Hit The Dek podcast

A largely off-the-cuff update about the status of the podcast as of July 2020.

This week we have more details about the 2020 NHL playoffs.  Buckle up.  Plus, Mylec is joining the war on the ground.  And will there be ball hockey in July?  We're full of questions.  Full of something, anyway.  When Wil the Gritty madness end? HIT the DEK wants you to listen! Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we welcome Joe Soccoa, a true entrepreneur in sports media.  Not only is the Soccoa Media App home to HIT the DEK, but it provides opportunities for sports journalism to anyone passionate enough to put in the work.  Joe also calls hockey games with celebrities and stuff. Take heed:  Gritty prowls some very specific streets. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we have actual news about a possible return to hockey.  (They can sharpen their skates with our opinions.)  The NHL is also helping us out here at home with some educational STEM programs.  And more hockey is canceled, but consider the real victims. Instruct your servants to download this podcast. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The big man of the CSHL, Lou Harvitan, is back!  How do you run a league from a whole different state?  Wouldn't you like to know?  Plus, can't leave your house doesn't mean can't enjoy hockey.  And Gritty, ever and always. Our train of thought is a runaway. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Like the man said, Let (Us) Entertain You!  We are back with more tales from the dek to sate that aching hockey hole.  Wayne Simmonds is giving back to hockey, ball style.  And a playoff ice team has no ice?  Good thing they have sneakers. Gritty Gritty Gritty.  Don't say it in a mirror. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

You may be going stir crazy right now, but we're way ahead of you.  Jersey sure is a hockey hotbed.  Plus, Joel Ward is using his retirement to appreciate what matters:  Ball hockey! Don't be down on HIT the DEK. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

You know what we're talking about.  No hockey?  No problem.  We'll get you all caught up on your options.  Plus, when the game resumes, the USA has some bidness in Switzerland.  We are not neutral. The NHL may be closed, but Gritty's big orange shadow still looms.  Resplendent. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Permit us to sell you on this week's episode.  Ontario celebrates a four day weekend where the hockey don't stop.  Ain't no tourney like a Family Day tourney, eh?  Plus, Stefanie Caban is a U.S. hockey phenom who may or may not hit people over the head with her stick.  (She does not.) This episode of HIT the DEK is (not) brought to you by Hyundai.  Game On. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The goal of this episode is to educate you on some netminder developments.  A coach in Minnesota is charting plays in real time to give his goalies the edge.  And, a Toronto 'tender hops off his Zamboni and into an NHL crease.  Plus, are we starting our own streaming service?  No, but you'll wish we were. Honk if you're petty. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Forty years later, that gold is still just as shiny as the day it was won.  This week is all about (mostly about) the team of scrappy American kids that beat the unbeatable Red menace.  It's been exactly four decades since the Miracle came true in Lake anything-but-Placid.  Grab a hot dog and some apple pie, and go back with us. Come for the pride.  Stay for the lunatic. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we're falling for Ben Harpur, who's making a big splash with his charity dek tournament up in Niagara.  Plus, ball hockey is worth investing in.  Just ask the guys in Orillia.  We also discuss buying new web domains, site unseen. Happy fourth anniversary!  We got you a podcast. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

It's Hockey Week(s) in America!  How are you celebrating?  Plus, Seattle is ready to name its new franchise.  Will it be a disaster?  And the verdict is in on the orange menace.  Do we owe him an apology? Time to broadcast some opinions. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

This week we're discussing an extraordinary ball hockey goalie being courted by the pro's.  He should probably finish High School first.  Plus, what's in a name?  A whole lot of silly conversation, apparently.  Helping the homeless is also nice. We toque the time to make you a good one. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

HtD drops right in the middle of a big weekend.  We'll tell you all about it.  And giving is contagious.  Feel free to get exposed.  And that orange guy may have some explaining to do.  How wide do they actually make handcuffs? The bigger they are... Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

In this week's session, we're working through some stuff.  Not your concern.  What you should know is that Newfoundland has a Ball that's devoted to hockey, but maybe not dek?  And is lacrosse the new hockey?  James has opinions. Slide on over to that play button and collapse into some HtD. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We've resolved to get back on the proverbial horse.  This week we're discussing a whole league dedicated to ice hockey for the blind.  There's also a nice long jag about steroids and the dangers that they pose to kids.  Plus a big hit of that sweet, sweet Gritty madness. New year, same pod. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

It's our longest episode ever!  This week we have a lot of ground to cover.  Things start out a bit somber with our remembrances of two people that left large holes where they once stood.  Fortunately Glenn Cunningham is back to lift our spirits with tales of LaGrange Street Hockey and the Columbus River Dragons.  Plus, he tells us how to get rid of that hockey stink with a little work in the defensive 'zone. We love the :90s Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

How was your Thanksgiving?  We spare no details about ours.  (Alas, poor Trucko.)  Have you ever had the itch to do some sportscasting?  Maybe you can.  Plus, it's time to head to the ballot box and do your civic duty.  Kevin Conroy is counting on you. Gobble up some more Gritty.  That guy is tutu much. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Happy ThanksGritting!  We've cooked up a special treat for our annual turkey day scrimmage.  How does THIS YEAR IN GRITTY strike you?  A recap of the orange goon's 2019 highlights and lowlights, plus his exploits over the last six weeks.  Stuff those earbuds in your sound holes and get comfortable.  It's quite a ride.

