The Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast (Mark Willand l Pro Hockey Alumni)
Explore every episode of The Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 29 Dec 2019 | #63 KC Scouts History with Troy Treasure and NE Whalers Upset Win over the USSR in 1976. | 01:06:19 | |
The KC Scouts and WHA Whalers? It's a 70's hockey free for all! Episode 63 of the Pro Hockey Alumni podcast features a look back at the Kansas City Scouts NHL franchise with author Troy Treasure and my review of the historic New England Whalers upset of the Soviet National team on December 27, 1976. Troy Treasure’s book “Icing on the Plains” is the story of Kansas City’s attempt to integrate major league hockey into its sports marketplace — only to see it fall through thin ice. Painstakingly researched, “Icing on the Plains” features great hockey stories and some of the most colorful people in the game. In this interview we recall the triumphs and tragedies of this often forgotten franchise that would go on to become the Colorado Rockies and, eventually, the New Jersey Devils. In our two pervious episodes, you’ve heard some of the Scouts stories from Denis Herron and Robin Burns and in this episode we complete our KC Scouts trilogy with discussions about Scouts and NHL personalities such as Wilfred Paiement, Steve Durbano, Michel Plasse, Simon Nolet, Sid Abel, Dan Kelly, Peter McDuffe and many more. Before talking with Troy, I’ll review the New England Whalers improbable WHA win over the touring Soviet National team in 1976 — a game that was easily the top game of the Whalers WHA years in Hartford. Whalers center Mike Rogers helps us recall this momentous game in Hartford hockey history.
Host: Mark Willand
* edit note: Gary MacGregor and the Cornwall Royals played in the QMJHL, not the OHA | |||
| 01 Aug 2018 | #10 Jerry Rollins - WHA Tough Guy Turned Business Leadership Guru | 00:59:53 | |
Jerry Rollins was a hard-punching defenseman, who fought all the tough guys in the wild World Hockey Association. A 2nd round draft selection of the Detroit Red Wings and the WHA Toronto Toros in 1975, Rollins earned the respect of teammates and foes alike as the protector of his team’s skilled players. Jerry is an entertaining and thoughtful man, who recalls a number of great stories from his playing days, including:
Jerry applied his lessons from his hockey journey to a successful business career in San Diego, CA. Jerry is now the cofounder and chairman of the Sage Executive Group, where he uses his business expertise to mentor and coach CEOs.
Host: Mark Willand
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| 07 Aug 2018 | #11 John Schella Tribute for the Houston Aeros and Vancouver Canucks | 00:19:08 | |
Today we pay tribute to a hockey warrior - John Schella — who passed away on August 3rd 2018 at the age of 71.
John Schella was Born May 9 1947 -- Port Arthur, ONT.
He gained notoriety as one of the “Thunder Bay Boys” before signing with the Peterborough Petes in 1966-67.
After honing his skills in Houston, Denver and Rochester he became an original Vancouver Canuck in 1970-71.
Two years later John joined the fledgling World Hockey Association, where he would spend the next six years of his career, winning two WHA Championships and earning the admiration of teammates and respect of opponents.
John concluded his career in San Diego on the Pacific Coast League in 1978-79.
Today’s tribute includes memories from former teammates Andre Lacroix, Jerry Rollins, Scott Campbell, Cam Connor and Larry Lund.
All these legends would agree: John Schella was tough, talented and a great teammate. Most important, when things got tough, John always had their backs.
Let’s remember John with the words of his teammates.
Rest In peace, John
Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 21 Aug 2018 | #12 1970s NY Rangers - Boston Bruins Trades, Mike Krushelnyski and a Tribute to Lauri Mononen | 00:34:51 | |
In Episode 12 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast, we’ll play three periods:
In Period 1 we talk classic New York Rangers Hockey with George Grimm, the author of “We Did Everything But Win: An Oral History of the Emile Francis Era New York Rangers (1964–1976)” …. We focus our discussion on two franchise-altering trades with the Boston Bruins in the 1970s and one potential blockbuster deal involving a Bruins Hall of Famer that would have changed the course of history for both teams.
In Period 2 we welcome hockey historian and the voice of the Boston Bruins Alumni our good friend John Horrigan, who has an entertaining talk with four-time Stanley Cup Champion and NHL All Star Mike Krushelnyski. Originally produced for the “Bruins Alumni TV” series, this interview was recorded at the recent NHL Alumni Pro-Am outside of Boston.
Period 3 features a remembrance of Finnish hockey star and former WHA Phoenix Roadrunner Lauri Mononen, who passed away on August 5th 2018. Mononen, who played two WHA seasons, was one of many Finns who played in the WHA. That includes Hexi Riirhanta, Veli Pekka Ketola, Matti Hagman, Markus Mattson and Roadrunners teammates Juhani Tamminimen, Seppo Repo and Pekka Rautakllio.
Selected to the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, Mononen, represented Finland in six World Championships, one Olympics and a U18 European Championship.
For insights on the life and career of Laurie Mononen, we welcomed back his teammate in Phoenix, Jerry Rollins.
The Episode of the Pro Hockey Alumni podcast is presented by hockeytournaments.com. If you’re looking to play in a tournament or just list your tournament just visit hockeytournaments.com.
“We Did Everything but Win” on amazon.com
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| 09 Sep 2018 | #13 Ab McDonald Tribute for 16-year NHL and WHA Pro and 4-time Stanley Cup Champion | 00:22:09 | |
Episode 13 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast is a tribute to NHL and WHA veteran forward Alvin Brian “Ab”Ab McDonald, who passed away on September 4, 2018 at the age of 82. Ab played 762 regular-season and 84 NHL playoff games followed by two seasons in the World Hockey Association, where he was the Winnipeg Jets' first captain. The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native won the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1958 and 1959 and then again with Chicago in 1961. He scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961. Ab finished with 182 goals and 248 assists for 430 points during his 14-year NHL career with Montreal, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. He was also the first-ever captain of the expansion Pittsburgh Penguins in 1967-68. To help us pay tribute to Ab, we’ve invited three of his friends from his WHA days on the show: WHA and Winnipeg Jets originals: Norm Beaudin and Joe Daley along with legendary Winnipeg broadcaster and Jets historian Peter Young. Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 12 Oct 2018 | #15 Joe Noris WHA All Star with the San Diego Mariners | 00:48:31 | |
Drafted in the third round, 32nd overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, Joe Noris played 55 regular season games in the National Hockey League with the Penguins, St. Louis Blues, and Buffalo Sabres in 1971–74. During his NHL stint, he mostly played as a defenseman although he was a natural center. Joe made his way to the World Hockey Association with the San Diego Mariners and the Birmingham Bulls, skating in 198 WHA games, scoring 72 goals and adding 116 assists from 1975–1978. Noris was selected to the 1977 WHA All-Star Game and also played for the United States at the inaugural 1976 Canada Cup tournament. Noris was the first player who grew up in Colorado to make it to the NHL. He would be the only Colorado native to suit up until Parris Duffus played a single game in 1997. Joe later became a fixture on the roller hockey scene. Joe tells some great stories from his interesting career.
Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 25 Oct 2018 | #16 Terry Ruskowski - Captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, LA Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Houston Aeros | 00:41:52 | |
Terry "Roscoe" Ruskowski played for the Chicago Black Hawks, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota North Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL), and for the Houston Aeros and Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association (WHA). Ruskowski's leadership on the ice was recognized with his tenure as captain of the Aeros, Blackhawks, Kings, and Penguins, the only player in major professional history to captain four clubs. Ruskowski won two Avco Cup Championships in the WHA (1975 and 1979). After his playing career, Ruskowski embarked on a successful minor league coaching career in a variety of leagues. In this interview Terry discusses his toughest fighting foes, the WHA vs. the NHL, hockey legends like Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux and Stan Mikita and he reveals the biggest regret of his pro career. Host: Mark Willand
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| 03 Nov 2018 | #17 Rick Middleton Boston Bruins Legend | 01:00:02 | |
What an honor to talk with this week’s guest — my good friend and Boston Bruins legend Rick “Nifty” Middleton. A first round draft pick of the NY Rangers in 1973, Nifty scored 448 career goals and 988 career points in 14 sensational NHL seasons with the Rangers and Bruins. He topped 40 goals and 90 points for five consecutive seasons in the 1980s and played in three NHL All Star Games and Two Canada Cups. While his stick handling and offensive flair were legendary, he also was also a great two-way player and is the Bruins all-time leader in shorthanded goals. Nifty is now the president of the Bruins Alumni Association, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for those in need. Nifty is one of hockey’s great ambassadors and is certainly worthy of having his #16 hanging from the rafters of the Boston Garden. Host: Mark Willand
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| 09 Nov 2018 | #18 Keith "Huffer" Christiansen - A Tribute to a Minnesota Hockey Legend | 00:18:13 | |
Episode 18 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast is a Tribute to US Hockey legend Keith “Huffer” Christensen, who died on November 5th, 2018 at the age 74. After a legendary high school career in International Falls, MN, Huffer became a standout player at The University of Minnesota Duluth in the 1960s, putting that program on the hockey map. He captained the silver medal winning 1972 US Olympic hockey team and concluded his playing career in the World Hockey Association with Minnesota Fighting Saints. In 2005 he was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame. At just 5-6 and 155 pounds, Huffer was small in stature, but big in heart and talent. To help commemorate Huffer’s career, we’ll talk with three of his Olympic teammates: RW Tim Sheehy, Center Henry Boucha and goaltender Mike Curran. We’ll learn about what made Huffer a special player and person — and we’ll examine the strong bond that the 1972 Olympic team still has today. Rest in Peace, Huffer Christiansen
Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 19 Nov 2018 | #19 Paul Stewart - WHA/NHL Enforcer, NHL Referee, US Hockey Hall of Famer | 00:54:34 | |
WHA and NHL Tough Guy, Hall of Fame Referee, Cancer Survivor, Paul “Stewcat” Stewart may be the most interesting man in hockey, but he made his mark well beyond the sport -- inspiring people from all walks of life to find, in themselves, the will and the courage to achieve and survive even the most dire of circumstances. Incredibly, Paul climbed to the top of the NHL ladder twice — as a player and referee. In Episode 19 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast, we focus on Paul’s playing career -- an incredible journey from Zamboni Driver at Philadelphia Flyers practices to a respected enforcer in the big leagues. Paul delivers fascinating tales from his days slugging it out in the wild “Slapshot” era of minor league hockey and his eventual climb to the big leagues with the WHA Cincinnati Stingers and NHL Quebec Nordiques. What fueled Paul’s unlikely drive to the top? You’ll get a good idea in his stories about meeting hockey legend Eddie Shore and and heartfelt letter he received from former puglistic foe Jack Carlson. This podcast is crammed with entertaining hockey stories and life inspiration as as is Paul’s new book titled “Ya Wanna Go?” which is sure to be a best seller. The book is available on his website —YaWannaGo.com, amazon.com and wherever great books are sold. This book is a must read for any hockey fan. Host: Mark Willand
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| 04 Apr 2020 | #68 Tom Fergus 30-Goal Scorer with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs | 01:03:21 | |
Nobody had a more lethal wrist shot than Tom Fergus. Episode 68 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Tom Fergus, who played 726 NHL games with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks in the 1980s and early 90s.. Fergus was known for his sensational wrist shot, which helped him record back-to-back 30-goal seasons with Boston and Toronto en route to a total of 235 goals for his career. Tom is entertaining and insightful as he recalls his longshot road to the NHL draft, his junior coach -- Mike Keenan, the much-publicized contract battle and eventual trade from Boston, and he provides great anecdotes about John Brophy, Pat Quinn, Terry O’Reilly, Wendel Clark, Borje Salming and many other great names from that unforgettable era. Today, Tom is very active with the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni, raising money for various charities throughout Ontario and beyond. Speaking of charities, just a reminder that we have joined NHL Alumni Tom Laidlaw, Frank Simonetti and Ken Hodge, Jr. in support of the Warrior for Life Fund and the Navy Seal Foundation. Through the game of hockey, the Warrior for Life Fund supports our soldiers by providing programs and infrastructure that help military families cope with the unique challenges of combat, extended deployments, disabilities and the long lasting effects of war. Please visit warriorforlifefund.org for more information. Remember you can follow us anywhere online @prohockeyalumni -- and as always, we appreciate your outstanding ratings and reviews on ITunes and Apple Podcasts
Host: Mark Willand
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| 25 Nov 2018 | #20 Matt DiBiase (author), PJ Stock and Al Iafrate | 00:58:38 | |
Today’s Guest on the PHA Podcast is Matt DiBiase, the author of the book — “the Art of the Dealers, the NHL Greatest General Managers” "The Art of the Dealers" is based several interviews with NHL players and general managers (active and retired) like Lou Lamoriello, Cliff Fletcher, Ray Shero, Doug Wilson, Jim Rutherford, and David Poile, who shared their insights and philosophies about what it takes to manage, build, and maintain great hockey teams. In this interview we discuss great managerial legends like Sam Pollock, Emile Francis, Bill Torrey, Conn Smythe, Harry Sinden, Glen Sather and more. Based on his rating system, Matt reveals what he determines to be the top 5 GMs of all time. The Art of the Dealers is available on Amazon.com. In addition to Matt, we welcome back the “Voice of the Boston Bruins Alumni” John Horrigan as he interviews a pair of NHL pros PJ Stock and Al Iafrate at the NHL Pro Am charity event in Boston. Please consider leaving a rating and review on iTunes (The link is in the show notes). Also you can reach me directly at prohockeyaumni@gmail.com.
