Capitals joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1974, Baltimore Clippers play-by-play announcer Ron Weber was hired to be the voice of the NHL’s newest franchise. The Lock Haven, Pennsylvania native called every one of the team’s record-breaking 67 defeats that year. Over the next 23 years Weber never missed a regular season or playoff broadcast, talking Capitals fans through 1,936 consecutive games.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=555

Hockey Night in Canada’s “Best of the Best”

2011-03-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, Scott Morrison and a panel of experts from CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada started a debate about the best players to wear each number. The result was fascinating and informative — and often contentious. Now, Morrison and the panel are back with a new debate sure to spark heated arguments in sports bars, dressing rooms, arenas, and even over kitchen tables: Who were the top 10 NHL players of all time for each position? Who were the top 10 coaches and general managers? Which were the greatest NHL teams ever? And who was the best of the best? Hockey Night in Canada: The Best of the Best offers an in-depth look at the players by position, coaches, general managers, and teams in both the pre- and post-expansion eras. Morrison also treats his readers to interesting details about what made these men the best of the best, while Hockey Night in Canada’s experts offer their own insights.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Scott Morrison on just how you go about such a project and what insights and surprises he found along the way.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=553

Podcast: Raising Stanley

2011-03-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

For more than two years Ross Bernstein researched, met and interviewed more than 100 players and coaches who all share one common denominator — they had the distinct privilege of hoisting the Stanley Cup.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Ross Bernstein about his quest and what he discovered – about hockey’s holy grail and what it represents.

Ross Bernstein is the best-selling author of more than 40 sports books and has appeared on thousands of local and national television and radio programs over his career, including CNN, NPR and ESPN, as well as on the covers of the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=551

Black Hawks Heritage

2011-03-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

Bob Verdi is a fixture in Chicago – especially in and around Madison Street.

These days his official title is that of Historian for the Chicago Blackhawks. For years, he covered the team as a journalist. All told, he has decades of experience about the team – a Chicago version of Red Fisher.

We speak with Bob Verdi about the Stanley Cup team of 1961 – a club that included the likes of Glenn Hall, Bobby Hull, Stan Makita and Pierre Pilote, as well as what the Hawks have meant to Chicago – even befoe their most recent Stanley Cup.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=548

Podcast: 100 Things Flyers Fans Should Know

2011-03-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia Flyers joined the NHL in 1967, one of six expansion teams. Over the next four decades they have established themselves as a bedrock franchise.

Love them or not, it is undeniable that they have impacted the game.

In 100 Things Flyers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die, Adam Kimmelman has assembled facts, traditions and achievements that inform and entertain. And you don’t even have to be a Flyers’ fan to enjoy the book.

We speak aith Adam Kimmleman, a deputy managing editor at NHL.com, about the Flyers and his insight as what makes them so special.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=545

Podcast: Lou Nanne

2011-03-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

Lou Nanne has a long association with hockey -as a player, coach and executive. In Minnesota he is a legend.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Lou Nanne about his life in and out of the game. From his early days with John Mariucci through his N.H.L. career and beyond, Nanne shares with us his experiences and wisdom.

It’s entertaining and inspiring.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=543

Podcast: Hobey Baker

2011-03-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

He is best known for having a trophy named after him. The naming is justified.

Hobey Baker was a true hero in atime that it meant something.

Hobart Amory Hare “Hobey” Baker (January 15, 1892 – December 21, 1918) was a noted American amateur athlete of the early twentieth century.

Baker was widely regarded as one of the best athletes of his time, and is still considered one of the best American hockey players. When the Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1945 Baker was named one of the first twelve inductees, the only American among them. In 1973 he was named in the initial class of members for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975, and is the only person to be in both the hockey and college football halls of fame.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Brian Codagnone of the New England Sports Musuem about Hobey Baker, the man and the legend.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=541

Podcast - Brian McFarlane on Peter Puck

2011-03-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

Brian McFarlane is best to known hockey fans as a commentator on Hockey Night in Canada for 25 years. He made similar broadcasts on NHL games for the major American networks CBS and NBC and has written more than 50 books on hockey. McFarlane is an expert on hockey history and has compiled several volumes of NHL lore titled “It Happened in Hockey,” as well as a 1999 series detailing the colorful history of the ”Original Six” NHL teams.

Mr. McFarlane is also closely associated with “Peter Puck”. He was in the booth when the cartoon puck appeared on both NBC’S Game of the Week and and CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada during the 1970s. After NBC stopped carrying NHL hockey (it’s back at it again decades later), McFarlane purchased the rights to Peter Puck from NBC’s production partner, Hanna-Barbera.

Since that time Brian McFarlane has been a partner with a spokesperson for Peter Puck.

In this Journey into Hockey we speak with Brian McFarlane about his career, that of Peter Puck and their most recent collaboration, Peter Puck’s Big Book of Hockey: Fascinating Facts for Hockey Fans of All Ages (Fenn, 2010).

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=535

Podcast - S.I.’s: The Hockey Book

2011-03-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

Sports Illustrated has recently published it’s take on hockey, and it’s an impressive work.

Of course, the photos are striking. I epscially love the period pieces from the early 1960’s and crowd shots over the years.

And, then there’s the writing.

We speak with S.I.’s award-winning hockey writer, Michael Farber. Farber, who wrote the intro, has a unique perspective on both sides of the Canada-U.S. hockey border. He offers insights into the book and into the game.

At:http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=524

Podcast - Journey into Hockey for Remembrance Day: Conn Smythe

2011-03-02T04:21:00.000-08:00

Conn Smythe (February 1, 1895 – November 18, 1980) is best known as the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs (1927 to 1961) and as the builder of Maple Leaf Gardens. As owner of the Leafs during numerous championship years, his name appears on the Stanley Cup eleven times: 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967.

Smythe is also known for having served in both World Wars, organizing his own artillery in the Second World War.

In this Journey into Hockey at the time of Remembrance Day, we remember Conn Smythe the soldier and patriot beyond the hockey rink.

Our guest is author and hockey historian Kevin Shea, who among his works co-authored with Thomas Stafford Smythe the 2000 book, “Centre Ice: The Smythe Family, the Gardens and the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club (Fenn).

Taped in November, 2010

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=521

Podcast - Eddie Shore and That Old Time Hockey

2011-03-02T04:15:00.000-08:00

Before Messier, before Orr, before Harvey, before Howe there was Eddie Shore. Eddie Shore has been described as the Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb of hockey, a brilliant player with an umatched temper. During his 50 years in hockey, Shore was like no one before or since. He was highly penalized, injured others and was often inured. He was highly skilled – winning most valuable player honors four times. He was also the instigator in one of hockey’s most notorious events – the infamous and tragic “Ace Bailey Incident” of 1933. Eddie Shore was the dominant player of his times.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with C. Michael Haim who has chronciled the life of Eddie Shore in “Eddie Shore and That Old Time Hockey” (McClelland and Stewart).

At:http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=519

Podcast - Before They Put A Roof to Winter

2011-03-02T04:14:00.000-08:00

Hockey outdoors is popular these days.

