Hockey Now!

Taylor Thompson joins the show after his Teddy Bear Toss goal! We'll ask him about his quick stint in Europe earlier this season and what it was like to re-join the Solar Bears locker room after the tough start to the season. Eugene Helfrick from TheHockeyWriters.com jumps on the line as we continue to try and dissect the Tampa Bay Lightning and their inconsistent season thus far. Is it all part of the plan? Are they waiting to flip the switch and get hot?Bryan has a concern. He's feeling the mid-season lull. Is that a normal thing? Luckily, Eric was part of pro-hockey locker rooms...and he shares some surprising information about the lull in the locker room.

The Solar Bears broke a 4 game loss streak with an OT win Monday Night at Amway...but will that be enough to turn fortunes for the club? We'll take a look at some of the strengths and weaknesses so far this season, and what the addition of Blake Kessel does for the leadership of the team. Are we being patient enough with the Lightning? Are they saving their best efforts for the latter part of the season? If they're not, what ARE they doing? As the Atlantic Division separates around them, the Bolts find themselves outside of a Wild Card spot and in need of points. With the extra time, we have a discussion about Fighting in Hockey...and the personalities of the tough guy role in the modern game, vs. "the old days". There are 3 traits we come up with that defines the traditional enforcer...and realize the new generation of "tough guys" may not have any of them.

OSB D Alexander Kuqali calls in to be the first "Hat-trick Guest" on Hockey Now. In his third visit, Kuqali breaks down the Solar Bears turnaround after the Everblades losses, and whether the message in the locker room relayed to the ice. Alexander also talks about the recent Orlando Sentinel article about his Mother, Marcia, and her ongoing battles with Cancer, and the support from his Hockey Family through this time. Pat Maroon received his Stanley Cup Ring when the Lightning visited St. Louis this past week. The Lightning dropped their 2nd straight, and Maroon has some frank and direct comments about what his team needs to do moving forward through the early part of the season. In the "it was a matter of time" headline of the week, the Toronto Maple Leafs fired their Head Coach, Mike Babcock, and replaced him with their AHL coach, Sheldon Keefe. It's clear that the Leafs, led by GM Kyle Dubas, are trying to point in a more modern direction, and Babcock was the hurdle. What happens, though, when a Coach "loses the room"? Who better to ask than Eric, who was in Maple Leafs camp with these coaches, and his playing career experience.

The Solar Bears have had some troubles as of late, dropping their last 3 games to the same opponent, the Florida Everblades, which they round out the series of games with on Thursday Night. What is the first step for the Solar Bears? Should we be worried? Is talent enough to win hockey games?The Tampa Bay Lightning have returned to North America after their trip to Sweden for the NHL Global Series. Eugene Helfrick from thehockeywriters.com joins us to look at the trip, whats next for the Bolts, and whether or not its too soon to think about the trade deadline for this team trying to return to form. Going into the new season, the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils got all the attention, and now the odd team out in that area, the New York Islanders, have picked up points in their last 13 games, winning 12 of them. Why are the Islanders as good as they are? Is it Barry Trotz? And who's this John Tavares guy anyways!?

Hockey Now is BACK! The Solar Bears had their traditional School Day game, with the largest attendance in Solar Bears History, a game where Tyler Bird picked up his first goal as a Solar Bear. Tyler jumps on a call to talk about his time with the team so far, his NHL Development experience and the Everblades/Solar Bears Rivalry. The Tampa Bay Lightning are in Sweden for the Global Series, a pair of games with the Buffalo Sabres at the Globe! Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin and other Swedish-born NHL stars return to their homeland to play, but are these games more important than the other Global Series games? Plus - a trip away doesn't hide the Bolts early season woes. What is the problem? Bryan knows. Lazlo Holmes. Chance the Rapper. An SNL skit that is taking the Hockey World by viral storm. Do you like it? Are you a crotchety traditionalist? Someone on the show is...to no surprise! Also, the next chapter of the Evander Kane story is a can of worms for the NHL, at a time when the league is embracing gambling. Dangerous? Maybe! Eric, though, isn't surprised the guys would hit the tables, but with conditions.