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| 01 Dec 2018 | #21 Mike Corrigan - LA Kings and Vancouver Canucks Original | 00:44:24 | |
Episode 21 of the Pro Hockey Alumni podcast features Mike Corrigan, a 11-year NHL veteran with the LA Kings, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins. Mike was both an original LA King and Vancouver Canuck but it was in his second go-round with the Kings where he made his mark in the NHL. A tough, versatile and gritty forward, Mike’s scored 37 goals with the Kings in 1972-73, playing on a line with Juha Widing and Bob Berry. He was key part of the 1974-75 Kings squad that garnered 105 points during the regular season. Mike’s career ended with the Penguins in 1976-77 when he suffered a horrendous leg injury vs. the Sabres — but in hindsight even this story was hilarious. A great storyteller, Mike is one of hockey’s good guys - a man who appreciates his place in hockey history and is well-liked by everyone. He loves the game and gives back far more than he ever received. I’ve known Mike for quite some time and he never fails to put a smile on my face. I think you’ll be smiling too as you listen to the recollections rom Mike’s colorful career. (Please note that Mike references some events he’ll be at in early 2019, one of which is The Springfield Thunderbirds’ “Blast from the Past night.” This night is on Jan 5th, not on January 11th as referenced in the podcast.). Also remember to subscribe to and leave a rating and review for us on iTunes, the link is in the show notes. You can also email the Pro Hockey Alumni at prohockeyalumni@gmail.com. Home base for our show and all of our many social media sites is prohockeyalumni.org.
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| 08 Dec 2018 | #22 Jordy Douglas WHA/NHL Pro with Hartford, Minnesota and Winnipeg | 00:49:25 | |
Episode 22 of the Pro Hockey Alumni podcast features the personable Jordy Douglas, a WHA and NHL pro, who scored 33 goals with the Hartford Whalers in 1979-80. After a great junior career with the Flin Flon Bombers, Jordy elected to sign with the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association in 1978. With the Whalers, he teamed with hockey legends like Johnny McKenzie, Davey Keon and Gordie Howe as he learned the ropes of playing big league hockey. Jordy scored a goal in his first WHA game and really found his groove in the post-season. As a result of this strong performance, he joined Mark Howe as the only two protected Whalers skaters for the 1979 NHL Expansion Draft. With the legendary Keon as his centerman in 1979, Jordy established himself as a legitimate NHL scoring threat. A highlite was a four-goal game vs. the eventual Stanley Cup Champion NY Islanders. Unfortunately in game 77 of that season, Douglas suffered a broken collarbone, an event that began a cycle of serious injuries that would plague him for the rest of his career. He’d later play for the Minnesota North Stars and Winnipeg Jets and conclude his career with a prolific two-year stay in Finland. Upon retirement, Jordy found significant business success teaming with ex-NY Ranger Ted Irvine in the financial management industry. Jordy is articulate, funny and an all-around good guy and you’ll enjoy his perspective on his days in hockey and beyond. Also remember to subscribe to and leave a rating and review for us on iTunes, the link is in the show notes. You can also email the Pro Hockey Alumni at prohockeyalumni@gmail.com. Home base for our show and all of our many social media sites is prohockeyalumni.org.
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| 12 Jan 2020 | #65: Danny Gare: Two-Time 50-Goal Scorer and the Captain of the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings | 01:11:06 | |
Danny Gare shared the NHL Goal scoring title in 1980 with 56 goals Episode 65 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features 14-year NHL pro and captain of the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings Danny Gare. In this episode Danny takes through his youth in Nelson, B.C. to the rough-and-tumble junior days in Calgary and right through his outstanding NHL career in which he twice scored 50 goals, played in two NHL All Star games and was selected to Team Canada in the 1976 and 1981 Canada Cup tournaments. An undersized and scrappy winger with a wicked wrist shot, Danny is a member of the Buffalo Sabres and BC Hockey Halls of Fame and his #18 is one of six Sabres numbers to be retired by the team. Among the players and personalities we discuss are: Gil Perreault, Steve Yzerman, Bobby Orr, Jim Schoenfeld, Gordie Howe, Mike Rogers, Punch Imlach, Dave Schultz, Bernie Parent and many more. Danny remains an integral part of the Sabres family. And he is also a partner in a revolutionary synthetic ice product — Can Ice. CAN-ICE® is a synthetic ice surface that looks, feels and performs just like real ice, indoors and out. Endorsed by Hockey Canada, CAN-ICE® synthetic ice is perfect for any hockey player or figure skater looking to be the best they can be, and have fun doing it. CAN-ICE® gives young skaters a synthetic ice surface on which to play 365 days a year. In these days of expensive and scarce ice-time, CAN-ICE® synthetic ice lets kids kids lace up the skates and go… anytime they want. More information on Danny Gare and Can Ice can be found in the show notes. Host: Mark Willand
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| 05 Jan 2019 | #26 Peter Taglianetti - Two-Time Stanley Cup Winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins | 01:01:29 | |
Episode 26 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Peter Taglianetti, a 10-year NHL pro with the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota North Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning and, of course, the Pittsburgh Penguins, with which he won two 2 Stanley Cups. Peter also enjoyed a standout four-year career at Providence College and is a member of the PC Hall of Fame. A tough, old-school defenseman, Peter was an important figure on those powerhouse Penguins teams providing a hard-hitting aggressive style that was a perfect complement to his high-flying teammates. Peter is an entertaining guy and a great storyteller. In fact, he tells about a dozen excellent stories in this episode alone. Remember, you can contact us by visiting ProHockeyAlumni.org or you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ Pro Hockey Alumni. Don’t forget to rte, review and subscribe on ITunes. Host: Mark Willand
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| 18 Jan 2019 | #27 Phil Myre - Goaltender of the Atlanta Flames | 01:03:21 | |
Episode 27 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features goaltender Phil Myre, who played over 400 NHL games in 14 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Atlanta Flames, St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Rockies and Buffalo Sabres. Phil was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, fifth overall, in 1966. He played parts of three seasons with the Habs before being chosen by the Atlanta Flames in the 1972 expansion draft. Phil and Dan Bouchard were an outstanding 1-2 tandem in goal for the next six seasons. Individually, Phil’s finest NHL season came in 1974-75 when he recorded five shutouts and a 2.85 GAA for the Flames. Later in his career Phil helped backstop the Flyers to an incredible 35 game unbeaten streak. After retiring as a player, Phil moved on to an impressive career as a goaltending coach with many teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, LA Kings and Florida Panthers. Phil is now a sports consultant and inspirational speaker. You can visit his website at philmyretalkshockey.com. Host: Mark Willand
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| 27 Jan 2019 | #28 Bernie Nicholls, LA Kings Scoring Sensation in the 1980s. | 00:50:46 | |
Episode 28 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Bernie Nicholls, one of hockey all-time great goal scorers, who scored 521 regular season and playoff goals with several NHL teams in an impressive 18-year career. Bernie offers great memories of his NHL days, playing with Marcel Dionne and Wayne Gretzky and the exciting 1980's scene in LA’s Fabulous Forum. He also talks candidly about his fight to assist NHL Alumni, who have suffered post career health issue related to head injuries. Drafted by LA in 1980, Bernie would enjoy over eight productive years with the the Kings, highlighted by his historic 1988-89 campaign which saw him record 70 goals and 80 assists for 150 points. He is one of only 8 players in NHL history to score 70 goals in one season, and one of 5 to score 150 points. A 3-time NHL All Star, Bernie would go on to have successful stops with the Rangers, Oilers, Blackhawks, Devils and Sharks before retiring in 1999. Today, Bernie is involved in All Sports Market — the first ever real money sports stock market where you can buy actual shares of your favorite team! Bernie explains this exciting program on the show. You can also visit allsportsmarket.com for more details.
Host: Mark Willand
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| 28 Feb 2019 | #29 Don Luce - 1970's Buffalo Sabres Two-Way Star | 01:08:48 | |
Episode 29 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast Features Don Luce, a Buffalo Sabres Hall of Famer, who was one of the NHL’s premier two-way players in the 1970s. Luce teamed with wingers Craig Ramsay and Danny Gare to form one of hockey’s most potent lines. In all, Luce played 894 career NHL games, scoring 225 goals and 329 assists for 554 points. His best statistical season was the 1974–75 season with the Buffalo Sabres, when he set career highs in goals (33), points (76), shorthanded goals (8), and plus minus with a +61 rating. Don won the Masterton Trophy in 1975 and was and NHL All Star the same year. He is a member of the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame. Post-career Luce enjoyed great success in player development with the Sabres and Flyers. In this interview, Don tells hilarious stories about his days with the Rangers, Red Wings and Sabres and also discusses the heartbreaking trade from Buffalo to LA and the tough adjustment he had in the early days of retirement. Don also discusses his exciting new business, which helps athletes of all ages maximize their mental preparation for competition. Host: Mark Willand
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| 16 Dec 2018 | #23 Mike Antonovich - WHA Star and Minnesota Hockey Legend | 00:46:00 | |
Episode 23 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Mike Antonovich, the talented Minnesota Hockey legend and a seven-year WHA star with the Minnesota Fighting Saints and New England Whalers. After three standout seasons at the University of Minnesota, Mike became an original Fighting Saint in 1972. His Pro Career blossomed in 1975 when he played LW on a line with veterans Dave Keon and John McKenzie with the Fighting Saints. He was well on this way to a 40 Goal season until the team folded in February 1976. That Saints team was a threat to win it all in the league that year and Mike still bristles at the fact they they were short-circuited by cash woes. After a brief NHL sabbatical with the NHL North Stars, Mike returned to the WHA in 1976-77 and scored 40 goals playing for three WHA teams, the last of which was the New England Whalers. Mike represented the Whalers in the 1977-78 WHA All Star game and remained with the team through their voyage to the NHL in 1979-80. Mike concluded his playing career with the New Jersey Devils and eventually embarked on a long an successful stint as an NHL scout. He is currently an amateur scout with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Always a friendly and affable guy, Mike enthusiastically shares his memories about WHA legends like Mike “Shakey” Walton, Gordie Gallant, Johnny McKenzie, Dave Keon, Gordie Howe, Glen Sonmor and many more. Just a reminder to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating on iTunes. It helps us share the stories of these legends with hockey fans throughout the world. All places to listen and to contact us are available in the show notes. Also, join us on social media, particularly Facebook, where you can follow our classic hockey sites: The Pro Hockey Alumni, WHA Hockey, Whaler Nation and The official Boston Bruins Alumni site. Now, let’s talk classic hockey with Mike Antonovich.