The Winter Classic, The Heritage Classic, Pond Hockey Tournaments, and more are staged to speak to hockey’s roots.

But this Norman Rockwell notion of hockey as it used to be is, in fact, part truth, part fiction.

We speak with Michael McKinley, author of “Putting a Roof to Winter” (Greystone Books, 2002) to sort through and separate history from legend.

http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=517

Podcast - Canada’s Game

2011-03-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

Hockey is more than just Canada’s National sport – it is the most recognizable symbol of what it is to be Canadian, an intrinsic part of the nation’s culture, economy and politics.

In this Journey into Hockey we speak with Andrew Holman, professor of history and Canadian Studies at Massachusetts’s Bridgewater State College about his book “Canada’s Game – History and Identity”, a compendium that addresses a range of themes in hockey – past and present

http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=515

Podcast - Gordie

2011-03-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

Long before Gretsky, Messier, and Crosby, there was a big, raw-boned kid from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who was the most celebrated hockey player of his era. Amazingly, his era began in 1946 with the Detroit Red Wings and ended 34 years and 32 seasons later with the Hartford Whalers. When Gordie Howe retired, he was 52 and still an effective National Hockey League player. In between, he led the league in goals scored five times and in points six times, was a 12-time all-star, and claimed six Most Valuable Player awards.

In this Journey into Hockey we speak with Roy MacSkimming about Goride Howe – the convetional story as wellas what he found that culminated in his unauthorized 2003 biography, “Gordie: A Hockey Legend”.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=513

Podcast: The Man They Called Mr. Goalie

2010-10-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

With 11 All-Star team selections, three Vezina trophies, a Conn Smythe trophy, a Calder Memorial trophy and the invention of the butterfly style of goaltending to hsi name, Glenn Hall is among the premier contenders as best goaltender in National Hockey League history.

Hockey coach, and writer Tom Adrahatas has made a case that Glenn Hall is, in fact, the number one goaltender of all time.

He did so in a 2002 book “Glenn Hall – The Man They Call Mr. Goalie” Greystone Books). He is also did so with us in this “Journey into Hockey” conversation.From Detroit to Chicago to St. Louis, Glenn Hall made a difference where he played. He established a remarkable and still unbroken record of 502 consecutive games played. And that’s just for starters.

Tom Adrahatas is coached for some three decades – including teams that went to the U.S. National Championships at the Bantam AAA, Midget AAA, and Junior A levels. A longtime fan of the Chicago Black Hawks and Glenn Hall, he lives in Chicago.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=507

Podcast: The Trail Less Traveled – The Yukon’s Dawson City to Ottawa Stanley Cup Re-enactment

2010-10-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

On December 18, 1904 the upstart Dawson City Klondikers began their 4000-mile trek to wrest the Stanley Cup from the Ottawa Silver Seven. Twenty-four days later, after trudging 350 miles behind their dog teams, lurching and rolling down the inside passage, and whiling away endless days on the CPR, the rubber-legged, travel-worn players staggered into Ottawa’s Union Station. In less than thirty-six hours they would meet their fate against the greatest hockey team ever assembled, creating the most enduring legend in hockey history.

Ninety-two years later a team of oldtimer hockey players from Dawson City re-created that epic journey, inviting Don Reddick, American author of Dawson City Seven, to accompany them. As the team wends its way once again through the Yukon wilderness, down Alaska’s panhandle, and across the vast Canadian shield to face the Ottawa Senators Alumni, Reddick weaves his way through the history of the original games, the backdrop of the Klondike gold rush, and the characters of today’s Yukon.

Author Den Reddick tells the story of his trip as part of the re-enactment.

At:http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=503

Podcast Posting: When Kenora Won the Stanley Cup

2010-04-21T06:11:00.001-07:00

Teams have competed for the Stanley Cup for well over a century. But back there in those early days, there was no internet, no network television, and teams were not to be found in outposts such as Florida, Nashville, and Arizona.

And, one year a team called the Kenora Thsitles won the Stanley Cup.

How did the Kenora Thistles become, against all odds, the smallest team and the smallest town ever to win the Stanley Cup?

This famously scrappy hockey team was founded in the rough and tumble town of Kenora, Ontario, at the end of the 19th century. A decade later, playing far away from home, in Montreal, the fiery teenagers whom the Montreal Star dubbed “the fastest that have ever been seen anywhere on ice” out-skated and out-played their older, more experienced opponents to win the coveted hockey championship trophy.

Sports novelist John Danakas and journalist Richard Brignall teamed up in to tell the true story of the ultimate underdogs in this a little-known chapter from Canadian sports history.

In this Journey into Hockey we speak Rick Brignall about the story of Kenora and their Thistles that won the Stanley Cup.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=452

Podcast: Lord Stanely - The Man Behind the Cup

2010-04-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

One of the most important figures in Canadian history, Frederick Arthur Stanley’s most enduring legacy is not his term as the country’s sixth Governor General but the trophy cup that bears his name.

As the playoffs begin, we speak with author and hockey historian Kevin Shea about the man has name is associated with hockey champions. Shea is author of Lord Stanley: The Man Behind the Cup (Key Porter Books; First Edition edition (June 14, 2007)).

In this Journey into Hockey, we explore with Kevin Shea Lord Stanley’s political legacy — his diplomacy in dealing with the United States, his embrace of Canada’s West, and his nimble handling of domestic crises — fleshing out a man who was far more than just an avid sportsman.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=445

Podcast: A Journey into Hockey - The Pursuit of Hockeyness

2010-04-03T09:02:00.002-07:00

These days, it is popular to develope lists of “must do” lists of activities befor one days.

The world of hockey is no exception.

The Pursuit of Hockeyness (Hockey News – Tarnscontinental Books) is a must-do checklist of “everything” hockey fans need to accomplish in their lifetime. There are 99 featured suggestions, each accompanied by a full-colour photo, ranging from interesting places to visit to unique events that have to be experienced to be believed to the colourful people and players that make hockey the game we so love. Items on the list run the gamut of serious, funny, obscure and compelling; and, every NHL team as well as just about every major hockey leagues in North America (and most in Europe, too) is covered.

The Pursuit of Hockeyness celebrates all things hockey by offering fans a compendium of people, places and events that should be seen and/or experienced before the final buzzer sounds (if you know what we mean).

In this Journey into Hockey we speak with project editor Sam McCaig about the book, how the list was made and some of its most compelling activities that hockey fans should experience before they die.

At:http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=417

Podcast: A Journey into Hockey - Farewell to Pittsburgh’s Igloo

2010-04-03T09:02:00.001-07:00

Starting next season, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be moiving into one of those new state of the art arenas.

Though the club and fans alikes eem to be lookig forward to the move, this also means the end of the place affectionately known as “The Igloo”.

Now called the Mellon Arena, it was for a longtime known as the Civic Auditorium and Civic Arena. The building was constructed in 1961 for use by the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.

Over the years, The Igloo has hosted multiple concerts, as well as hockey, basketball, tennis, boxing, wrestling, and soccer matches.