Before you listen, quite literally, Nick took over the show in the 2nd half. Sure, we had a great conversation with Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky about the upcoming season, the leadership of his veterans and the hardest part of his job, but eventually...Nick took over. We'll share the opening night roster for the Solar Bears, and a friend of the show who missed the cut for the Bears...but eventually...Nick took over. Bryan is starting to ponder "scenarios" involving the (at the time) 1-1-1 Tampa Bay Lightning and what happens if the team continues down this even-keel trend...but eventually...Nick took over. Drew Doughty angry at his team. The lackluster start for the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks. The Rage Room at Wells Fargo Center. Fantasy Hockey. All of these topics Bryan planned to talk about...but......eventually...Nick took over.

We had the opportunity to bring Hockey Now to Orlando Solar Bears Camp at RDV Sportsplex after their Team Scrimmage! Taylor Doherty stopped by first to talk about his first stint with the Solar Bears, and his experience last season in the Czech Republic. Then, new Solar Bear Jake Marchment joined us to talk about his expectations for the coming season, and what kind of insight he got from his cousin, Mason Marchment, a former Solar Bear.

Our buddy Jackson Playfair stops by as we continue the show from RDV Sportsplex Ice Den after the Solar Bears Team Scrimmage! You really won't believe the summer Jackson had, LITERALLY crisscrossing through the continent on his way to Orlando! Of course, we have to hit Jacky (this will make more sense after you listen) with the 20 Questions - and Nick geeks out about Jackson's Flow. The word "Flow-God" was used.

The last of 3 parts from our time at RDV with the Solar Bears after their Team Scrimmage! We spend some time getting to know Solar Bears Goaltender Zach Fucale, a former 2nd round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens, and the impact Carey Price has had on his game! We'll also hit Zach with the 20 Questions!Kristin Baier - Director of Marketing and Game Presentation - stops by to talk about some of the promotional nights for the coming season - including some of the specialty jerseys the team will wear! Jesse Liebman also swings by before we wrap up the recording for some quick hits and insight to the coming season and some players we're excited to see take the next step this year!

Auston Matthews had an incident occur months ago that has just recently come to light. We all found out about it on Twitter...ALL of us, including Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas. We'll recap the story and ask the question...is it a big deal? The Solar Bears add a former player to the roster, Taylor Doherty, who was with the team for the 2016-17 season! He's a big body at 6'8", and Nick shares an interesting and exciting stat about the Solar Bears roster when it comes to size!

Brayden Point signed. What else is there to say!? Lots, actually...and Eugene Helfrick from The Hockey Writers joins us look at the upcoming season for the Lightning! Add Brent Pedersen to the list of players returning to the Solar Bears for the upcoming season. Can you feel the excitement building for the Bears' 19/20 campaign? Bryan can! Also, TSN published their Top 50 players in the NHL - and 2 of the top 11 players...are on a losing team! How can this be?!

Brayden Point is still without contract - even as the Tampa Bay Lightning start their training camp. Is it time to think about...life with out him? Trade? Offer Sheet? The Solar Bears add a player with a tough-guy pedigree in his Family Tree! We'll take a look at Jake Marchment, who will join the Bears for the 2019/20 campaign. Alex Ovechkin is under 250 goals away from Wayne Gretzky's all time goal scoring record. Can he reach it? Does he want to? Does he NEED to?

The RFA's are starting to sign, led by Mitch Marner in Toronto. But...$40m+ on 4 players...is it a smart move?! The Bolts are back without Brayden Point while the team attempts to move past the Playoffs Collapse last season. Jack Hughes has already impressed, with 2 goals in his first game! Bryan is uncomfortable by him though.

Enjoy the full episode of our on-air show from 9/10/19. (12:16) Kevin Lohan is returning to the Orlando Solar Bears for the 19/20 season, and he returns to our show to check in on his offseason preparation, how he recovered from last season's tough exit in the playoffs and what he believes is the reason the team has such a large number of returning players!Nick's Rink Report, the RFA Dominos start to fall and Prospect Tournament highlights!

It's an all-over 50th episode, as we continue to find things to talk about besides the unsigned RFA's. Is Pierre done on National Broadcasts? Bryan thinks we're going to see MORE of him this year! Walt discloses his Patrick Kane/Jonathan Towes dreams in Chicago, while Nick exposes the REAL reason Claude Giroux's Flyers Sweater is one of the best selling sweaters of the year. Cody Donaghey and Clint Windsor from the Solar Bears were invited to the Lightning's Prospect Tournament roster, joining several players who were in Orlando last season.