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| 29 Mar 2019 | #31 Randy Manery - The Flames First All Star | 00:52:42 | |
Randy Manery, the Flames Franchise first-ever All Star is our guest on Episode 31 off the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast. A steady defenseman, who could carry the puck, Randy played 592 NHL games with the Atlanta Flames, Detroit Red Wings and LA Kings. He was named as the Flames’ representative in the 1973 NHL All Star Game in New York and later was twice voted to be the top defenseman on the LA Kings. In this interview Randy recalls the early days of hockey in the deep South, colorful personalities like Pat Quinn, Boom Boom Geoffrion and Tom Lysiak, the trade to LA, life on the west coast and the life challenges he faced upon retirement. Just a reminder to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating on iTunes because this helps more people find these old time hockey interviews. You can reach as at prohockeyalumni@gmail.com and you can find as at ProHockeyAlumni anywhere on the web. Now, let’s talk classic hockey with Randy Manery
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| 13 Apr 2019 | #32 Rick Smith - Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Champion, 1970 | 01:50:13 | |
Rick Smith was one of hockey’s steadiest defenseman in the 1970s and he’s our guest on episode 32 of the PHA Podcast. Rick is a well-spoken and humorous guy and you’ll enjoy his reflections on his fascinating 13-year big league journey. Rick tells at least 25 great stories, including: joining Bobby Orr and Boston Bruins on their quest for the Stanley Cup, the shocking trade to the California Golden Seals, his amazing stay with the wild Minnesota Fighting Saints of the WHA and his return to Boston with Don Cherry’s lunchpail Bruins of the late 1970s.
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| 28 Apr 2019 | #33 Tim Sweeney - Anaheim Mighty Ducks Original and 1992 US Olympian | 00:49:41 | |
1992 US Olympian and 10-year pro Tim Sweeney is our guest on episode 33 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast. A Hall of Fame 4-year player at Boston College, Tim played along side numerous future NHLers such as Craig Janney, Brian Leetch and Doug Brown. Tim was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 1985 and began his pro career in 1989-90 with Salt Lake of the IHL, where he led the team in scoring and was voted as the top US rookie in the league. While with the parent Flames in 1992, Tim was chosen to play for the United States in the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville, France. The unheralded US squad finished fourth in the games and Tim tied for the team lead in points with 7. After a pair of prolific seasons with Providence in the AHL, Tim was chosen by the expansion Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 1993 expansion draft and enjoyed an excellent season in the Ducks first-ever campaign. Eventually, Tim would make his way back to the Boston Bruins and then the New York Rangers and was productive for both teams before retiring in 1999. In this interview, Tim reveals a lot of interesting anecdotes about people he met along the way including Stu Grimson, Joey Mullen, Raymond Bourque and Wayne Gretzky. Today, Tim is a successful businessman in Massachusetts and remains a key player for the Boston Bruins Alumni team.
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| 04 May 2019 | #34 Geoff Kirbyson (Author) and the 1978-79 WHA Champion Winnipeg Jets | 00:40:49 | |
Winnipeg-based author and journalist Geoff Kirbyson is our guest on episode 34 of the PHA Podcast and we’ll take an in-depth look at the 1978-79 Winnipeg Jets Avco Cup Championship team. After the interview with Geoff we’ve included some great insight on that team by Jets center Terry Ruskowski, who was our guest episode 16. Geoff Kirbyson is a life-long Jets fans, who wrote a fabulous book about the WHA’s greatest line - The Hotline - Anders Hedberg, Ulf Nilsson and Bobby Hull. When Ulf and Anders left the Jets for the NHL New York Rangers in 1978, all seemed lost for the Jets. However, the arch-rival Houston Aeros folded in the summer of ’78 and the Jets were able to obtain many of their top players, including Ruskowksi, Rich Preston, Morris Lukowich and Scott Campbell. How this team overcame their differences to eventually to defeat Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers to become WHA champions is truly an inspirational story. To celebrate to the 40th anniversary of the 1978-79 Jets, Geoff has organized a reunion and a banquet that fans can attend on June 1, 2019. Please see the show notes for details or visit Geoff Kirbyson on Twitter. To learn more about the WHA, visit us at WHA Hockey on Facebook. This is THE WHA site on the web with 6,000-plus dedicated rebel leaguers sharing WHA memories every day. We greatly appreciate your feedback and the heartfelt letters we’ve received from fans around the world regarding the podcast. Please contact us via our Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast website or social media with any comments or questions. Also, we’d appreciate any ratings or reviews you may be inclined to give wherever you listen to podcasts. Host: Mark Willand Geoff is organizing a 40-year reunion of the 1978-79 team at the end of this month, culminating with a banquet on June 1. Players are flying in from four different countries, including Kent Nilsson, Terry Ruskowski, Rich Preston, Willy Lindstrom, Morris Lukowich, Peter Sullivan, Roland Eriksson, Scott Campbell, Kim Clackson, John Gray, Paul MacKinnon, Glenn Hicks, Joe Daley, Markus Mattsson, Bill Lesuk, Lyle Moffat and coach Tommy McVie. https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../40-year-reunion-of-the-1978... | |||
| 17 May 2019 | #35 Phil Bourque: Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup Winner in 1991 and 1992 | 01:01:41 | |
“The 'Ol Two-Niner” Phil Bourque is our guest on episode 35 of the PHA Podcast. Phil played 18 pro seasons and is best known as a key member of the 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. The grit, hustle and toughness of foot soldiers like Bourque, Troy Loney and Bob Errey were a crucial elements to success for the star-studded Pens. Phil recalls his passion for becoming an NHL player and the many obstacles he faced en route to making to the top. He takes us behind the scenes with revealing stories about Mario Lemieux, Scotty Bowman, Badger Bob Johnson and many others that helped make the early ‘90s Penguins one of hockey’s all-time great franchises. Phil is also candid about his upbringing in Massachusetts and the complex and rocky relationship he had with his father and the impact it had on his life. A popular broadcaster with the Penguins and a riveting motivational speaker, Phil Bourque delivers one hour of entertaining and often inspirational recollections of a hard-won and rewarding career. Host: Mark Willand
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| 25 May 2019 | #36 Larry Lund - Houston Aeros WHA Legend | 00:53:28 | |
WHA legend Larry Lund, the Rebel League’s 12th all-time leading scorer, is our guest on episode 36 of the PHA Podcast. Before becoming an original Houston Aero at he age of 32, Lund played 12 outstanding seasons in the minors, mostly in the Western Hockey League with Seattle and Phoenix. With Gordie Howe and the Aeros, Lund centered the “Go Go Line” with Andre Hinse and Frank Hughes, as the Aeros won the Avco Cup in 1974 and 1975. His best season was 1974–75 when he led the Aeros in points with 108, good fifth overall in the WHA. He played in the annual WHA All-Star game and was productive in the post season. In his WHA career, Lund recorded 426 points in 459 regular season games and added 65 points in 59 post-season contests. In a addition to his stellar playing career, Lund is well-know as the founder of the Okanagan Hockey School, the longest running hockey school in North America. Larry is a member of the BC (British Columbia) Hockey Hall of Fame. Larry was great to interview and he takes you behind the scenes of those colorful Houston Aeros teams and his roommate — Gordie Howe. We greatly appreciate the letters and great reviews. We do the show for you fans so we appreciate your feedback. Our audience has grown tremendously since we began last year and we are grateful for your support. Now … let’s talk classic hockey with Larry Lund. Host: Mark Willand
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| 07 Jun 2019 | #37 John Van Boxmeer: High Scoring D with Montreal, Buffalo and Colorado | 01:06:47 | |
John Van Boxmeer was a first round draft pick (14th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in 1972 and went on to an outstanding 10-year NHL career as a high-scoring defenseman with the Habs, Colorado Rockies, Buffalo Sabres and Quebec Nordiques. John was part of Montreal’s 1975-76 Stanley Cup powerhouse team, playing behind Hall of Fame defensemen Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe and Serge Savard. In search of consistent playing time, he was dealt to the Colorado Rockies in 1976 and established himself as a solid NHL blueliner with an improving, but struggling franchise. When Scotty Bowman took over as GM in Buffalo he acquired John in exchange for Rene Robert and John delivered seasons of 51, 68 and 69 points from 1979-80 to 81-82. By 1984, however, injuries would take their toll and his playing career ended — but he soon embarked on a successful 25-year coaching career in the NHL, AHL, IHL and Swiss Elite Leagues. He is now a pro scout with the Sabres. John has great insights on his career at all levels and excellent stories to tell about hockey legend like Guy Lafleur and Bobby Orr. He even recalls his infamous TKO loss to Dave “The Hammer” Shultz in 1976.
Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 16 Jun 2019 | #38 Wayne Babych - The 1st St. Louis Blues 50-goal Scorer | 01:17:31 | |
With the St. Louis Blues winning the Stanley Cup, what better time to talk with Blues legend Wayne Babych — the first 50-goal scorer in franchise history. A great shooter, who who could mix it up with anyone, Wayne was drafted third overall by the Blues in 1978. As a rookie in 1978-79, he scored 27 goals in 69 games playing RW on the Blues “Kid Line” with Bernie Federko and Brian Sutter as he finished third in the rookie of the year voting behind. After scoring 26 goals in just 59 games in the next season, Wayne hit his stride in 1980-81 as the upstart Blues battled for the top overall record in the NHL. Coach Red Berensen paired Wayne with center Blake Dunlop and LW Jorgen Pettersson and Wayne responded with 54 goals — a league-leading 40 of which were scored even strength — and he played in the 1981 NHL All Star Game. The following pre-season, however, Wayne suffered a severe shoulder injury that would hamper him for the rest of his career. After three more solid seasons in St Louis, Wayne joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1984 and had the distinction of being Mario Lemieux’s first regular RW. Wayne eventually landed in Hartford, where he joined brother Dave in the Whalers unlikely 1986 playoff run. In retirement Wayne and Dave Babych have committed much of their time to helping a variety of worthwhile causes and positively impacting lives round the world. We cover it all — the Blues, the fights, the fun and the tragedies — in this entertaining conversation with Wayne. Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 27 Jun 2019 | #39 - Dennis Sobchuk: Junior Hockey Icon to WHA Superstar | 01:10:15 | |
Dennis “Super Sobby” Sobchuk was a dynamic junior hockey star, who went on to achieve success in the World Hockey Association. Sobby is still a hockey legend in Regina Saskatchewan, where he starred with the junior Pats in the early 1970s. He played 200 games from 1971 to 1974, registering 191 goals and 225 assists. On a team that included the likes of Clark Gillies and Gregg Joly, he was named the most valuable player of the 1974 Memorial Cup. He later had his number #14 retired and in 2018 he and Guy Lafleur were chosen as honorary captains of the MasterCard 100th edition of the Memorial Cup event. His junior career was so impressive that he became the first player to sign with a professional hockey team before leaving major-junior hockey. Dennis signed a 10-year, $1-million contract with the WHA's Cincinnati Stingers in 1973. He played the 1973-74 season with the Pats and was loaned to the Phoenix Roadrunners for the 1974-75 season because the Stingers didn't have an arena in which to play. Dennis was the centerpiece of the Stingers franchise, notching 44 goals and 96 points in 1976-77 while earning a spot in the 1977 WHA All Star Game. Three major shoulder injuries would curtail his career, but did not diminish his legend. After playing in the 1979 Avco Cup finals with Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers, Dennis has a brief NHL stint in Detroit before retiring in 1982. You’ll enjoy Dennis’ recollections of a colorful and unforgettable ride in a career that could only have happened in the 1970s. | |||
| 27 Mar 2020 | #67 Bob Bourne - New York Islanders Hall of Famer and 4-time Stanley Cup Champion | 00:52:50 | |
NY Islanders Legend Bob Bourne: Speed, Skill and Character Episode 67 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features New York Islanders Hall of Famer Bob Bourne, whose speed, skill and versatility were key components in the Islanders’ four Stanley Cup wins in the 1980s. In his 14-year NHL career, Bob scored 30 goals twice and 20 goals three times, was a member of Team Canada in 1984 and was awarded the Masterton Trophy for dedication to hockey in 1987. In this discussion, Bob reveals the inside story of his rise to the NHL and delivers great insights on legendary teammates such as Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies, John Tonelli, Denis Potvin and many more. As always I thank you for helping us become the premier classic hockey podcast around the world. We greatly appreciate the kind reviews and awesome ratings you’ve left for us on iTunes and Apple Podcasts. Now … let’s talk classic hockey with Bob Bourne.