Of course, it is best known as home to the Penguins.

Interestingly, the Arena was the world’s first major indoor sports stadium with a retractable roof.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with journalist and Pittsburgh Hockey historian Jim Kubus about the Igloo and what it has meant to folks in Pittsburgh.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=415

Podcast: A Journey into Hockey - Greatest Jerseys of All Time

2010-04-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Dark at home – white on the road ? Or white at home and dark on the road ? Third jerseys ?

What do you favor ?

These are but a few of the regular discussions of hockey fans these days when it comes to hockeys jerseys.

Actually, the traditional term in Canada is that of hockey sweater. But to appeal to its readership in the States, the Hockey News creating a “Collector’s Edition” publication called “Greatest Hockey Jerseys of All Time”.

It’s a great work. Its contents range from a history of the sweater (starting with the Montreal Wanderers, circa 1903-18), to other leagues, long lost teams, Olympics and more.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Brian Costello, Senior Editor for the project, about the publication and the story of the hockey jersey (sweater).

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=413

Podcast: A Journey into Hockey - Craig Patrick

2010-04-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

He is one of a multi-generational family of hockey royalty – the Patrick family. He is son of Lynn Patrick and the grandson of Lester Patrick (his brother Glenn Patrick also played in the NHL). From 1989–2006, he served 17 years as the general manager of the Pittsburgh, as well the New York Rangers.

But he is also familiar with the Olympics.

Patrick served as Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach under herb Brooks for the 1980 US Olympic Gold Medal winning hockey team, the Miracle on Ice.

Patrick was also the general manager for the 2002 US Olympic team, also coached by Brooks, which won the silver medal – the first US hockey medal since the 1980 team. This tournament was further notable as it was largely the same roster that underperformed in the 1998 Olympics, yet aging players like Mike Richter and Phil Housley performed well beyond expectations and were named to the 2002 tournament all-star team.

During both Olympic tournaments, the Team USA defeated the Soviets/Russians in the semi-finals.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Craig Patrick about his Olympic experiences, as well as the important role he and his family have played in hockey for over a century.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=374

Podcast: A Tribute to John Halligan

2010-03-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

We pause to recall John Halligan, afriend and a true professional, who passed away on January 20, 2010 at the age of 68.

A giant in the world of hockey, he spent 21 years with the New York Rangers as their Director of Public Relations and Business Manager (Starting in 1963). He later spent a short stint at the N.H.L. as Director of Communications, then went back to the Rangers as Vice President of Communications. He next became Director of Communications for N.H.L. Anniversaries, helping plan and execute the league’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 1991, and the 100th anniversary of the Stanely Cup in 1993, and then Director of Commuications and Special Projects for the N.H.L.

In 2007, following his retirement, he was saluted for his lifetime of service by being presented teh Lester Patrick Award, reognizing his outstanding contributions to hockey in the United States.

As importantly, he was a “tower of strength” as an individual. Ralph Mellanby (from Hockey Night in Canada and the Olympic) described John as “the gold standard”.

Personally, I was one of many for who he provided time, patience, direction and encouragement.

In this Journey into Hockey, we recall the life and legacy of John Halligan with Ranger and network broadcaster Kenny Albert, as well as with longtime hockey journalist Stu Hackel, these days of The New York Times.

http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=395

Podcast: A Journey into Hockey - Brian McFarlane’s Life in the Booth

2010-03-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Brian McFarlane is one of hockey’s most familiar names.

As a broadcaster, he speant over 25 years with Hockey Night in Canada, and has worked on network telecasts for CBS, NBC, and ESPN. He is also one of North America’s foremost hockey historians and prolific hockey writers. In all, he is author of more than 50 books of hockey, many of them bestsellers.

In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Brian McFarlane about his most recent work – From The Broadcast Booth, My Life in Hockey Broadcasting (Fenn, 2009), which chronicles some of the interesting people and events in his long career.

http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=393

Podcast: The Western Hockey League, 1948-1974

2010-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Technically it was a minor league, but for hockey fans west of the Mississippi, the Western Hockey League provided major-league entertainment for over 25 years.

Known as the Pacific Coast Hockey League prior to the W.H.L., the league aspired to establish itself as North America’s second major league of hockey, a western counter-part to the Eastern-oriented N.H.L. But it never quite managed to make the jump to the majors.

In its time, though there were some 22 teams based in major American and Canadian cities.

In this Journey into Hockey, Jon C. Stott, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta and a hockey historian, speaks with us about his book, Ice Warriors – The Pacific Coast/Western Hockey League – 1948-1974 (Heritage House, 2008).

The book provides a play-by-play of the Western Hocket League, its start, how it came to rival the N.H.L, and what led to its disbanding in 1974. By interviewing former players, coaches, and fans, and examining statistical records, Stott captures the W.H.L.’s glory days and pays tribute to a time when hockey was played with heart.

http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=389

Podcast: Canada’s Olympic Hockey History

2010-03-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Canada added a new and important page to its hockey and national history in the recently completed Vancouver Olympic Winter Games.

The men’s hockey team overtime final win for the gold against the U.S. is already a classic. The tournament was thrilling throughout. And, the women provided an equally inspiring level of skill and commitment. Their accomplishments are second to none.

These recently completed games are but the most recent chapter in a story that started close to a cenury ago.

Andrew Podnieks, author of more than 50 books on hockey, has chronicled the history of Canadian Olympic hockey in his book, Canada’s Olympic Hockey History, 1920-2010 (Fenn; 2009).

It’s a fascinating and diverse story. Canada’s Olympic hockey team has taken many twists and turns over the years.

In this Journey intio Hockey, we speak with Andrew Podnieks about his book and the history it chronicles.

As Canada celebrates the wins of 2010, the earlier contributions of the likes of William Hewitt, Father David Bauer, Dave King and Cassie Campbell should not be forgotten.

Broadcast: February 15 (Before Canada’s 2010 wins)

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=379

On a rare night, Canada gathered to watch one game (Globe and Mail)

2010-02-25T06:50:00.001-08:00

From The Globe and Mail:

By Stephen Brunt
The Globe and Mail
February 24, 2010

VANCOUVER - There aren't really that many hockey nights in Canada, at least not in the way we imagine them.

One country, gathered ‘round a game; perhaps it was true every week way back in the mists of time, in the one or two channel world, television on Saturday night as the national hearth, a place where friends and families came together, the way they came together to worship other gods the following morning.

But that world long ago was blown to smithereens, and now we live in a time of vast and near infinite choice; when you can watch anything from anywhere anytime, on your television, your computer, on your phone, and when nothing is really special there is not much reason to assemble anywhere anytime.

Except on rare nights like this, except for a game like this, when you want company, when it feels so much better to be with your tribe.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/columnists/bruntscorner/newsid=51571.html#a+country+united+watch+canada

Podcast: The Canada Cup of Table Top Hockey

2010-02-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

The Vancouver Winter Olympics are grabbing most of the headlines these days (and rightfully so). The hockey competitions there are expected to be lively in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

But there is another major sporting event taking place in Canada over the coming days. It is the Canada Cup of Table Top Hockey – bringing together top players of the game from Canada, the U.S. and the world. It will be taking place in Ottawa, starting this February and finishing in April.