We're getting closer to Training Camp for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Eugene Helfrick covers the Bolts for TheHockeyWriters.com and helps us figure out what to expect from Nikita Kucherov next season, and what Brayden Point's contract should really be worth. Along those lines, we talk about the still unsigned RFA's and which ones should expect the biggest payday. The Solar Bears unveiled their new uniform set, and a classic color has been removed from the color set. Why? Listen for some insight!

Mike Monfredo, Chris LeBlanc and Cody Donaghey from the Orlando Solar Bears were in town to unveil the new uniform set for the 2019-20 season, and stopped in for the full hour this week! We talk about the abrupt end to last season, the excitement of the returning group of players and the key points of focus for next year. Childhood favorite teams, music preferences and Nick has to know what Mike Monfredo eats for breakfast.

The RFA's are finally starting to speak what they're looking for publicly, but is what they're looking for really that crazy? Learn about the Roberto Luongo Recapture Penalty that plagues the Vancouver Canucks Salary Cap situation. Nick loves the trees. Bacon loves the pushups. And finally...Derick Brassard is a robot. He must be. See if you agree.

Jackson Playfair will return to the Orlando Solar Bears for the 2019-20 season, as core of the group continues to solidify. Jackson shares his reasons for returning to the Bears and his experience upon arriving in Orlando after his full season in University. We talk about Jackson's dad, Jim Playfair, who has just joined the Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff, and his excitement for the Solar Bears new Assistant Coach, Jared Staal. And Froot Loops. And Vegan foods. And Hockey Pajamas. It was a 31 minute interview!

Have we talked about the RFA's in the NHL all summer long? Yes, too much, probably. However, the fact remains: Brayden Point, Mitch Marner, Patrik Laine and Mikko Rantanen are only a few of several without contract, just weeks out of Training Camp. Are these guys worth the money they want? Where does the skill tier break up amongst these players? Another core player is returning to the Solar Bears this season, and (we'll attempt) the fan-favorite "Nick's Rink Report".

Orlando Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky called in to the On-Air version of Hockey Now, Tuesday Nights @ 6p on 96.9 The Game! Coach gave his thoughts about the process to keep the core of his team in tact from last season, as well as where the team can improve for this year with the new player additions. Berehowsky shares comments on new Assistant Coach Jared Staal, and the influence someone like Staal, with a Family Legacy in Hockey, can bring to the organization.

Dylan Larkin might be the first Captain in Stevie Y's new Red Wings, but is he deserving to be in a class of DRW Captains at this point of his career? Young Nick Wiz has been desperately wanting to have an intro for his weekly Rink Report, so Bryan brought in 5 produced intro's for Nick to try. Also, Hockey Snack routines and NEW Solar Bears Jerseys! It's a "Totally Summer" Episode of Hockey Now!

(:31) The Orlando Solar Bears have continued to solidify their player core for the upcoming season, now 8 players will be returning from last season! Is this the best OSB offseason in their v2.0 history? Bryan thinks so! (19:15) The Bolts are currently in the waiting game to give Brayden Point his next contract, but where does Point fall on the list of RFA's still unsigned?! Vasi got his money, and while its a big ticket contract, how will it effect the 2021/22 season? (38:42) Ron Francis is named GM of the Seattle Franchise, but are teams really prepared for another team in the league? Also, Paul Fenton, now former GM of the Minnesota Wild runs a "How Not to Operate an NHL team" clinic. Bryan highlights his follies. (56:55) BONUS INTERVIEW from our on-air show (Tuesdays, 6p on 969. the Game) with returning Solar Bear Dylan Fitze!

After a whole season of saying "we've gotta do a Hockey Movie episode this summer"...here is the Hockey Movie Episode! Bryan, Bacon and Nick give their Top 5 and also bring up some hockey scenes in non-hockey movies! Walt has an undying love for the Duck...Nick, of course, made everything difficult when it came to coming up with his Top 5 list...and Bryan surprises with his Top Hockey Movie.

Summer Hockey related episodes are so hard to do. The Tampa Bay Lightning haven't made many moves thus far, and we'll say the worst case scenario regarding Brayden Point, and the true value of a player like Yanni Gourde for the Bolts. Kelly Cup Champion and Former Orlando Solar Bears forward Todd Skirving joins us to talk about his championship season and the experience for him in Newfoundland! It was an expansion season for the Growlers, a team that included a few former Solar Bears, as well as former Asst. Coach John Snowden!BONUS! We haven't recorded a podcast for a few weeks, but every week we've done our show Tuesdays from 6p-7p on our host station, 96.9 the Game. Solar Bears Goaltender Clint Windsor is the first Solar Bears Signing for the 19/20 Season. Our conversation with Clint covered reasons he's on the way back to Orlando, as well as some of the current NHL'ers Clint has played with through the years!