Host: Mark Willand
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| 22 Mar 2018 | #4 Larry Pleau The First New England Whalers and US Hockey Legend | 00:32:16 | |
A member of the US Hockey Hall of Fame, Larry Pleau is one of the most respected people in the game. Larry was one of the top American hockey players in the late 1960s and 1970s, playing for Team USA at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble as well as the 1969 Ice Hockey World Championship tournament in Stockholm. He then played three seasons for the Montreal Canadiens from 1970-1972, winning the Stanley Cup in 1971. In 1972, Pleau became the first player to sign with his hometown New England Whalers of the upstart World Hockey Association. The Whalers won the WHA championship in 1973 and Pleau went on to become to appear in the 1973, 1974 and 1975 WHA All Star Games. When his career ended in 1979, Pleau worked in numerous positions with the Whalers, including head coach and eventually director of hockey operations. He went on to become the assistant GM of the New York Rangers and was instrumental in the 1994 Rangers Stanley Cup run. 1997 Pleau took the reigns of the St. Louis Blues and had a great tenure there, presiding over the Blues President's Trophy win in 1999–2000 and being named the Sporting News Executive of the Year in 2000-2001. HOST: Mark Willand | |||
| 10 Jul 2019 | #40 Hartford Whalers 2019 Reunion Special | 00:29:21 | |
The Hartford Whalers are back! A celebration of the Hartford Whalers 3rd annual reunion coming up on July 12th and 13th 2019 as hosted by the Hartford Yard Goats baseball team. The key event for hockey fans will be the on-field BBQ on the afternoon of the 13th — this is a great way to meet the Whalers and hear some unforgettable hockey stories while enjoying great food and one of America’s great minor league ballparks. Today’s shows features conversations with Yard Goats Asst. GM Dean Zappalorti a die-hard Whalers fan who coordinates the event and four Whalers reunion attendees: Mike Rogers, Jordy Douglas, Wayne Babych and Andre Lacroix, all of whom share memories of their days with the Whalers. By the way, all of these comments are excerpted from previous editions of the podcast. | |||
| 15 Jul 2019 | #41 Rhode Island Reds Reunion Special | 00:37:25 | |
Rick Middleton, Ed Giacomin and Johnny Bower are just a few of the NHL greats who played for the AHL Providence Reds In Episode 41 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast, we discuss, the rich tradition of professional hockey in Rhode Island as we prepare for the 19th annual Rhode Island Reds Reunion on August 4, 2019 More than two dozen former Providence Reds and other hockey luminaries are expected to attend the event at Goddard State Park in Warwick, RI. Ticket Info is on the show notes and also mentioned in the show. Among those expected to attend and receive special awards are Boston Bruins Alumni Rick Middleton, Ross Brooks and RI native Noel Acciari. Today, we talk with Buster Clegg, a fixture in RI hockey for over 50 years and the President of the RI Reds Heritage Society. We’ll discuss the glory days of pro hockey in the old R. I. Auditorium and such future NHL greats as Ed Giacomin, Johnny Bower, Orland Kurtenbach and many more. We’ll also have funny anecdotes from Rick Middleton on his memorable 1973-74 season in Providence. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and join our email list to get classic hockey news, updates and specials. To contact us, please visit our website at prohockeyalumni.org. The reunion will also feature the Society’s annual awards’ presentations, a buffet dinner, music, raffles, and a silent auction of hockey memorabilia. Cost is $40 per adult, $15 for children. The reunion’s annual dinner-dance will be held at the 12 Acres banquet facility in Smithfield on Saturday, Aug. 3 and will feature guest speaker Greg Bouris, the former communications director for the New York Islanders, the Florida Panthers and the MLB Players Association. Tickets are $50 per person. For information and reservations to each event, contact Mal Goldenberg at mal@rmcri.com or (401) 864-6191. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. | |||
| 21 Jul 2019 | #42 Morris Lukowich - NHL and WHA All Star Part 1 | 00:53:20 | |
Morris Lukowich scored over 40 goals four times in his big league career. This is Part 1 of our two part series with WHA and NHL All Star Morris Lukowich, who scored over 300 major league goals by combining great skating, hard shooting and a willingness to absorb punishment in front of the net. After a brilliant junior career with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Morris was drafted by the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins in 1976, but opted to play with Gordie Howe and the WHA Houston Aeros. He immediately made an impact in the WHA and eventually became a 65-goal scorer and Avco Cup Champion with the 1978-79 Winnipeg Jets. He was also highly productive in the NHL, topping the 30-goal mark four times. You’ll be enthralled by Luke’s memories of his often hard-to-believe journey through youth hockey, juniors, Houston, Winnipeg, Boston, LA and beyond. He also has some insightful revelations about his interactions with Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull. Luke doesn’t hold back with these fascinating hockey tales, but he also offers meaningful lessons in perseverance, commitment and courage. | |||
| 25 Jul 2019 | #43 Mike Boland - Original WHA Ottawa National, Emmy Winning Filmaker | 01:16:34 | |
A prolific storyteller, who fought the likes of Battleship Bob Kelly and Dave "Killer" Hanson. Our guest on episode 43 of the Pro Hockey Alumni podcast is Mike Boland, an original member of the WHA Ottawa Nationals, a Calder Cup winner with the Springfield Kings, briefly a Broad St. Bully and, ultimately, one of Canada’s premier cinematographers. Mike is humorous and personable and he’s got captivating stories about hockey legends like Bobby Hull (there’s a part 2 to the preceding story), Billy Smith, Butch Goring, Battleship Bob Kelly, Dave “Killer” Hanson, Gilles “Looney” Gratton, Johnny Wilson and many more. Mike doesn’t hold back as he relives his journey through the big leagues, the minor leagues and European hockey. All of out guests have been great — and Mike is certainly no exception. Mike's Book: "Through the Lens of My Eye; Adventures of a Documentary Cameraman"
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| 01 Aug 2019 | #44 Morris Lukowich Part 2 | 01:04:23 | |
A two-time NHL All Star and WHA Champion with the Winnipeg Jets Episode 44 of the PHA podcast is Part 2 of our discussion with Morris Lukowich. Morris gives you inside access to behind the scenes stories from his early years in the WHA and his NHL days with Winnipeg, Boston and LA. He delivers interesting stories about Mike Murphy, Pat Quinn, Ray Bourque, Gordie Howe, Mark Howe and many more. We also discuss sports psychology, nutrition, mental health, life after hockey and much more in a wide ranging interview that stretched over two nights and past midnight for this particular episode. Morris is a fascinating guy with a great life story — don’t forget to listen to part 1 of the interview on episode 42 of the show.
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| 04 Aug 2019 | #45 - A Tribute to Mike Christie, Tough D for the Seals, Rockies, Barons and Canucks | 00:14:12 | |
Episode 45 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast is a tribute to 7-year NHL pro Mike Christie, who passed away on July 11, 2019. Born in Big Spring, Texas, and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Mike was the first native Texan to play in the NHL although it was strictly a technicality as his father was a Canadian citizen working for an American oil company and Mike grew up in Canada. Before turning pro , Mike played for the University of Denver, becoming a first team all-American in 1971 as well being chosen to the US amateur national team at the 1972 Ice Hockey World Championship. Mike then played two seasons with the Dallas Blackhawks (CHL), before signing with NHL's California Golden Seals in 1974, where he played until the franchise moved to Cleveland in 1977, becoming the Cleveland Barons. Mike was captain of the NHL's Colorado Rockies hockey team in the late 1970s, and his NHL career ended with the Vancouver Canucks in 1981. He also represented the United States in the inaugural 1976 Canada Cup tournament. Mike settled in Colorado after his hockey career ended, and started a second career as a sales representative that allowed him to enjoy his other athletic passion - golf. He represented several well-known brands, including Callaway and Top-Flite, before retiring in 2010. Mike died of kidney disease on July 11, 2019. He was married to his wife of 47 years, Molly (née Hamill), and had two daughters, Lisa and Colleen, a son Dan, and four grandchildren. [ In this episode we hear tributes from four of Mike’s teammates: former NHLers Mike Lampman, George Pesut, Dave Gardner and Paul Gardner. | |||
| 14 Aug 2019 | #46 Blake Dunlop -- 1981 NHL Masterton Trophy Winner | 00:58:17 | |
Our guest today is 1981 Masterton Trophy winner Blake Dunlop, an 11-year NHL pro with the North Stars, Flyers, Blues and Red Wings. As a junior in 1972-73, Blake led the Ontario Hockey Association in scoring with 159 points in 62 games. He was the first pick of the Minnesota North Stars in the 1973 NHL draft. After four up-and-down seasons with Minnesota, Blake career took a turn for the better in 1977-78 when he joined the AHL’s Maine Mariners, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. Blake helped lead the Mariners to a Calder Cup championship and was named the league’s MVP. After a season with the Flyers, Blake was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he finally found a hockey home. In 1980-81 he collected 20 goals and 67 assists centering a line with Jorgen Pettersson and Wayne Babych as the Blues vaulted to second in the NHL’s season standings. Much like the description of the Masterton Trophy, Blake’s career is a study in perseverance and dedication in the face of numerous obstacles. We’ll talk about Blake’s rise to NHL stardom and many of the notable personalities he met along the way like Denis Potvin, Gump Worsley, Red Berenson, Steve Yzerman and many more.