We speak with John Cooke of the Canadian Table Top Hockey Association about the upcoming Canada Cup – who plays and what’s it all about.

At:http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=355

Podcast: The Fever Season

2010-02-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months, there has been much written and spoken about the H1N1 flu.

In a hockey sense, parallels were immediately drawn to a season a long time ago that was impacted by the flu.

The year was 1919 and the epidemic was that of what became known as the Spanish Flu. Millions died. In the hockey world, one of its victims was Joe Hall of the Montreal Canadiens. In fact, after Hall’s death the Stanley Cup final was cancelled.

Eric Zweig is our guest.

He has written a fascinated historical novel of the period called “Fever Season”. He speaks with us about that year that the flu hit, and about what happened both on and off the ice.

Eric Zweig is Managing Editor with Dan Diamond Associates (consulting editors to the National Hockey League), he has written about sports and sports history for many major publications including the Toronto Star and the Glober and Mail. He has written non-fiction sports books for young people.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=351

It’s Not Hockey, It’s Bandy (NY Times)

2010-01-29T09:55:00.001-08:00

From The New York Times:

By JEFF Z. KLEIN
Published: January 28, 2010

Bandy, a forerunner of hockey, dates back 200 years.

It is played on a rink was 110 yards long and 60 yards wide, about the size of a soccer field. Each side has 11 players, and they pass and shoot a small orange ball, not a puck, toward the 7-foot-high, 11-foot-wide net.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/29/sports/olympics/29bandy.html?hpw

Passing: John Halligan

2010-01-24T10:47:00.001-08:00

A recipient of the Lester Patrick Award, a pro and a friend.

More later. For now:

A Tribute from Stan Fischler: http://www.msg.com/rangers/remembering-john-halligan.html

New York Times Hockey Blog Tribute from Stu Hackel: chttp://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/the-mourning-skate-blues-for-john-halligan/?scp=1&sq=john%20halligan&st=cse

Obituary from the Bergen Record: http://www.northjersey.com/obituaries/82336827_John_Halligan__NHL_and_Rangers_publicist.html

Habs' past glory remains relevant (Montreal Gazette)

2010-01-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

From The Montreal Gazette:

By DAVE STUBBS, The Gazette
January 18, 2010

There is a generation of Canadiens fans that is sick of history, of hearing about the glorious past of a hockey club that is nearly 17 years removed from its most recent championship.

To this group, the Canadiens were born at the Bell Centre, the 87 years that went before pretty much irrelevant. That is their loss, of course, for the past of anything in our lives must be quilted with its present and its future.

http://www.canada.com/sports/Habs+past+glory+remains+relevant/2453617/story.html

Podcast: The Day the Pros Faced Off with the Cons

2010-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Day the Pros Faced Off with the Cons: Marquette’ Most Infamous Game – 1954 Outdoor Game: Detroit Red Wings vs. Marquette Prison Pirates

NHL’ers playing hockey outdoors is getting much publicity these days. They’ve put down ice and promoted hockey in places such as Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Orchard Park, N.Y. And who can forget the one that started the recent – that outdoor game in Edmonton between the Canadiens & Oilers in arctic temperatures.

Garnering less attention these days is a unique outdoor game that occurred in 1954. It pitted the Championship-caliber Detroit Red Wings and a prison team in Marquette, Michigan. It was dubbed the Pros versus the Cons.

This podcast may be accesssed @ http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=340

Remembering When Canadiens Turned 100

2009-12-30T05:26:00.000-08:00

Things are startinf to get back to normal after all of the excitement marking the 100th anniversaty of the Montreal Canadiens.

Over the past year we have done features, podcasts and more about the team and just what it represenst to so many people. That can be found by kicking aorund http://journeysinto.com

Here we present a summary of those marking the occasion (courtesy of the Montreal Gazette and The New York Times):

The excellent Dave Stubbs called this video to our attention: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt9Gj4JGZk4

There's more, cortesy of Mr. Stubbs, at: http://www.habsinsideout.com/main/25215- especially this look form Dick Irvin: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/12/18/canadiens-hundreth-topfive.html#socialcomments

*****

"...If you didn’t see the Canadiens’ 100th-anniversary celebration on Friday night, you missed something special. It started with their former legendary equipment manager Eddie Palchack dumping a couple of buckets of pucks on the ice…

…and many of the greatest in Habs history skating out for a short pregame warm-up. Even Ken Dryden, who hadn’t put on goalie pads since his last game in 1979, when Montreal beat the Rangers for the Stanley Cup, took shots. The hourlong ceremony, with words from Serge Savard, Patrick Roy, Guy Lafleur, Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau, is worth seeing and it is on CBC’s Web site (video). Plus, there are some great interviews from former Canadiens on Habs Inside/Out (the Dryden interviews on CBC and Habs Inside/Out are especially illuminating, of course).

In a night full of surprises, the Habs retired the numbers of their oldest alumni, Emile “Butch” Bouchard, a defenseman and captain in the post-World War II era and his teammate, another former captain, Elmer Lach, the center of the famous Punch Line with Rocket Richard and Toe Blake:

When he retired in 1954, Lach was the leading scorer in N.H.L. history, and that should have been reason enough for the Habs to celebrate his career long ago. Even the team that leads the world in ceremonies somehow missed that one until now.

While critics may have felt the Canadiens overdid the whole anniversary thing for the last 15 months, there’s no denying that every ceremony was exceptionally well planned and executed and this one ranks with the closing of the Forum in 1996 as the best. And it inspired the home team to play one of their better games of the season.
..."

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/the-morning-skate-philly-follies-detroit-pride-and-montreal-memories/

Life as a Free Agent Hockey Fan

2009-12-30T04:22:00.000-08:00

In this age of free agenct athletes it was bound to happen. A free agent fan.

For a long time Peter Bojarinov was a suffering Toronto Maple Leafs. But he had had enough. It was time to move on to find “a better arrangement – one that would work better for team and fan alike”.

So Peter Bojarinov declared himself a “free agent” fan. During this period after separation from the Leafs, he researched he felt would be the best fit for him.

In the Journey into Hockey we speak with writer, blogger and now Atlanta Thrasher fan about his journey into and out of free agent fan, and what he discovered along the way.

You can hear the podcast at: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=321

Journeys into Hockey: When the (RI) Reds Ruled the Roost

2009-12-30T04:20:00.000-08:00

The Providence Reds, later called the Rhode Island Reds, played in the Canadian-American Hockey League (CAHL) 1926–36 and the American Hockey League (AHL) from 1936–76. They won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956. The team was renamed Rhode Island Reds in 1976. The Reds played at the Rhode Island Auditorium, located on North Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1926 through 1972. The name came from the rooster known as the Rhode Island Red.