We're not dead!  Again!  After a lengthy unplanned hiatus, we're back on the horse to tell you about the extensive roster of professional hockey players that started out in the OBHA.  Play dek, git gud, apparently.  Plus, don't fill up on turkey, because there are a plurality of exciting tournaments Thanksgiving weekend. Yee haw!  (Was it always this hard?) Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We are silly.  Whether that's a pro or a con, you should know that this episode starts near 100 and mostly stays there.  You may think that a charity that helps the homeless via hockey and a rink-building initiative can't be all that entertaining.  Hold my Mountain Dew. Never forget that orange is the new AAAAAGH! Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

On the heels of an exciting Tape DEK pemiere, we're back with the girl that brung us.  Not only are we shining our spotlight on a Hall of Fame rreferee and a northern factory for World Championship youth, but we've got the scoop on a sweet introduction between two titans, brokered by yours truly. It's that time of year when anything can happen.  It's Gritty season. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week, we have a big announcement about the future of HIT the DEK.  But we're making you wait for it.  First, the USA's best are teaching the USA's most valiant about the benefits of a little orange ball.  And we propose to discuss the biggest possible win out on a rink in Nassau.  Plus that big announcement thing.  That one's kind of important. Happy Batman Day. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

On Saturday, September 7, 2019, James and Gary took a little trip out to Massapequa, NY to cover the Grand (Re-)Opening of the Lou Anthony Sports Complex.  From the scorer's box, we had a prime spot on the glass to record a live(ish)-to-tape special edition all about the brand new rink crafted by DEK Superstars and the EMPowerplay Project.  Special thanks to Craig Stanton for his time, and Seb Giarratano for everything else.

To celebrate our Sesquicentennial, we sit down with Kelly K, head of the EMPowerplay Project.  Ever wonder where new dek rinks come from?  When a man and a sponsor love ball hockey very much...  Do you think they'll let us cut the ribbon? This week HIT the DEK is for the children. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

The draw this week is discussions about comic book movies, comic book TV, and comic book... helmets?  Just stick with us on this one.  We also cover a beer league tourney benefiting kids, and a follow-up with a happy ending.  Oh, and Gritty is armed now. Red yellow honey, sassafras and moonshine.  Surrey on down(load). Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Another week, another HtD.  This week we're ordering some Chinese.  Specifically, a couple of stories about introducing the game of hockey to China with little orange balls.  Plus, a company in Massachusetts is teaching folks how to get a new rink built.  Or something.  And Gary really likes Mike O'Malley, apparently. Do ya have it? Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

This week we have a great tournamentality.  Taylor Hall is playing dek for the kids, and he brought a whole bunch of friends.  And where's a cop when you need one?  Teaching kids to play hockey, probably.  Plus, Mylec not only started the game, but they're giving us opportunities to play, too. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but a ball by any other color makes James see red. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we are happy to host Glenn Cunningham for a return engagement.  We wrap up our conversation about the LaGrange Street Hockey League, the difficulties of growing the game in a hockey-starved market, and the value of service.  We also get to discussing the USA Under-14 national team, and some stuff about Gritty.  Plenty of podcast to go around. *thwip* Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.    

This week HtD is most pleased to welcome Mr. Glenn Cunningham of the LaGrange Street Hockey League.  Glenn doesn't have the resources of an NHL franchise, but he's still making hockey available to anyone and everyone who wants to play.  He is an inspiration and we've got him.  We also haven't forgotten that the RSHL Summer Shootout is here and now.  And are we warming to a certain orange anarchist? Whatever is this world coming to? Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We've got a nice, traditional HtD for you this week.  Ball hockey on the beach?  Check.  Rehabbing a rink that's part of a balanced breakfast?  You bet.  An average game-turned-legendary memory?  Oh yes.  Plus, the American Rhino is serving up some piping hot opinions on sauced bread, fresh from the oven.  Dig in. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week features a return engagement with DCHL Commissioner Suds, who comes clean about what he's learned running four leagues, what he would do differently given the chance, and why it's all worthwhile.  We also check in with some goings on in Northern Canada, and chat about a brand new big orange ClawDad. We're coming in hot on this one. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We're celebrating America's birthday with a crazy idea.  What if this country was born out of less blood and more ball?  We're recounting the highest stakes tournament never played and learning a bit in the process.  (Really.)  Settle in with some grilled meat and a frosty beverage and let's have some fun.  Happy Birthday America!