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| 27 Aug 2019 | #47 Hockey Fights 1, Russ Conway Remembered, 2019 RI Hockey Hall of Fame Event | 01:02:46 | |
Hockey Fight Stories Part 1 -- Jerry Rollins, Joe Noris and John Van Boxmeer We’ll play three periods in this episode First, we’ll start with our "Classic Stories" Series — Tonight is part 1 of Hockey Fights. Three of our guests from previous shows: Jerry Rollins, Joe Noris and John Van Boxmeer share their old time hockey fight tales. In period two we’ll get caught up with classic hockey news — and we’ll remember the man who took down the Eagle — journalist Russ Conway, who passed away this past week. In period three, we have an informative interview with Vince Cimini, the executive director of the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame, which will celebrate it’s new class of inductees on September 6, 2019 at Twin River in Lincoln Rhode Island. In this interview you’ll learn all about this year’s class, which includes Brian Boucher and Brian Burke and Vince reminds is of how RI helped shape the game of hockey as we know it today. Mrs PHA and I will be at the RIHHOF there and I hope you can join us. For tickets visit: The RI Hockey Hall of Fame website
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| 03 Sep 2019 | #48 Bruins G Jim "Seaweed" Pettie is Remembered by Rick Middleton | 00:08:36 | |
Jim "Seaweed" Pettie was a colorful and rambunctious goalie for the Boston Bruins In episode 48, we remember the life and career of the fun-loving Boston Bruins Goaltender Jim Seaweed Pettie, who passed away on August 31, 2019 at the age of 65. A 9th round draft pick by the Bruins in 1973, Seaweed played in 118 games with the IHL Dayton Gems between the 1973-74 and 1975-76 seasons. During the 1975-76 season, Pettie went 12-3 in the post season to lead the Gems to the Turner Cup championship. As a goalie, Seaweed was rambunctious and combative as illustrated in that 75-76 campaign, when he amassed 145 minutes in penalties — the fifth-highest total on the team. Teammate Steve Langdon recently said: “I would say he was probably the toughest goalie to ever play the game.” The Bruins promoted Pettie in 1976-77 season, placing him with the AHL Rochester Americans, where he would play 43 games while posting an excellent record of 26-15-1. During that year he also played one NHL game with the Bruins — a victory over Bobby Orr and the Chicago Blackhawks. At the start of 1977 training camp, Pettie was roomed with author George Plimpton, who was doing research for his upcoming book, "Open Net." Because of that, Pettie was often referenced in the book. After another stint in Rochester, Pettie was up with the Bruins for most of the 1978-79 season, going 8-6-2 in 19 games as the back-up to Gilles Gilbert and Gerry Cheevers. This would be Seaweed’s final tour in the NHL. In retirement he remained in the Rochester area and was active with the Amerks Alumni. Bruins legend and Alumni President Rick Middleton joins us today to recall Seaweed Pettie and his unlikely role in, what was almost, one of the Bruins all-time most historic goals.
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| 07 Sep 2019 | #49 Dan Quinn: Scoring Star for the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins | 00:57:26 | |
Dan Quinn Was a Highly Skilled Offensive Star for 14 NHL Seasons. Episode 49 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features 14-year NHL veteran and celebrity golf legend Dan Quinn. Dan was drafted 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in 1983 and he made his debut with Calgary halfway through the next season, scoring 52 points in 54 games and adding 8 more points in eight post season games. He really hit his stride in 1985-86 as he led the Flames in scoring with 72 points and recorded 15 points in 18 playoff games as the Flames advanced to the Stanley Cup finals before succumbing to the Montreal Canadiens. In 1986, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Mike Bullard. It was in the Steel City where Quinn would have his most individual success, as he scored a career high 40 goals in 1987–88, and a career-high 94 points the next season on a high-flying Penguins team that also featured the likes of Mario Lemieux and Paul Coffey. Despite his success, in 1990 he was traded to Vancouver where he was named team captain — but he admits that his dedication to the game was less than optimal while with the Canucks. Dan had numerous other productive, but brief, NHL stops in Ottawa, LA, Philadelphia and St. Louis. After retiring from hockey in 1996, Dan continued to compete at the American Century Celebrity Golf Classic, an annual competition to determine the best golfers among American sports and entertainment celebrities. He won the tournament in 1992, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2012, and had a total of eighteen top-10 finishes. Dan is articulate, honest and insightful and you’ll enjoy reliving his NHL journey with interesting recollections about teammates and coaches including Joe Mullen, Wayne Gretzky, Al McInnes, Lemieux, Coffey, Kent Nilsson, Badger Bob Johnson and many more.
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| 05 Apr 2018 | #5 Frank Simonetti Undrafted D2 Player to Boston Bruins Defense Partner with Raymond Bourque | 00:38:38 | |
Frank Simonetti was an All-American collegiate player at D2 Norwich University, who went on to play four seasons with the Boston Bruins in the 1980s. Frank shares interesting stories from his Bruins career, partnering on defense with Ray Bourque, his somewhat awkward introduction to Cam Neely and the talented 1980s Bruins teams. We also discuss Frank’s Annual “Bowl with a Bruin” event that raises money for the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. Host: Mark Willand Website: ProHockeyAlumni.org
This episode is sponsored by Pro Stock Hockey — Your online source for Authentic Pro Stock Hockey Equipment – Sticks, gloves & all the rest! If the pros don’t use it — they don’t sell it. Visit….
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| 23 Sep 2019 | #50 WHA Summit Series '74 Review, NHL Training Camp Memories, NYR Rangers vs. Boston Bruins Alumni Classic | 00:46:01 | |
With Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe and Gerry Cheevers, Team Canada 1974 was a team Canadians and WHA fans could be proud of. Welcome to Episode 50 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast. This is a Topic Episode featuring many of our previous guests. First, we’’ll celebrate the 45th anniversary of “The Forgotten Summit” — the 8-game 1974 Summit Series battle between the best of Team Canada (i.e. Team WHA) and the Soviet Union. Rick Smith played defense for Team Canada ’74 and he provides unique insights into this overlooked super series that featured the likes of Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, Vladislav Tretiak, Valerie Kharlamov and many of hockey’s all time greatest legends. The Soviets won the series 4-1-3, but this was a team that Canadiens and WHA fans could be proud of. Next, NHL training camp is well underway, so we’ll talk to several of our former guests — Rick Middleton, Blake Dunlop, Wayne Babych, Morris Lukowich, Rick Smith and Phil Bourque — about their first NHL training camp experience. Finally we’ll conclude with a look at a major NHL Alumni event we’ll be involved with: the NY Rangers Alumni vs. Boston Bruins Alumni doubleheader on October 26 and 27, 2019. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the show on ITunes, Spotify, You Tube or wherever you listen to the show. Your input has a big impact on making the show more visible to hockey fans around the world. Also, feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ProHockeyAlumni. Home base for the show is our website: ProHockey alumni.org.
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| 07 Oct 2019 | #51 Bruce Landon: New England Whalers Goaltender and AHL Hall of Famer | 01:04:18 | |
Bruce Landon an original New England Whalers G and AHL Hall of Famer Episode 51 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Bruce "Batesy" Landon, a solid WHA goaltender with the New England Whalers, a Springfield hockey icon and one of the most respected men in hockey. Following a successful junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes, Bruce was selected in the fourth round of the 1969 draft by the Los Angeles Kings He played three seasons for the Kings minor-league affiliate Springfield Kings, backing up future Hockey Hall of Famer Billy Smith as the Kings won the AHL's Calder Cup championship in 1971. In 1972, Landon signed with the upstart New England Whalers of the WHA and was the team's backup goaltender for five seasons. He paired with Al Smith to lead the Whalers to the inaugural WHA championship in 1973. Upon retiring from pro hockey in 1977, Bruce embarked on an amazing 40-year career in a variety of roles with Springfield AHL hockey, most notably serving as GM of the Indians and co-owner of the Springfield Falcons. He managed the Indians franchise as it won improbable back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 1990 and 1991 — with two different NHL affiliations. Bruce was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in 2016. We’ll discuss a lot about Bruce’s days in Springfield, but it goes without saying that there would be no AHL hockey in Springfield without his heroic efforts to keep it alive. Bruce has a new book out — “The Puck Stops Here — My (Not So) minor league life.” Hockey fans will love the inside stories from the WHA and AHL. It’s also a great reference for those interested in the business of hockey. Purchasing information for the book are in the show notes. All proceeds from the sale of the book with benefit the Tammy Jacobson Landon “I Can Hear You Now” scholarship fund at the Clarke School for Hearing and Speech. Tammy, Bruce’s daughter who passed away from cancer at the age of 43, was the inspiration behind this book. To order the book email Bruce Landon at nlandon30@gmail.com. The price (including shipping) is $24.95 | |||
| 15 Oct 2019 | #52 - A Tribute to Larry Hale - Philadelphia Flyers and Houston Aeros D | 00:20:54 | |
Terry Ruskowski and Morris Lukowich Remember Teammate and Friend Larry Hale Episode 52 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast is a tribute to former Philadelphia Flyers and Houston Aeros defenseman Larry “Stoney” Hale, who passed away of natural causes in his native British Columbia on Sept. 27, 2019 at the age of 77. Hale was born October 9, 1941 in Summerland, British Columbia. After a long stint with the Seattle Totems of the old Western Hockey League, he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1968. Hale played 196 regular season games for the Flyers between the 1968-69 and 1971-72 seasons. He later played six seasons in the WHA with Gordie Howe and Houston Aeros, where was a solid force on the blueline helping the Aeros to a pair of AVCO Cup Championships in 1974 and 1975. In this episode we’ll hear from two of Larry’s Aeros teammates — Terry Ruskowski and Morris Lukowich — who have fond memories of Larry as a player and teammate.
RIP Larry “Stoney” Hale. | |||
| 24 Oct 2019 | #53 Mark Mowers 7-year NHL Pro with Detroit, Boston, Nashville and Anaheim. | 01:31:53 | |
Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman, Zdeno Charo, Patrice Bergeron and Nicklas Lidstrom are among his HOF teammates Episode 53 of the the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast has a Boston Bruins focus. First we’ll talk with Mark Mowers — a 7-year NHL forward with Nashville, Detroit, Boston and Anaheim — about his playing career and his current role as a scout for the Minnesota Wild. Before embarking on his pro career, Mowers was a Hobey Baker finalist and two-time All Hockey East selection during his days as a University of New Hampshire Wildcat. Mark was also a prolific scorer in the IHL and AHL before adopting a checking role in the NHL In addition to talking about his role with his respective NHL teams, Mark shares interesting insights on legendary teammates such as Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, Brendan Shanahan, Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron and many more. Following our discussion with Mark, we’ll talk with The Voice of the Boston Bruins Alumni — the Emmy Award winning John Horrigan, who’ll discuss his role with the B’s Alumni and the upcoming charity game between the Bruins legends and the New York Rangers Alumni. We’ll conclude the show with former Bruins D Frank Simonetti, who discusses the origins of the Warrior For Life Fund and how that charity has teamed with the Bruins Alumni, The Bruins Foundation and the Navy Seals Foundation to assist military and their families.
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| 01 Nov 2019 | #54 Gary "Suitcase" Smith Part 1 - Toronto Maple Leafs and Oakland Seals | 00:58:37 | |
The inside scoop on the 1960s Toronto Maple Leafs and the California Seals from one hockey's most colorful characters. Episode 54 of the PHA podcast features part one of our two-part discussion with Gary"Suitcase" Smith, one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders — and most fascinating characters — of the 1960s and 1970s. In the episode, Gary gives us amazing and humorous insights into his first two big league stops in Oakland and Toronto as well as his junior career with the Toronto Marlboros. Also know as “Axe” for his stick-wielding ways, Gary was the co-winner of the Vezina Trophy in 1971–72 with Chicago , an NHL All Star in 1975 with Vancouver and a AVCO Cup champion with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979. In addition to his on-ice accomplishments, Gary is remembered as a fun-loving and colorful netminder, who was popular with teammates and fans alike. If you love classic hockey, you’ll love this discussion with Gary Smith. He holds nothing back and reveals sensational never-before-told stories from hockey’s classic era. You'll enjoy his recollections of many hockey legends including Harry Howell, Carl Vadnais, Don Cherry, Punch Imlach and many more.