Though the Reds have not played hockey for a fgood longtime, they still endure. There is an active Rhode Island Reds Heritahe Society and recently there has been a release of a DVD chronicling teh Reds story “When the Reds Ruled the Roost”.

The half-hour program, includes rare and lost film and photos from every decade starting in the 1920s and many colorful stories from Reds greats, hockey Hall of Famers including Milt Schmidt, Johnny Bower and Ed Giacomin, owners, general managers and coaches.

In this Journey into Hockey we speak with DVD producer and former Providence sportcaster Joe Rocco, as well as Buster Clegg, former RI Reds General Manager and PR man and former Red Bobby Leduc.

I hope you feel, as I did, how the Reds were so much more than just a hockey team. They, in fact, were a vital part of the community.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=323

The Ice Rink That Changed Boston Hockey (NY Times)

2009-12-30T04:19:00.001-08:00

From The New York Times:

By JEFF Z. KLEIN
Published: December 29, 2009

On Matthews Arena, which opened in 1910 and was known until 1982 as the Boston Arena, is the oldest indoor hockey arena still in use.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/sports/hockey/30arena.html?ref=sports

A Cultural History of Maurice Richard

2009-11-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

As any hockey fan knows, Maurice Richard was the highest-scoring NHL player of his era, the first to achieve the feat of fifty goals in fifty games. In his eighteen years with the Montreal Canadiens, Richard’s determination, intensity, and will to win drew fans and admirers. But Richard was revered as much for what he represented off the ice.

“The Rocket” (before Rod Laver and Roger Clemens) inspired poems, novels. short stories, biographies, songs, movies, plays, kids’ books and comic strips. His face adorned clothing, toys, household goods, hockey equipment, and ads from cars to soups. Streets, parks, and public squares bore his name, and boasted his statute. With an influence that extended beyond his playing years, he became a symbol in Quebec and a hero across Canada (and beyond).

We speak with cultural historian Benoit Melancon whose book, The Rocket: A Cultural History of Maurice Richard (Greystone Books, 2009) exhaustively and uniquely chronicles the Maurice Richard – the man and the myth.

Of the book NPR’s “Only A Game” said, “…“open-minded folks will be intrigued by Malencon’s exploration of the ways in which people attribute all sorts of cultural significance to the accomplishments and personalities of champions like Richard”.

At:http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=279

Mike Myers on Hockey Night In Canada (1986)(via You Tube)

2009-10-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Check this out:

"Mike Myers and Peter Puck trumpet the late Danny Gallivan in this rare piece of video. Also features Dana Andersen, Mark Wilson & (...I know that face...). HNIC Interviewer: Brian McFarlane.."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW0hq52VXrI

Passing: Bill Chadwick, Iconic NHL Ref & Broadcaster

2009-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

From The Associated Press thru The New York Times:

CUTCHOGUE, N.Y. (AP) -- Bill ''The Big Whistle'' Chadwick, the first U.S.-born official in NHL history who was later a popular broadcaster for the New York Rangers, died Saturday (October 24). He was 94.

For 16 seasons, from 1939 to 1955, and despite being blind in one eye, Chadwick was one of the best officials the NHL. He invented and perfected the system of hand signals to signify penalties, and the system is now used throughout the world.

In 1965, at the urging of Emile Francis, the Rangers' longtime general manager and coach, Chadwick embarked on a 14-year broadcasting career (where he became known as "The Big Whistle"), working first on radio with play by play man Marv Albert, and most notably, on television with Jim Gordon for nine seasons.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/24/sports/AP-HKN-Obit-Chadwick.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=bill%20chadwick&st=cse

Rangers-Bruins as it once was

2009-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Think rivalries in hockey these days and thoughts come to mind of Canadiens-Leafs, Oilers-Flames, Islanders-Rangers, Rangers-Devils, and perhaps Blues-Blackhawks or Flyers-Penguins. Any others ?

How about Bruins-Rangers ? Probably not. But in its time it was the real deal.

We speak with Jay Moran about the book he has written, The Rangers, The Bruins, and The end of an Era – Tribute to A Great Rivalry (Author House, 2009).

Hard to believe this rivalry is now 30 years removed. We speak about the likes of Orr, Esposito, Ratelle, Gilbert, and even some of the lesser recalled names like John McKenzie, Phil Goyette and Donnie Marshall.

BTW, the book is worth a look just for the pictures alone, even though there is much, much more.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

Passing: Fred Cusick, Voice of the Bruins

2009-10-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Boston Bruins have named their TV broadcast booth at the Garden in honour of the late play-by-play announcer Fred Cusick, who passed away last month. He was 90. Cusick, described by Red Fisher as one of the best in the business, was the broadcast voice of Bruins games for 44 years.

Obituary: http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2009/09/legendary_voice.html

You can listen to a "Journesy into Hockey" interview with Fred Cusick (taped last Fall) @ http://conversationsontheroad.com

Voices of the Game: Doc Emrick

2009-09-18T02:00:00.001-07:00

It can easily be argued that Mike “Doc” Emrick is hockey’s preeminent play-by-play announcer.

Lead play-by-play announcer for the New Jersey Devils, as well as the lead announcer for NHL national telecasts on both NBC and Versus, Emrick is recipient of many honors – foremost among them Among the many awards he has received is the NHL’s Lester Patrick Award in 2004 and the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.

We speak with Doc Emrick who and what has informed and influenced his career, his thoughts about hcokey these days and the upcoming season which includes an Olympic Hockey competition.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

Remembering Reggie Fleming

2009-08-18T20:48:00.001-07:00

Reg Fleming passed away on July 11, 2009.

He was a professionally hockey player whose career spanned from the Montreal Canadiens through the Kenosha Flyers and Hammond Cardinals in 1978. In between, he was best known for his years with the Chicago Black Hawks (where he won a Stanley Cup), New York Rangers and Boston Bruins.

His reputation was as an aggressive and combative player, who played defense and forward. He also was known as a great teammate. He left his mark where ever he played.

Reg Fleming continues to leave his mark even after his passing. Fleming had been in declining health for a few years. A series of heart attacks and a stroke left him partly paralyzed and confined to rehabilitation facilities near Chicago. His oldest son, Chris, frequently made videos of his father in these last years and uploaded them on YouTube.

In this conversation, we speak with Chris Fleming and with John Halligan, longtime Public Relations Director of the New York Rangers who knew Reggie Fleming during his years in New York.

It’s a talk about hockey, but about a lot more too.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

Hockey Viewing, circa 1963 (via habsinsideout.com)

2009-08-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

Hockey Viewing, circa 1963 (via habsinsideout.com)

With a big thanks to Dave Stubbs who does so much outstanding work at http://habsinsideout.com - a site from the Montreal Gazette:

"Thanks to Kevin van Steendelaar for the work to upload this on his site. Three nice National Film Board videos worth your time, and then some...."

"...And do NOT miss Un jeu si simple, another wonderful NFB documentary, this one in French by Gilles Groulx in 1964. It's a remarkable piece, and the footage of the day is breathtaking. Thanks to Inside/Out reader Patrick for directing us to it...."