Lots happening in the first week of the offseason, with some names already off the Free Agency board, and GM chatter heating up. The NHL Awards happened and host Keenan Thompson roasted the Tampa Bay Lightning. Robin Lehner brought a serious issue to forefront during his acceptance speech, and the debate about how these awards are given. Also, the Draft is this week and the same 2 names are on the tip of everyone's tongue...but what about AFTER those 2?

Gloria got the Cup! After Bryan's mic woes, we'll try and get through a list of the reasons the St. Louis Blues are the Stanley Cup Champions! We'll answer the question: "Is it OK to laugh at Brad Marchand's tears?", and why Jordan Binnington should have won the Conn Smythe.

The Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues find themselves tied at 2 games each (as of Thursday 6/6/19 @1p), and with Games 5 and 6 upon us, we'll preview the games and recap the events of the first four. The Newfoundland Growlers have won the Kelly Cup as the Champion of the ECHL Playoffs! With so many former Solar Bears on the team, there's lots of reasons to be excited for the team! Of course though, with the end of the 2018/19 season...comes the shift to 2019/20 season, and activity has already started with the Orlando Solar Bears!Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko. They'll go 1 and 2 in the upcoming NHL Draft, but one thing is for certain: the Metro Division is set for dominance in the years to come!

The Stanley Cup Final has begun and the both the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues have had high and low points. What are the keys to the next game, and one player has delivered in the spotlight, after years being a "Secondary Market Star". Also, Not Floor Nick hates fans and their rituals in the stands and Walt impresses by remembering the 16 teams in this years' Stanley Cup Playoffs. Don't miss "the why is "Old Town Road" a thing?" either.

There are only two left to battle for the Stanley Cup, the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins. Are the Blues the better story line than the Bruins? Have these teams had to face as strong of an opponent in the Playoffs so far as they will now? Also, Bacon's handshakes with fmr. FL Governor Rick Scott and HHH, plus Not Floor Nick/Floor Nick breaks down the Philly Cheesesteak rivalry as he prepares to go home to Philadelphia straight from the show.

(:54) The San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues have delivered with the entertaining Hockey so far, but as is too often the case lately, the Officials pulled the rope and cost the Blues the game. But WAS it their fault? What could they have done and what did they do right? It’s the top story in the Hockey World right now!(24:33) The Boston Bruins are on the brink of eliminating the Carolina Hurricanes and someone on the show is fairly excited about it. (Spoiler Alert: It’s Bryan.) Why the league and the Stanley Cup Final is better off without the Jerks. (37:48) Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko. The New Jersey Devils have quite a decision on their hands with their 1st Overall Pick, but Devils GM Ray Shero has shown he isn’t afraid to bypass the consensus #1 to go with the ready now player. Draft day is approaching, and we’ll be covering it all the way!

(:54) Before we look intently ahead at the Solar Bears future, we’ll talk once more about the recent past and the heartbreaking end to their season. Also, we’ll look at the Former Solar Bears still in the hunt for the Kelly Cup!(21:48) San Jose beat Colorado in the Western Conference Semi-Finals, and the big story is the Gabe Landeskog’s offside call. We’ll also talk about the Jerks’ and Bruins’ upcoming Eastern Conference Final match up. (37:41) GLORIA! The Blues have got your number! St. Louis beat Dallas in double OT in an INCREDIBLE display of goaltending to secure a date with San Jose In the Western Conference Final. PLUS, the moment you’ve ALL been waiting for…Floor Nick’s Rink Report. Quick headlines, commentary and chirp to finish out the episode.

(0:00) Former Solar Bears Captain Eric Baier sits in on the live show this week to help recap the heartbreaking end to the Solar Bears season in 2OT at the hands of the Florida Everblades. Again. Fleeting thoughts and frustrating memories of the Division Final's series and a look to the future!(14:11) The Eastern Conference Finals' matchups are all set, and we'll look back at the series that passed, with clips from Blue Jackets Head Coach John Tortorella and UFA Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. We'll also debate the validity of Brad Marchand as a Hockey Player. (32:01) The Western Conference is still to be decided (as of air time) so we'll break down the matchups and what the deciding factors could be for each of Dallas, St. Louis, San Jose and Colorado. Before we go, Sklover brought a pack of Hockey Trading Cards...something he hasn't done in decades! Who did he get in the pack? Find out!