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| 08 Nov 2019 | #55 Gary Smith Part 2: Tales from Chicago, Vancouver, Washington and Winnipeg | 01:02:53 | |
Episode 55 of the PHA Podcast features part 2 of our two-part discussion with Gary"Suitcase" Smith, one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders — and most fascinating characters — of the 1960s and 1970s. In the episode, Gary gives us amazing and humorous insights into the second half of his career with eye-opening tales from his days with the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars and the Winnipeg Jets. As he did in part one, Gary delivers an honest no-holds-barred look at his life in big league hockey. Also know as “Axe” for his stick-wielding ways, Gary was the co-winner of the Vezina Trophy in 1971–72 with Chicago , an NHL All Star in 1975 with Vancouver and a AVCO Cup champion with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979. If you love classic hockey, you’ll love this discussion with Gary Smith. He holds nothing back and reveals sensational never-before-told stories from hockey’s classic era. | |||
| 11 Nov 2019 | #56 A Tribute to Dean Prentice and A Review of the Rangers-Bruins Alumni Weekend. | 00:35:50 | |
Remembering 22-year NHL and five time All Star Dean Prentice Welcome to episode 56 of the pro hockey alumni podcast — a special edition of the show in which we’ll look back at the life and career of 22-year NHL veteran Dean Prentice, who passed away on Nov. 3rd, 2019. Between 1952-53 and 1973-74, Dean Prentice played in 1,378 regular season National Hockey League games with the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota North Stars. Over that time, he scored 391 and assisted on 469 for 860 points. Dean scored 20 or more goals with all five teams he played for and appeared in five NHL All Star games. He was a second team NHL All Star in 1959-60 after scoring a career-high 32 goals with the Rangers. While with the North Stars, Dean was one of the first NHL players to publicly commit his life to Christianity and he and his wife, June, continued to be ambassadors for Christianity long after Dean’s playing career ended. In addition, I’ll review the recent weekend Alumni series between the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers — a home-and-home battle that featured six Hockey Hall of Famers. I was there for all of it, and I thought you might want to hear some of the behind-the-scenes insights from a great weekend of classic hockey. Among the legends who appeared for these charity games were HOFers Brian Leetch, Brad Park, Ray Bourque, Glenn Anderson, Jean Ratelle and Joey Mullen. Special thanks to Lou Nanne, Hockey Ministries International and the Warrior for Life Fund for their contributions to this episode. Host: Mark Willand
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| 17 Nov 2019 | #57 Joe Watson: Philadelphia Flyers Stanley Cup Champion | 01:09:33 | |
From Smithers B.C. to NHL All Star and Flyers Stanley Cup Champion Episode 57 of the PHA Podcast features the man who has been a Philadelphia Flyer since day one: Joe Watson —- who delivers over an hour of amazing and humorous hockey stories about his remarkable 14-year NHL career with the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Rockies. A two-time NHL All Star and a member of the BC Hockey HOF and the Flyers HOF, Watson’s unlikely journey from Smithers BC to two-time Stanley Cup champion is truly fascinating. And, you’ll learn a lot ,too. For example did you know that Joe was once a prospect for the New York Yankee baseball team? Joe’s NHL career began as a roommate of rookie Bobby Orr with the Boston Bruins in the six-team NHL in 1966-67. He was then selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1967 expansion draft as the league expanded to 12 teams. The hard-hitting Watson was an anchor on the blueline for a Flyers club, which progressed from a solid expansion team in the late 1960s to the notorious Broad Street Bullies of the of 1970s. Stay tuned for an interesting discussion that includes insights on Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, Bobby Orr, Fred Shero, Rick MacLeish, Barry Ashbee, Bob “Hound” Kelly, Dave “The Hammer” Shultz, Ed Snider and, of course, Joe’s younger brother Jimmy who joined the Flyers in 1972 and became an NHL all star, as well. After a horrific leg injury abruptly ended his career in 1978 , Joe embarked on a successful 41-year business career with the Flyers and Comcast Sports — and he and the Flyers Alumni have devoted countless hours to growing youth hockey in the Delaware Valley. It’s genuine salt-of-the-earth guys like Joe Watson that make this game great. And it’s why we love hearing their stories.
Host: Mark Willand
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| 24 Nov 2019 | #58 Steve Baker - New York Rangers Goaltender 1979-83 | 00:55:35 | |
Goaltender Steve Baker had some great moments for the early 80s New York Rangers. Episode 58 of the Pro Hockey Alumni features goaltender Steve Baker, who played with the New York Rangers between 1979 and 1983. Baker was a standout at Union College coached by legendary Ned Harkness. He was drafted by the Rangers with the 44th pick overall in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft. He began his NHL career losing only one of his first ten games in 1979–80. He later gained great acclaim in the 1981 playoffs, when the upstart Rangers upset the LA Kings and the St. Louis Blues to advance to the Stanley Cup semifinals with Steve as their starting goalie. Steve was selected to represent the USA in he 1981 Canada Cup, where he served as Tony Esposito's backup. Steve offers some great insights on playing with Tony O. Steve played for five Hall of Fame coaches during his career — Harkness, Fred Shero, Herb Brooks, Craig Patrick and Bob Johnson — and he talks about the impact each had on his career an his life. He also has fun memories of Gordie and Colleen Howe from the New England Whalers 1978 Training Camp. Injuries curtailed Steve’s NHL career but he quickly embarked on a successful career as a media executive. Today, Steve is the Chief Hockey officer of 3Ice Hockey. 3ICE IS A NEW AND TOTALLY INDEPENDENT 3-ON-3 PROFESSIONAL ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE IN NORTH AMERICA. BASED ON THE 3-ON-3, FULL-SIZED RINK, OVERTIME FORMAT, 3ICE IS UNIQUELY DESIGN TO GIVE FANS THE SPEED, SKILL AND EXCITEMENT THEY LOVE 100% OF THE TIME.
Host: Mark Willand
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| 29 Nov 2019 | #59 NY Rangers Goalies with Author George Grimm. OT: Hartford Whalers, Boston Bruins, WHA and More | 00:53:36 | |
Ed Giacomin, Gilles Villemure, John Davidson are just a few of the goalies George Grimm features in his new book "Guardians of the Goal." Episode 59 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast looks back at the great NY Rangers goalies of the 1960s and 70s and features an overtime session with classic hockey news and notes. Today’s guest is author and NY Rangers historian George Grimm, whose outstanding new book — “Guardians of the Goal” - is a comprehensive guide to everyone who has ever played goal for the New York Rangers. This book is a must-read for hockey fans. Although the book is painstakingly researched, it is also entertaining and fast-paced. I learned a lot reading this Guardians of the Goal and you will, too. I highly recommend it! In our discussion we focus on Rangers goalies of the 60s and 70s like Gilles Villemure, Ed Gaicomin, John Davidson and more. We also sneak in a great Vaclav Nedomansky story, as well. Guardians of the Goal is available on amazon.com. The link is in the show notes. As many of you know in addition to to the PHA social media sites, we also have other popular classic hockey Facebook sites: Hartford Whaler Nation, The Boston Bruins Alumni and the WHA Hockey. Now and then, I’ll take a look back at the past week on all these sites and pick out the highlites to discuss on the show. On this episode we’ll remember two wild WHA Thanksgiving stories from Birmingham Alabama, featuring Whalers Coach Harry Neale in 1976 and the Cincinnati Stingers in 1977 as they found the Birmingham Bulls and their fans to be inhospitable Turkey Day hosts. We’ll also discuss some interesting details of Bobby Orr’s final game as a Boston Bruin this week in 1975. Finally, we’ll take a look back at the hockey life of NHL alum Bill McCreary, who passed a way this week at the age of 84. Host: Mark Willand Get Guardians the Goal on Amazon
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| 25 Apr 2018 | #6: "Hockey Players In Business" - Shannon Lewandoski | 00:22:00 | |
Today’s guest is Shannon Lewandoski Shannon is not an ex-pro player but he is an integral part of the hockey community. Shannon is a Financial Planner in Greater St. Louis and an avid adult hockey player, who created the popular LinkedIn Group “Hockey Player Doing Business Together” in 2010. That group has since grown to over 41,000 members and has recently merged with Hockey Players in Business (HPIB)—an international, not-for-profit network designed to help former and current hockey players build their business networks, continue their professional development, and most importantly, give back to the sport that has helped shape us all. Host: Mark Willand
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| 08 Dec 2019 | #60 Dennis Maruk: The Forgotten 60-Goal Man of the Washington Capitals. OT: Hartford Whalers, Boston Bruins and more. | 01:14:02 | |
Only 20 men in NHL history have scored 60 or more goals in a single season. A sometimes forgotten member of this select club is an undersized, take-no-prisoners centre named Dennis Maruk. And it’s only fitting that Dennis is our guest on episode 60 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast. As a junior in the OHA, Maruk was the one of the greatest players in London Knights history, but his 5-8 height scared off NHL teams until the second round of the 1975 Draft, where he was chosen by the woebegone California Seals. After a standout rookie season in Oakland, Maruk and his mates moved to Cleveland, where he continued to star while the franchise floundered. After just two seasons in Ohio, the Cleveland Barons were merged with the Minnesota North Stars in 1978, but Maruk was dispatched to Washington after 2 just games. It was in DC where Maruk would emerge as one of the NHL’s premier centers, scoring 50 goals in 1980-81 and following that with the incredible 60-goal, 76-assist campaign in 1981-82. Maruk led the improving Caps in scoring in 1982-83, but was traded back to Minnesota and slotted as the team’s 3rd line center. Amidst reduced playing time, Maruk adjusted to his new role would become one the Stars top post-season performers in the notorious “Chuck Norris” Division in the 1980s. As chronicled in his riveting 2017 autobiography with author Ken Reid, Maruk’s post playing days took him from hockey superstar to behind the wheel of a service ship in the Gulf of Mexico, to carrying bags as a bellhop at an Aspen hotel, to setting up furniture for Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, to working as a farmhand for musician John Oates. And ultimately Maruk’s life path took him to a life-and-death decision at edge of the Grand Canyon. Dennis is a great interview and you’ll love his recollections of a fascinating career and life. Among the teammates, coaches and opponents we discuss are: Gilles Meloche, Bob "Hound" Kelly, Ryan Walter, Jean Pronovost, Kent Nilsson, Herb Brooks, Charlie Simmer, Bryan Murray and more. After our talk with Dennis, stick around for "PHA Overtime" with this week's news and notes from our Facebook pages featuring the Hartford Whalers, Boston Bruins, World Hockey Association and Pro Hockey Alumni as well as a postscript to the Maruk interview. Host: Mark Willand
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| 13 Dec 2019 | #61 Denis Herron: Vezina-Winning Goaltender; Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Kansas City Scouts | 00:51:35 | |
Denis Herron won both the Vezina and Jennings Trophy during a stellar 14-year NHL career. Goaltender Denis Herron is our guest on episode 61 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast. From 1972 to 1986 Denis played 14 NHL seasons, which included the three stops with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a "trial by fire" stint with the expansion Kansas City Scouts and three solid campaigns in Montreal, where he won both the Vezina and Jennings league trophies. We cover a lot of ground with Denis and he tells great stories about former teammates, coaches and GM’s. Denis also reveals which player was — in his words — “the most talented player by far he ever played with.” (Just a hint it’s not Mario Lemieux or Guy Lafleur). We greatly appreciate all of you who have subscribed, rated and reviewed the PHA podcast on iTunes and Apple Podcasts. You have helped make the show become more visible to fans around the world. In fact, we are now ranked among the top hockey podcasts in the US and Canada. Host: Mark Willand
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| 22 Dec 2019 | #62 Robin Burns: From Pittsburgh Penguins and KC Scouts LW to Hockey Visionary and Inventor | 01:26:34 | |
He might be hockey's most interesting man. Episode 62 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Robin Burns — one of the most entertaining and impactful people to ever play in the NHL. As a left wing for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Kansas City Scouts in the 1970s, Burns was know as a fun guy, a natural comedian and the life of the party. But Robin was also a visionary, who would eventually pioneer one of the most important hockey equipment innovations: the visor. After rising to president of Micron skate company, Robin founded a long shot startup called ITECH in the basement of his Montreal home. ITECH would grow into one of the three biggest hockey companies in the world. This was just one of many successful business endeavors for Robin, who, in his spare time, would also become an agent for several NHL coaches, including his cousin Pat Burns. We’ll follow Robin’s incredible journey from his youth in Montreal and the Montreal Junior Canadiens, to the American Southwest, Hershey, Pittsburgh and Kansas City and right through his inspirational rise to the top of the hockey business mountain. Despite his entrepreneurial success, Robin remains a humble self-effacing guy and one of the best storytellers in hockey. Inspiration for the Robin Burns episode courtesy of upcoming show guest Troy Treasure, author of "Icing on the Plains" ... "The rough ride of the NHL Kansas City Scouts." Host: Mark Willand
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| 30 Apr 2020 | #71 Wayne Carleton - 1970 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Champion | 00:42:49 | |
Our guest on episode 71 is Wayne “Swoop” Carleton, who was an important part of the Boston Bruins 1969-70 Stanley Cup championship team. In fact, he was on the ice when Bobby Orr scored his famous Cup-clinching goal in the fourth game of the 1970 Stanley Cup Final. Carleton played junior hockey for the Toronto Marlboros, from 1961-1966 and he played a starring role in the Marlboros 1964 Memorial Cup championship. After a brief stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carleton was traded to the Bruins during the 69-70 season. With Boston he teamed with Derek Sanderson and Eddie Westfall on a productive third line, which played especially well in the post season. At the conclusion of a 22-goal 70-71 campaign with the Bruins, Carleton was claimed by the California Golden Seals in the intra league draft. After one season in Oakland, Carleton was one of many Seals players who would jump to the fledgling World Hockey Association. Carleton became an all star in the WHA topping the 90-point mark in 1972-73 with the Ottawa Nationals and in 1973-74 when that franchise moved to Toronto and became the Toros. He was later traded to the New England Whalers, where he played in the Whalers first season in Hartford before being traded to Edmonton for Mike Rogers in 1975-76. Carleton suffered numerous knee injuries throughout his career and after brief stretches in Edmonton and Birmingham, he retired from big league hockey. Wayne’s got great stories to tell of his interesting career -- and the timing is perfect as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bruins 1970 Stanley Cup championship.