"....It's truly worth the half hour to watch it...."
http://www.onf.ca/film/Un_jeu_si_simple/

http://www.habsinsideout.com/

Passing: Teeder Kennedy (Globe and Mail)

2009-08-15T04:24:00.001-07:00

From The Globe and Mail:

David Shoalts
Port Colborne, Ont. — Globe and Mail Update
Last updated on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

When Ted (Teeder) Kennedy was the best player for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the years following the Second World War, sports heroes were portrayed as unassuming gods, quiet and reserved off the ice but merciless competitors once the puck was dropped.

The sporting legend was fictional as often as not but, his contemporaries say, not in Mr. Kennedy’s case.

He was the embodiment of an era when hockey players were expected to give all they had to the team without concern for the size of their paycheque or endorsement opportunities.

The quintessential Leaf died yesterday morning in a nursing home in his hometown of Port Colborne, Ont., of congestive heart failure. He was 83.

“He was the Leafs,” said Bob Haggert, who was hired by Mr. Day as an assistant trainer in 1954 and watched Mr. Kennedy closely in his last two seasons with the Leafs. “He was Conn Smythe, he was Hap Day, he was that era all rolled into one.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-legend-kennedy-dies/article1252478

Also:

LEAFS TV (via You Tube): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS_mMzp4xZ0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9dA8WnQrzs

LEGENDS OF HOCKEY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5BuUysYEeM

Leafs fans petition for return of old-school logo (Toronto Star)

2009-07-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

From The Toronto Star:

By Adrian Morrow
July 29, 2009

The idea for the petition was hatched on an Internet hockey message board, where many of the users felt the same way as Clayton. Another young user on the board set the petition up on its own website (www.leafslogo.com) and created a Facebook page.

So far, the petition has gathered more than 300 signatures.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/673255

Emile Francis

2009-07-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Emile “the Cat” Francis enjoyed a close association with hockey that lasted over four decades. Communities across North America benefited from his talents as a player, coach, general manager and administrator.

We best remember him as GM and Coach of those great NY Ranger teams of the late 1960’s and early 70’s that came so close to winning a Stanley Cup. Unfortuately, standing in the way of Ratelle, Gilbert, Nevin, and Park were the likes of Orr, Esposito, Beliveau, Richard, Dryden, Lafleur and Clarke.

We speak with Emile Francis about hockey then and now.

At:
http://conversationsontehroad.com

Harry Howell

2009-07-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

In this Journey in to Hockey, we speak with Harry Howell, longtime star for the New York Rangers.

A stalwart, stay at home defenceman, in 1967 Howell was the last player in the pre-expansion era to win the Norris Trophy, and famously (and prophetically) said that ‘he was glad he won the trophy then, because Bobby Orr would from then on forward.’

Howell’s playing weight was 195 and he stood 6 foot 1 inches tall. He played seventeen years wearing number 3 for the Rangers then he played another eight years in professional hockey; two with Oakland/California Seals, three with the Los Angeles Kings, and one each with three WHA teams: New York Golden Blades/New Jersey Knights, San Diego Mariners, and Calgary Cowboys.

A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Howell played 1411 NHL games and 170 WHA games, scoring 101 goals and 360 assists for 461 points. He was named a First Team All-Star in 1967, and played in All-Star Games in 1054, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and 1970. When he left the NHL, Howell had played more games as a defenceman than anyone else, and remains sixth in all time games played as a defenseman. He also holds the record for most games played in the NHL wearing the same New York Rangers sweater: 1160.

We spoke to Harry over the winter just prior to the time that his #3 jersey, along with Andy Bathgate’s #9 was retired by the Rangers during a special ceremony prior to the February 22, 2009 match versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.

We chatted about his career - especially the years in New York, many of which may have been lean in the “W column, but were nonetheless full of warm recollections.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

Canadiens' All-Time Team Ceremony -1983

2009-07-16T04:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's summer - the off season for hockey.

But I found this remarkable video on You Tube.

As the Montreal Canadiens continue to celebrate their centennial year, we look back to the team's 75th anniversary celebration at the Montreal Forum (Oh, how I miss that building).

Bob Cole and John Davidson provide commentary as these greats are introduced in uniform: Toe Blake (Coach) (with Scotty Bowman as Buffalo coach looking on), Jacques Plante (Goal), Doug Harvey & Larry Robinson (Defense), Dickie Moore (Left Wing), Jean Beliveau (Centre), Maurice Richard (Right Wing)and as an added feature the then 83 year old Aural Joliat.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UpUjW0ccwk&feature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gVx0kcc_TI&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dKacbITUOQ&feature=related

Introducing journeysinto.com

2009-06-12T08:09:00.001-07:00

Anyone that's been in our neck of the woods knows that we could have used a re-branding a long time ago.

Some good content. Multi-media. But to more than afew folks, it was more than a bit confusing.

With this in mind, we have created a new umbrella place to go. It's called http://journeysinto.com.

Once there, you can take a journey into Hidden America, Canada, Beer or Hockey (with others to follow).

The content and the feel, hopfully, remain. And, with any look, less confusion.

Ron Ellis on Playoff Hockey & The Leafs of '67

2009-06-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ron Ellis was one of the many stalwarts for the Toronto Maple Leafs teams of the mid-1960’s. He was on the last Leaf Cup winner in 1967.

In this Journey in Hockey, We speak with Ron Ellis about the playoffs, the NHL and the world then and now.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

The Calder Cup Tradition

2009-06-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Calder Cup is the trophy awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is sadi to be the world’s second oldest (after the NHL Stanley Cup) continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.

The cup is named after Frank Calder, who was the first president of the NHL.

In this Journey into Hockey we speak with longtime columnist AHL Bill Ballou about the history of the Calder Cup playoffs and some of its great moments over the years. There’s even a prediction for this year (See if it was correct).

At:
http://conversatiosnontheroad.com

The Memorial Cup

2009-04-29T09:18:00.001-07:00

The Memorial Cup is awarded each year to Canada’s top junior hockey team. It is a trophy steeped in history and tradition.

Richard Lapp joins us for this “Journey into Hockey” to talk about the history and importance of Canada’s Junior Hockey Championship.

Mr. Lapp is co-author of a book about The Memorial Cup (The Memorial Cup - Canada’s National Junior Hockey Championship, Harbour Publishinh 2004), as well as the best selling Local Heroes: A History of the Western Hockey League.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

The Legend & Legacy of Bill Barilko

2009-04-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

On April 21, 1951, Bill Barilko scored a seventh game overtime goal against the Montreal Canadiens to give the Toronto Maple Leafs their seventh Stanley Cup.

Four months later, Barilko disappeared while returning from a fishing trip in northern Ontario. The remains of Bill Barilko and his fishing partner were found at the site their plane went down eleven years after they first disappeared.