This week we are overjoyed to welcome to the pod Suds, Commissioner of the DCHL family of leagues.  If you ever wanted to run your own league, this interview is a mandatory listen.  And what's black and white and red all over?  A Penguin with a sunburn (from playing dek hockey)!  Plus, we have an update on a certain someone, and you won't believe our take. Let's do this thing. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we are pleased to book Mr. Daniel Wilson, broadcast guru of the RSHL, for a return engagement.  We'll also give you a pretty good overview of the World Ball Hockey Championships, if we do say so ourselves. Incidentally, you won't hear this on the pod, but the USA Women are playing Canada for the gold.  Third time's the charm. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The guests just keep on coming.  This week we are pleased to welcome Mr. Daniel Wilson, broadcasting guru of the RSHL.  Let's call him the singer/songwriter of ball hockey media.  Plus we do some stage setting for a hot tournament.  And you'll learn more than you ever wanted to know about Pacho. There's gold on the line.  Game on. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This is one of those landmark episodes.  We're incredibly proud to welcome Team USA Forward Becky Dobson to HIT the DEK for a conversation about her outstanding résumé on and off of the court, her relentless push for equality, and her imminent quest for international gold.  We'll also provide you with everything you need to follow the Red, White, and Blue in Slovakia.  You won't want to miss this one. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Who doesn't love a sequel?  This week Wayne Barrett is back to talk about his brand new rink and the exciting things he does on it.  And, the USA women's ball hockey team wants to win a World Championship, and they need your help to do it.  Plus, this week in... Pacho?  Okay. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week it's party time on the podcast.  Excellent.  We welcome Wayne Barrett from the DCSH and, seemingly, everywhere else.  Wayne's a real baller.  (We know that's not what it means.)  Also, Memorial Day sees two NHL teams competing to see who can build more dek rinks.  Everybody's a winner. Schwing! Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we're headed in the right direction.  Feast your ears on the aural upgrade that is HtD 136.  We're talking about a street hockey game that has been going on for almost half a century, and a couple of leagues that are policing the dek, complete with some international flavor.  (That flavor being maple syrup.) And if you say pretty please... Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Please welcome to the podcast Mr. Craig Gusmann.  Not just a tremendous gateway guest, but a great listen in his own right, with a story worth hearing.  He deserves much better than the sound problems that we had this week.  We also feature the return of a beloved segment.  Dare to dream. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Wedding bells are ringing this week on HIT the DEK.  Don't get too excited.  First, though, we're putting out the call on behalf of an Ontario youth league in need of players, talking up a Caps program to bring dek to public schools, and praising the building of a new rink outside of Pittsburgh. Look to the skies.  He is ever-vigilant.  Let's go HtD x3! Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week is all about the rink.  Fighting to get one, fighting to stay on one, and fighting it out up and down one.  It's where we play. (We might give it all up for a splash pad.) Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we push through a bunch of entertainment chat and drill down on some lumber.  Plus, Tampa Bay schools have new substitute teachers, and they're awesome.  And it's dangerous out there.  Man, you don't even know the half of it. Adieu, orange menace. Remember, it's James.  You don't tug on Superman's cape... Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

He's ba-ack!  This week we heartily welcome the return of fellow LIQ goalie Shaun Early to wrap up our conversation with passion, poetry, and an eye to the future.  How poignant.  Plus, the US Women's ball hockey team needs your help, and we have the scoop.  Ask not what you can do for this podcast...  And enjoy Gritty while you still can.  If you can. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we welcome one of our own.  Shaun Early from the LIQ is here to talk about his rapid mastery of the goalie position (ducks, water, etc.), his constant drive for improvements, and what hockey is all about, Charlie Brown.  Plus, the children are fighting back against the Gritty menace. Viva la resistance. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

"Come play some hockey" they said.  "It's for a good cause" they said.  "It will be below freezing" they did not say, but it was implied.  Canada doesn't mess around.  Plus, what do you get when you cross baseball and ice hockey?  We don't know, but it's all the rage in Michigan.  And Gritty is finally vindicated.  Heaven help us. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Our epic Ironman trilogy comes to an end as RSHL Kingpin Kevin Frost returns to finish out our coverage.  You want to know why that referee shafted you out of a big goal in the clutch?  Listen up.  Plus, Tyler Seguin is giving some Special Olympians all the competition they can handle.  And Gritty is stealing caps, sandwiches, and the spotlight.  All in a day's lurk. Watch all the RSHL's Ironman coverage on their YouTube channel. Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

It finally happened!  Kevin Frost is back to follow up on the 2019 RSHL Ironman Tournament.  We... uh...  There was a lot to discuss.  And is Gritty turning over a new leaf?  Don't hold your breath. Here we are.  Rock you like a proximal NHL franchise. Check out the exclusive content on our YouTube channel.  Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We're not dead!  Again!  We've recovered from our ills and are ready to talk some hockey.  This week it's an impromptu discussion on focus and fatigue, catching up on what we missed, and a main course of the RSHL's annual Ironman tournament.  Orange hijinx abound. Check out the Ironman A, B, and C divisions for some entertaining hockey. Stay current with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.