Host: Mark Willand
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| 27 Apr 2018 | #7 Peter Marsh - Chicago Blackhawks and WHA Pro | 00:25:43 | |
Peter Marsh - Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Cincinnati Stingers Today’s Guest on the PHA Podcast is NHL Veteran Peter Marsh After a prolific junior career with Sherbrooke of the Quebec Major Junior League, Peter played eight big league seasons between 1976 and 1984 with the Cincinnati Stingers, Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets. Peter notched 44 goals in the WHA’s swan song season in 1978-79, teaming with fellow youngsters and future Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Mike Gartner. Peter remains an active member of the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association, which contributes thousands of dollars each year to children in need. In this interview Peter recalls key points in his career in both leagues and his frightening connection to the Humbolt bus tragedy.
Peter is also involved in the upcoming “Drop Your Gloves” event in Massachusetts on May 5th. This event is in honor of his former teammate Joe Carlevale, a fixture in Massachusetts hockey, who passed away from brain cancer in 2017. Join celebrity Auction Host Jenny Johnson for the inaugural 'Drop Your Gloves' Silent Auction Evening in memory of Joe to benefit the Joseph F. Carlevale Jr. Memorial Hockey Scholarship Fund! The event takes place at the DoubleTree Hilton, Danvers, MA 01923 For more information: www.joehockey.org Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 01 May 2018 | #8 Kurt Walker Toronto Maple Leafs Enforcer | 00:47:24 | |
Toronto Maple Leafs Enforcer Kurt Walker Today’s guest on the PHA Podcast is Kurt Walker, who played three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs as an enforcer on a talented team that included Darryl Sittler, Lanny McDonald, Borje Salming, Ian Turnbull and the always colorful Tiger Williams. Kurt tells greats stories about his improbable rise from an unknown kid from Hingham Mass to hockey’s biggest stage. He also discusses Dignity after Hockey, a 501C3 charity that he created to help ex-players in need. Kurt is also involved in the upcoming “Drop Your Gloves” event in Massachusetts on May 5th. This event is in honor of his former teammate Joe Carlevale, a fixture in Massachusetts hockey, who passed away from brain cancer in 2017. Join celebrity Auction Host Jenny Johnson for this inaugural event to benefit the Joseph F. Carlevale Jr. Memorial Hockey Scholarship Fund! The event takes place at the DoubleTree Hilton, Danvers, MA 0192 For more information: www.joehockey.org This episode is sponsored by HockeyTournaments.com, if you are looking to play in a tournament, or list your tournament, head over to HockeyTournaments.com. Host: Mark Willand | |||
| 24 Jun 2018 | #9 Andre Lacroix - Philadelphia Flyers and WHA Legend | 00:42:10 | |
Andre Lacroix was the all-time scoring leader in the World Hockey Association with 798 points in just 551 games. Nicknamed the "Magician," Andre averaged nearly an assist per game throughout his WHA career. After a 147-point season with the San Diego Mariners in 1974-75, Andre was named the French-Canadian Athlete of the year, besting Guy Lafleur, Marcel Dionne and Gil Perreault, among others. Andre also had the distinction of playing for five different WHA franchises without ever being traded during his seven years in the rebel league, a journey that began as a Philadelphia Blazer in 1972. Prior to joining the WHA, Andre was a dominating player in the OHA with the Peterborough Petes and in the AHL with the Quebec Aces. He joined the NHL Philadelphia Flyers in 1967-68 and was twice the leading scorer for the Flyers before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1971. After his career concluded in 1980, Andre embarked on a successful radio broadcasting career with the Hartford Whalers, where he teamed with legendary broadcaster Chuck Kaiton. Andre was a huge part of the Hartford hockey community. Personally I spent a lot of time with Andre, Gordie Howe, Mike Veisor, Doug Roberts, Garry Swain and many more Whalers Alumni as we barnstormed through Connecticut to play games for charity. Now residing in Ohio, Andre remains one of the most popular personalities in Hartford hockey circles and every other stop along his 60-year hockey journey. In this podcast Andre discusses his career and gives insights on various ex-teammates such as Johnny McKenzie, Bobby Hull, Bernie Parent and more. We could have talked with Andre for hours — and perhaps we will do that soon. But for now, here’s a great discussion with a true hockey legend. For all of our podcasts visit The Hockey Alumni Website Also , for more great classic hockey online, check out these Facebook pages: Hartford Whaler Nation on Facebook Also, please consider giving back to the game by supporting Hockey Cares for Kids at hockeycaresforkids.org The Podcast is hosted by Mark Willand and produced by Willand Media
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| 18 Apr 2020 | #70 A Tribute to Tom Webster, Pat Stapleton and John Hughes | 00:32:57 | |
A tribute to departed legends Episode 70 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast is a tribute to three NHL and WHA players who passed away recently: Tom “Hawkeye” Webster, Pat “Whitey” Stapleton and John “Tank Hughes. We begin with a look back at the remarkable career of Tom Webster. Tom was my favorite Whaler in the early days of the franchise. In fact, in my very first trip to Whalers Gift Store in 1975, I purchased a Whalers #8 replica sweater. Tom was the Whalers first star, scoring 52 goals to lead the Whalers to the WHA championship in 1973. Although Tom had been a 30-goal scorer with the Detroit Red Wings, he was a high-risk signing with New England due to severe back injuries that limited him to just 12 NHL games with the California Golden Seals in 1971-72. As noted, Tom was beset by back injuries throughout his WHA career but he scored 220 goals in 352 games and added 28 more in 43 playoff games … based on 80 games, Tom averaged over 50 goals per season in the WHA. Tom went on to enjoy a remarkable coaching career, winning championships in the CHL with Tulsa, the AHL with Adirondack and the OHL with Windsor. He later became a scout with the Calgary Flames and ended his hockey career as one of the most respected men in the game. Pat Stapleton played eight seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, and was named Second Team All-Star three times (1966, 1971, and 1972). His highest scoring season was 1969, where his 50 assists set a new NHL record for assists in a season by a defenceman (broken the next year by Bobby Orr). Stapleton was a member of the Team Canada team at the Summit Series in 1972. During the tournament he was a +6 and was often paired with his Black Hawks teammate Bill White. In 1973, Stapleton jumped from the NHL and signed a five-year deal with the Chicago Cougars of the World Hockey Association where he became player-coach. He was a WHA first-team all-star in 1974 and won the Dennis A. Murphy Trophy as the league's top defenceman in the 1973–74 season. That year the Cougars stunned the hockey world by reaching the WHA finals before ultimately losing to the Houston Aeros. Stapleton again represented Canada in the 1974 Summit Series against the national team from the Soviet Union, this time as team captain. He was again player-coach of the Cougars in 1974–75, and the team struggled on the ice and financially. In December 1974, he and teammates Dave Dryden and Ralph Backstrom bought the troubled franchise. The Cougars folded after the 1974–75 season and Stapleton was claimed by the Indianapolis Racers, where he played for two seasons and was named a second-team all-star in 1976. When the Racers refused to honour his contract in 1977, Stapleton was transferred to the Cincinnati Stingers, where he played one season before retiring in 1978. The next year he had the distinction of being Wayne Gretzky’s first pro coach with the Indianapolis Racers where he coached both Gretzky and Mark Messier before the team folded in December 1978.Similar to JC Tremblay, had Pat not jumped to the WHA he may be in the Hockey Hall of Fame today. Nonetheless, Pat certainly has the respect for all who knew him. He was a player who truly appreciated the history of the game and his place in its legacy. Hard-Hitting PEI native John Hughes was a member of the powerful Toronto Marlboros teams of the early 70s and went on to an excellent -- and well-traveled -- WHA career with Phoenix, Cincinnati, Houston, Indianapolis and Edmonton. John was chosen to the WHA’s mid-season all star team in 1977 and 1979. Injuries took their toll on John in his brief NHL stay and he concluded his career, coincidentally, with Tom Webster’s Springfield Indians in 1981-82. Andre Lacroix, a teammate of John’s in Houston and Jerry Rollins, who played with John in Indianapolis recall the rock solid D-man they call “Tank”
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| 05 Jan 2020 | #64 Allan Globensky: A Feared, but Reluctant WHA and Minor League Enforcer | 01:10:26 | |
In an era that was as much about violence and mayhem as scoring and finesse, Allan Globensky's battered fists were more valuable than his hockey stick. Episode 64 of the Pro Hockey Alumni podcast features Allan Globensky, a feared enforcer with the WHA Quebec Nordiques in the 1970s. In the early 70s, Globensky was a member of the incomparable Montreal Junior Canadiens, where her served as a popular and self-described goon on a Memorial Cup-winning squad that included Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault and perennial NHL all-star Richard Martin. Allan was Selected by Minnesota North Stars in the 1971 NHL Draft, and eventually signed with the Nordiques in the fledgling World Hockey Association. Incidentally, Allan’s first coach in Quebec was the legendary Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Allan shares some fascinating insights into this revered hockey legend. With the Nordiques and their minor league affiliate in Lewiston, Maine, Globensky, was a reluctant gladiator who experienced the seamier side of hockey, a world of mayhem, bloodshed and insanity that made the iconic movie “Slapshot” tame by comparison. We’ll talk about the wild brawls and the toe-to-toe matches with some of the 70s toughest players like Dave Hutchinson, Paul Stewart, Steve Durbano and many more. Back then, Globensky fought because that’s what he was told to do, and it was the role the team wanted him to play. Allan is still battling, but now he’s fighting to maintain his quality of life and to encourage former teammates to seek help if they are concerned about their mental and physical health. Allan’s new book “A Little Knock Won’t Hurt Ya!” Is, easily, one of the best hockey books I’ve read and I highly recommend it. I call this fast-paced book "Slapshot with a Soul.” In this well-written memoir, Allen is brutally honest and refreshingly candid about the ups and downs of his life as a hockey enforcer and the dark days he experienced thereafter. And’ I’ll give you a spoiler — this story has a happy ending. The link to ordering Allan’s book is in the show notes. So … What happened to Allan Globensky, the former cult hero, after the cheers of bloodthirsty fans faded away? This is his story, and it’s one that is both compelling and cautionary. Order "A Little Knock Won't Hurt Ya" Host: Mark Willand
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| 11 Apr 2020 | #69 Andre Lacroix - The Memoir of the WHA Scoring King -- "After the Second Snowfall." | 01:01:23 | |
The "Magician" has written his memoirs. Episode 69 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features the return of one of our favorite guests -- WHA scoring king Andre Lacroix. Andre has written his memoir -- “After the Second Snowfall”, which details his amazing hockey journey through pro hockey in the 1960s and 1970s and his fascinating life after leaving the game. Andre, of course, was an original Philadelphia Flyer in the NHL and a WHA pioneer in 1972. By the mid 70s he had established himself as one of the premier players in either league. Known as the “Magician” for his superb playmaking and stick handling skills, Andre also proved to be a skillful negotiator, playing for six WHA franchises without ever having been traded. Post retirement, Andre has used his celebrity to bolster charitable organizations and eventually create his own foundation for those with special needs. “After the Second Snowfall” is available now on Amazon.com. The link is in the shownotes. In this episode, Andre and I discuss the process of writing this compelling book. At the conclusion of that discussion, I’ll replay my original and entertaining 2018 interview with Andre from episode #9. Host: Mark Willand
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| 22 Dec 2018 | #24 Brian Propp - Philadelphia Flyers Legend | 00:49:32 | |
Episode 24 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features one of hockey’s all-time best LW’s — Brian Propp, who played 15 NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins and the Hartford Whalers. After a unbelievable junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WCHL, Brian was drafted by the Flyers in the first round, 14th overall in the 1979 NHL Entry draft. He’d go on to score 1,004 points over 1,016 NHL games and ranks second in Flyers history in goals (369, behind Bill Barber) and is second in assists (480, second behind Bobby Clarke) Brian Played in five NHL All Star games, five Stanley Cup Finals and played on the Star-Studded Team Canada squad in the 1987 Canada Cup. Brian was a sensational post-season player and holds the NHL’s all time record for points by a left wing with 148. In 1999, Propp was named to the MasterCard Canadian Junior All-Time team, which also included Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafleur, Bobby Orr, Denis Potvin, and Bernie Parent — not bad company. Also in 1999, Propp was inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame. In 2014, Propp was inducted into the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. Brian has gone on to great success in the business world and remains an active with the Flyers Alumni. His recovery from a stroke he suffered in 2015 is truly inspirational. Easy-going on professional, Brian Propp is a “man of the people” and a real credit to the Flyers organization. Don’t forget to subscribe rate and review us on iTunes.