The hero and the mystery of Bill Barilko have made him a national phenomena. A photograph of him scoring the Cup winning goal is the most requested image at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

We speak with author and hockey historian Kevin Shea about Bill Barilko - about the man and about just what makes him so important to so many all these years later.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

Brian McFarlane

2009-04-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

Perhaps best known as a commentator on Hockey Night in Canada for 25 years, Brain McFarlane was also a presence on NHL games for the major American networks CBS and NBC.

He has written more than 50 books on hockey. McFarlane is an expert on hockey history and has compiled several volumes of NHL lore titled “It Happened in Hockey,” as well as a 1999 series detailing the colorful history of the “Original Six” NHL teams. His memoirs, published by Stoddart Publishing in 2000, are entitled Brian McFarlane’s World of Hockey.

He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame (media section).

We speak with Brian McFarlane about his career and the changes that he has seen in hockey and hockey broadcasting over the years on both sides of the border.

Hockey: A People’s History

2009-03-30T10:50:00.001-07:00

Hockey: A People’s History is a CBC Television Documentary that first aired in 2006.
Much like an earlier documentray Canada: A People’s History, the series told the history of the sport of hockey from a personal perspective, giving voice to various individuals, major and minor, as the sport grows and evolves in Canada.

There was an accompanying book by the same name authored by award-winning documentary film-maker Michael McKinley.

We speak with Michael McKinley about Hockey: A People’s History, and about just what hockey has meant and continues to mean to Canada.

At: http://conversationsontheroad.com

Taped in Fall, 2008 - Aired on XM, January, 2009

Gallivan, Lecavalier turned Habs into Canada's team (Montreal Gazette)

2009-03-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

From The Montreal Gazette:

By RED FISHER
February 24, 2009

The players and builders whose photos are part of the Ring of Honour that circles the Bell Centre are a testament to their greatness.

From Vézina to Roy, Morenz, the Richards, Béliveau and onward to the Big Three. Irvin, Blake and Bowman. Selke and Pollock. Forty-four players, 10 builders ... Hall of Famers all.

So what's at least slightly wrong with this picture?When you're talking builders, where are Danny Gallivan and René Lecavalier?

http://www.montrealgazette.com/Sports/Gallivan+Lecavalier+turned+Habs+into+Canada+team/1322044/story.html

Andy Bathgate

2009-03-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

On February 22, 2009 Harry Howell and andy Bathgate were honored at New York’s Madison Square Garden by having their numbers 3 and 9 retired respectively.

Bathgate was an artistic, creative forward who saw the ice like few others of his era. He was the Rangers all-time leader in goals, assists and points at the end of the Original Six era and still holds the team record of scoring goals in 10 consecutive games.

Howell was a disciplined, steady defenseman whose greatness wasn’t fully appreciated until the latter stages of his career, when he became the last Original Six era blueliner to win the James Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best at his position. He remains the Rangers’ all-time games-played leader with 1,160. Given the nature of today’s free agency and salary cap restrictions, that could be the most daunting mark in the entire Rangers record book.

In anticiaption of the night honoring these two former greats, not too long ago we spoke with both Harry Howell and Andy Bathgate.

This podcast is our talk with Andy Bathgate. At http://conversationsontheroad.com

World Pond Hockey Championships

2009-03-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

This unique event is an annual international competition that takes place outdoors, on bodies of frozen water, playing the pond hockey variant of ice hockey. The event takes place in and around Plaster Rock, New Brunwick.

The first championships were held in 2002. The 2007 event was opened by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the first time the Prime Minister attended the event and indeed the first time a prime minister had ever visited Plaster Rock.

We speak with Danny Braun from Plaster Rock about how the event started, what takes place, and just how they manage to pull it off in this community of 1,150.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

Black Ice: “The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes: 1895-1925″.

2009-03-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Comprised of the sons and grandsons of runaway American slaves, the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes helped pioneer the sport of ice hockey changing this winter game from the primitive “gentleman’s past-time” of the nineteenth century to the modern fast moving game of today. In an era when many believed blacks could not endure cold, possessed ankles too weak to effectively skate, etc. (”and lacked the intelligence for organized sport”), these men defied the defined myths.

We speak with George Fosty, one of the co-authors of “Black Ice”.

Aired on Xm Radio - Channel 204 in February, 2009.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

50 Years for the Quebec Pee-Wee Tourney

2009-02-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Québec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.

Once again, over 2,300 11- and 12-year-old hockey players will face off in Québec City’s Pepsi Coliseum. It’s the biggest minor hockey tournament in the world, attracting aspiring pros from 16 countries. The 11-day competition draws crowds totalling 200,000 who come to watch future professional hockey players. Players from past years have included the likes of Brad Park, Guy Lafleur, Marcel Dionne, Gilbert Perrault, Mark Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Sylvain Côté, Eric Lindros and more.

We speak with Patrick Dom from Quebec City about the tourney, its history and just what it has meant to hockey, the community and those who have played in it.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

All-Star Game History

2009-02-14T14:22:00.001-08:00

To mark the 2009 National Hockey League All-Star Game in Montreal on January 25, we spoke with author Andrew Podnieks about the All-Star Game - what it’s about and how it’s changed over the years.

This segment first aired on XM Radio in January, 2009.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com/

Budd Lynch

2009-02-14T14:21:00.001-08:00

Since the 1940’s Budd Lynch has been a fixture around and a good will ambassador for the Detroit Red Wings. If Gordie Howe is “Mr. Hockey”, is it unfair to describe Budd Lynch as “Mr. Red Wing” ?

Budd Lynch was the radio broadcast voice of the Wings from 1949 through 1975. At that time he tried to retire but was persuaded into becoming the team’s public realtions director as well as community relations director. He tried to retire again in the ’80’s but instead ended up the team’s public address anouncers for home games (which he continues today in his 90’s).

A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall fo Fame (among others), Budd Lynch shares with us some of the many big moments of his career (including the Detroit Stanley Cups of the 1950’s and 2000’s as well as being in the Montreal Forum the night of the infamous Rocket Richard riots).

This segment first aired on XM Radio in January, 2009.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

The Home of Slap Shot

2009-02-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

(This segment aired on XM Radio in January, 2009)

When actor Paul Newman passed away in 2008, hockey fans paused to recall Newman and the 1977 film Slap Shot.

The film is based on a screenplay written by Nancy Dowd, based in part on her brother Ned Dowd’s experiences playing minor league hockey in the United States in the 1970s, during which time violence, especially in the low minors, was the selling point of the game.

At the time, Dowd was living in Los Angeles, when she got a call from her brother Ned, a member of the Johnstown Jets hockey team. Her brother gave her the bad news that the team was for sale. Dowd asked her brother who owned the club, and he told her that he had no idea. Dowd would move to the area and be inspired to write Slap Shot.

In addition to being based on the Johnstown story, much of the movie was also filmed there.
In this Journey into Hockey, we speak with Bill Bredin, GM of the Johnstown Chiefs, about Johnstown, its hockey history and the impact of Slapshot on the community.

It was filmed in Pittsburgh & Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Cambria County War Memorial); and upstate New York (Utica Auditorium and the Onondaga County War Memorial Auditorium in Syracuse).

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

Stan Mikita

2009-02-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

(This segment aired on XM Radio in December, 2008)\

As the hockey world has turned its attention to Chicago for this year’s New Year’s Day outdoor classic, we are joined by former Black Hawks great Stan Mikita.

Mikita is thought by some to be the breatest center of the 1960’s. In 1961 he won the Stanley Cup with the Hawks.

As significantly, In his early years, Mikita was among the most-penalized players in the league, but he then decided to play a cleaner game and went on to win the Lady Bing Memorial Trophy for sportsmanlike conduct twice.

Combining skilled defense and a reputation as one of the game’s best faceoff men with his innovative curved stick, Mikita led the league in scoring four times in the decade, tying Bobby Hull’s single-season scoring mark in 1966-67 with 97 points (a mark broken two years later by former teammate Phil Esposito and currently held by Wayne Gretzky).

He currently serves as an ambassador for the Blackhawks’ organization.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com

The Day They Closed The Old Garden

2008-12-30T14:46:00.001-08:00

On Sunday afternoon February 11, 1968, the New York Rangers played their last game at the old Madison Square Garden on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets.

To mark the event, Rangers’ brass staged a closing ceremony highlighted by a re-union of the top living players of the time. The invitees include Ranger stars from every era to the original 1926-1927, as well as opponents who faced the New Yorkers. The attendees featured the likes of Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Elmer Lach, Aurel Joliat, Milt Schmidt, Sid Abel, Syl Apps, Doug Bentley, Roy Conacher, Bill Chadwick, Lynn Patrick, Andy Bathgate and the Cook Brothers (Gordie Howe was in town as a member of the visiting Detroit Red Wings).

We speak with legendary journalist, author, broadcaster and hockey historian Stan Fischler (probably known best as “The Hockey Maven”) about the closing of the old Garden, what it meant back then and what it has come to mean these many years later.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access February, 2008)

The Stewart Family

2008-12-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

In hockey there are families of distinction; The Patricks, the Smythes, the Irvins, Conachers, Hewitts, Howes, Hulls, Plagers and Sutters are some that come to mind.

Another is the Stewarts.

Paul Stewart joins us. He is a former player with the World Hockey Association and the Quebec Nordiques of the National Hockey League. Stewart played with Mark Messier in Cincinnati for the Cincinnati Stingers and he was responsible for getting Messier his first beer.

His last season of professional hockey was 1979–80 with the Quebec Nordiques. After his playing days were finished, he had a lengthy career as an NHL referee. Stewart is currently Men’s League Supervisor of Officials for ECAC Hockey.

Paul Stewart comes from a hockey family as well. Most notable, Bill Stewart (September 20, 1984-February 14, 1964) was an American coach and sports official who was an hockey referee and coach, and also an umpire in baseball’s Major League. In his first season as head coach of the Chicago Black Hawks, he led the team to a Stanley Cup in 1938. Born in Firchburg, Massachusetts, he was the first American-trained head coach to win the Stanley Cup. He was also an umpire in the National League from 1933 to 1954, and officiated in four World Series (1937, 1943, 1948, 1953) and four All-Star Games (1936, 1940, 1948, 1954), calling balls and strikes for the last contest. He also was the home plate umpire for Johnny Vander Meer’s second consecutive no-hitter in 1938 and was the crew chief for the 1951 three-game pennant playoff between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Paul Stewart chats with us about his careers, his family and his battle (successful to date) against Cancer.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access Decmber, 2008)

The Early Flyers

2008-12-29T16:46:00.001-08:00

It’s now more than 40 years since the Philadelphia Flyers entered the National Hockey League.
Still best known for the Broad Street Bullies of the mid-1970’s, the Flyers’ first years before their two Stanley Cups were quite interesting.

We speak with columnist, Flyers’ historian and author Jay Greenberg (Full Spectrum: Philadelphia Flyers, Triumph Books) about those early years (1967-1972) that included the roof blowing off the Spectrum, the role of broadcaster Gene Hart in developing fans, and the Flyers’ efforts in creating an identity.

Bernie Parent, Andre Lacroix, Barry Ashbee, Kate Smith are some of the names recalled in this conversation.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access December, 2008)

Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory

2008-12-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

Award winning author D’Arcy Jenish joins us to discuss his new book on the Montreal Canadiens - a history to mark the 100th anniversary of the franchise.

It is an entertaining and enlightening book. In it is the history you know - the legendary stuff of The Rocket, Jean Beliveau, Howie Morenz, George Vezina and Guy Lafleur. But there is so much more and it will give you a new perspective about Les Canadiens and the club’s place in Montreal, Quebec and Canada.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access December, 2008)

Red Fisher

2008-12-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

“Living Legend” is what his comrades at the Montreal Gazette like to call Red Fisher. And, it’s an accurate description.

Red Fisher has been covering the Montreal Canadiens since 1954. A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, he has seen alot -from the days of the Rocket, Clarence Campbell, Toe Blake and Punch Imlach through Jean Beliveau, Danny Gallivan, Dick Irvin, Bobby Orr and Gut Lafleur.

Mr. Fisher shares some of his experience and wisdom with us. We spoke for a while but it was not long enough. We could have kept going for hours. But here is what we’ve got in what was for me a special conversation.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access November, 2008)

The Voice of the Bruins

2008-12-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

Generations of New England sports fans grew up to the hockey play by play calls of Fred Cusick.

We speak with Fred Cusick, “Voice of the Bruins” about his 60 Years in Boston Sports. In this Journey into Hockey, Cusick takes us up to the broadcast booth as he describes the key plays, personalities and games in Bruins history”.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access November, 2008)

Farewell to The Aud

2008-12-29T16:31:00.000-08:00

Buffalo’s War Memorial Auditorium was the long time home to the hockey Sabres and other sporting and entertainemnt activities and events.

As the building is being demolished, we speak with long-time Buffalo News columnist Milt Northrop about just what the Aud meant to Buffalo.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access November, 2008)

Looking Back at the WHA

2008-12-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

We go back to the days of the World Hockey Association with columnist Ed Willes who has authored a book on the topic, “The Rebel League”.

There are some great stories and the impact of the WHA is a large one. We start to look at some of it here.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access October, 2008)

Hockey Nights in New York with John Halligan

2008-12-29T16:28:00.001-08:00

Former New York Rangers’ PR Director John Halligan speaks with us about decades of hockey before Mark Messier, Mike Richter and Rod Gilbert. we go back to the likes of the Cooks, the Patricks, Harry Howell, Andy Bathgate, Gump Worsley and the New York Americans.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access at October, 2008)

Jean Beliveau

2008-12-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

Canadiens’ legend and gentleman speaks to us about his career and about the tradition and impact of the Montreal Canadiens.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com (Access in October, 2008)

Introducing Journeys into Hockey

2008-12-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

What is hockey's off beat, off the beaten path, overlooked and forgotten ?

Listen each week on Sirius-Xm'S Channel 204 or catch us as a podcast at http://conversationsontheroad.com

We'll provide regular updates on our various "Journeys into Hockey" segments as they becoem available.