Host: Mark Willand
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| 21 Mar 2020 | #66 3ICE CEO EJ Johnston Discusses New 3v3 Pro League | 00:47:48 | |
As we learned in our recent interview with Steve Baker, an exciting three-on-three professional hockey league is set to debut in North America in 2021 Dubbed 3ICE, the league was founded by today’s guest EJ Johnston, the son of former NHL goaltender Eddie Johnston and Craig Patrick, the former GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins. EJ Johnston serves as CEO of 3Ice and Patrick is its commissioner. Inspired by the NHL’s exciting three v three overtime format, the upstart league will emphasize a fast paced style of play and fewer rules than traditional pro hockey. Each game will consist of two eight-minute periods with no stoppages. 3Ice, of course, will attempt to lure all hockey fans — especially younger viewers — with a streamlined game format. Let’s learn more about 3ICE and what it was like growing up as the son of a "Big Bad Bruin." … Here’s my interview with EJ Johnston. | |||
| 05 May 2020 | #72 Eddie Westfall: Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Champion and NY Islanders Hall of Famer. | 00:56:07 | |
Eddie was one of the NHL's all-time great defensive forwards My guest on episode 72 is Eddie Westfall and 18-year NHL veteran and one of the most respected players of his generation. A four-time NHL All Star and Masterton Trophy winner, Westfall is regarded as one of the greatest defensive forwards the game has ever seen. Eddie spent the 1960s with the Boston Bruins and was known as “The Shadow” for his prowess in shutting down the games most prolific forwards such as Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe. As the Bruins began building a championship team in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Eddie teamed with Derek Sanderson to form the NHL’s premier penalty killing unit as the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 1970 and 1972. Eddie became the first captain of the expansion NY Islanders in 1972 and remained with the franchise throughout the decade, providing leadership and mentorship to a group of young players, who would eventually form a hockey dynasty. He was particularly stellar in the Isles unlikely 1975 playoff run, which saw them come within one game of the Stanley Cup finals. Post career, Eddie became a highly entertaining color man for Islanders TV broadcasts as he was often paired with Jiggs McDonald. Eddie would eventually be inducted into the NY Islanders Hall of Fame. Host: Mark Willand
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| 16 Mar 2018 | #3 Mark Greczmiel Producer of the "California Seals Story" Documentary - Pro Hockey Alumni | 00:36:32 | |
The guest on Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast #3 is film producer and hockey fan Mark Greczmiel, who has produced an entertaining documentary on the California Seals hockey franchise, one of the six expansion teams added to the NHL in 1967. The nine-year NHL saga of the Seals includes everything from white ice skates and orange pucks, to disastrous trades and an out-of-control owner. From future hockey stars like Reggie Leach, Dennis Maruk and Charlie Simmer, to a female streaker and a cheerleader named Krazy George. From the creation of the World Hockey Association, to a tragic, on-ice death. Host: Mark Willand The Pro Hockey Alumni Association | |||
| 21 Sep 2018 | #14 Joe Juneau - Boston Bruins Rookie Sensation, Hockey Humanitarian -- and Rocket Scientist | 00:28:42 | |
14-Year NHL veteran Joe Juneau enjoyed an incredible collegiate hockey career at RPI all while earning a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Joey went on to win a siver medal for Canada in the 1992 Olympics and became an instant sensation in Boston with a terrific post-Olympics debut in 1992 followed by a 102-point rookie season in 1992-93. Despite his success in Boston, Joey was traded to the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline in 1994 in exchange for Al Iafrate. Joey would proceed to have a solid NHL career with the Caps, Phoenix, Buffalo and Montreal. Joey has devoted much of his post hockey career to helping underprivileged youngsters gain access to hockey, first-rate education and life lessons. Few have given as much back to the game and his community more than Joe. Host: Mark Willand
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| 10 Mar 2019 | #30 Mike Rogers - 3-Time 100-point Scorer with the New York Rangers and Hartford Whalers | 00:52:51 | |
Episode 30 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast Features “Mighty” Mike Rogers, the speedy and skilled centerman, who was one of the most productive centers in hockey during the 1970s and 80s. Mike was the WHA rookie of the Year in 1975 with the Edmonton Oilers, but was soon traded to the New England Whalers, where solidified himself as consistent 70-80 point scorer. But, when the Whalers joined the NHL in 1979-80, Rogers really took off scoring 105 points and recording a plus 28 plus/minus rating. The “Stash-Bash and Dash” line with Rogers flanked by Blaine Stoughton and Pat Boutette would become one of the NHL’s most prolific trios. Mike was named Whalers captain and appeared in the NHL All Star game as he hit the 100 point level again in 1980-81. However, prior to the 1981-82 season Rogers was dealt to the New York Rangers, where he didn’t miss a beat scoring 103 points for the Blueshirts. Mike scored 347 goals and 886 points in the big leagues and went on to a great career as a color commentator for the Calgary Flames. He was recently inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Always personable, Mike is a great interview and you’ll enjoy his humorous stories about his days in the WHA and NHL Now … Let’s talk Classic hockey with Mike Rogers!
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| 22 Feb 2018 | #2 Norm Beaudin -The Original Winnipeg Jet - Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast | 00:43:38 | |
A prolific minor league scorer during the days of the six-team NHL, Norm Beaudin was an original member of the expansion St. Louis Blues in 1967. Later, he became the first-ever player to sign with the Winnipeg Jets of the fledgling World Hockey Association in 1972. With the 1972-73 Jets, Beaudin was paired with the “Golden Jet” Bobby Hull and center Christian Bordeleau to form the “Luxury Line.” All three players would top the 100-point mark with Beaudin netting 103. Beaudin turned up the heat in the post-season, scorching WHA foes for 28 points in just 14 playoff games before the Jets finally succumbed to the New England Whalers in the WHA Finals. Beaudin’s successful four-year run with the Jets culminated in May, 1976 as the Jets toppled Gordie Howe and the Houston Aeros to win their first Avco Cup championship. What was it like jumping to the WHA? Playing with Bobby Hull? Which NHL legend gave Beaudin a two-hander that he “still feels today.” Let’s talk with the man they call “The Original” and find out.
Hosted by Mark Willand
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| 29 Dec 2018 | #25 Paul Gardner - Prolific Pittsburgh Penguins Power Play Producer | 00:44:45 | |
Episode 25 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Paul Gardner, a consistent 30-goal scorer with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Rockies in the 1970’s and 80’s. Paul comes from a legendary hockey family, which includes his father Cal, an all star centerman with the Bruins, Leafs, Blackhawks and Rangers and brother Dave, a first round pick and NHL pro. With the Penguins, Paul twice led the NHL in power play goals. Blessed with a great touch around the net, his career average of 36 goals scored per 80 games ranks the 55th among all NHL players past and present. Unfortunately, Paul’s NHL career was short circuited by a pair of severe injuries, including a broken jaw — the result of the infamous blind side attack by Winnipeg’s Jimmy Mann, that cost him 22 games and a potential 50-goal season in 1981-82. Paul tore through the AHL at an incredible rate in the mid 80’s and eventually launched a long and successful coaching career, which included a five-year stint with Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators. Paul is a terrific guy and an excellent interview and you’ll enjoy his take on his interesting career and the many characters he crossed paths with as a pro. Don’t forget to rte, review and subscribe on ITunes. Host: Mark Willand
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| 16 Feb 2018 | #1 Blaine Stoughton, "The Sniper" - Hartford Whalers | 00:42:45 | |
OUR FIRST EVER GUEST ON THE PRO HOCKEY ALUMNI PODCAST IS "THE SNIPER" — BLAINE “STASH” STOUGHTON, WHO HAD TWO 50-GOAL AND TWO 40-GOAL SEASONS WITH THE HARTFORD WHALERS OF THE NHL ALONG WITH A 52-GOAL CAMPAIGN WITH THE WHA CINCINNATI STINGERS. IN ADDITION TO TALKING ABOUT HIS CAREER HIGHLITES WE DISCUSS HIS FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF TWO 17-YEAR OLD TEAMMATES IN INDY — WAYNE GRETZKY AND MARK MESSIER, THE SUSPENSION FOR HIS ATTACK ON THE NOTORIOUS PAUL BAXTER AND SOMEHOW PLAYBOY BUNNIES, CHERYL TIEGS, CAROL ALT AND EVEN CHER MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THE INTERVIEW. Host Mark Willand
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