(:36) We’ll go in depth into Game 3 of the South Division Finals in the Kelly Cup Playoffs between the Solar Bears and Everblades that ended in a 3-2 Florida win, and giving the Everblades a 2-1 advantage in the series. Also, Bryan may have irked the superstition Gods – but will it work?!(28:14) The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue, so we’ll go around to each series to get you up to date on the headlines and stats that are making this wild 2019 quest for the Cup so crazy!!! Also, Jack Hughes’ next big challenge. How will he do? We’ll try to figure that out!

(:38) Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky joins the show before the team boards the bus to Estero for Games 1 & 2 in the South Division Finals. Berehowsky touches on the team closing out South Carolina, the familiarity with the Florida Everblades and the benefit of having solid goaltending. (22:24) Should SJ have gotten a 5 Minute Major penalty in the 3rd period of their game 7 vs Vegas? It’s the hot topic in the Hockey world, and we’ll discuss it. Also, we’ll go around the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the NHL Award Nominees announced so far.

(0:36) The Tampa Bay Lightning are out of the running for the Stanley Cup, as a 4-0 sweep by Columbus ended an otherwise successful season. We’ll get overly emotional in our frustrations and try to figure out what went wrong. What was missing?(16:47) Hunter Fejes recently rejoined the Solar Bears for the Playoffs, and had an immediate impact in Game 3, a 2OT contest in which he scored the game winning goal! Fejes also talks about his time in Manitoba in the AHL and what he see’s in the Solar Bears from when he started his PTO, to him coming back to Orlando. And of course…the 2OT goal celly!(38:41) The New York Islanders swept the Pittsburgh Penguins out of the playoffs, what was the key to their victory? Alex Ovechkin got into his second fight of the year, which opens the bigger discussion about fighting in Hockey. Coaching Changes, World Championships, and the rest of the NHL Playoffs.

Replay of our live show on 96.9 The Game before Game 4 for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bryan and Floor Nick made observations before the game, but how right were they? SPOILER ALERT - they were very right. Also, we'll cover the Solar Bears South Division Semi-Final series vs South Carolina, and the outlook on the games to come! We'll also go around the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and some coaching changes in the 'chel.

(:39) The Solar Bears dropped their series opener against the South Carolina Stingrays 2-0, but the Solar Bears were closer than the score says, as SC caught an empty netter in the last minute. What happened to the Bears, and the outlook for the rest of the series.(13:53) Over-confident? Feeling out the Opponent? Missing superstars? What happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of their series in which the Columbus Blue Jackets overcame a 3-0 Bolts lead after the 1st Period? We’ll talk about it…and how to fix it. (24:22) Nick kind of rhymes with fix, and that’s what Floor Nick thinks the NHL Draft Lotto is…a fix. How did the New Jersey Devils win the 1st spot, and how upset should Colorado really be with their lottery luck, as they prepare for their Playoff Series vs. the Calgary Flames? We’ll look over all of the Playoff Series and what could be next in South Florida for the Panthers.

Get ready for the Stanley Cup and Kelly Cup Playoffs as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Orlando Solar Bears set course on deep playoff runs!

(1:12) Solar Bears assistant coach and former Captain Eric Baier joins us to talk about the influx of youth that has joined the team in the last week, in Alexei Lipanov and Parker AuCoin, and what players who are playing their first Professional Hockey can bring to a team at this point of the season. We’ll set up the playoffs for the Bears, and also talk to Baier about playing as himself in a video game. (20:08) As the Tampa Bay Lightning are under a week away from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, we’ll talk about the player/players the team wouldn’t be in this position without. Also, are the injuries to Victor Hedman and Andrei Vasilevskiy just a smokescreen for rest before the Cup push?(36:52) As much as Connor McDavid is frustrated about missing the playoffs, should we, as hockey fans, be equally upset that one of the best players in the league wont be playing Playoff Hockey? John Tavares faces the music and makes you wonder if its time to leave the guy alone! Stanley Cup Playoff Matchups and Floor Nick’s quick headlines.

(1:01) Solar Bears Defenseman Alexander Kuqali calls in to talk about the Solar Bears efforts and quest to gain a berth in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, as well as whether or not the guys on the team are aware of the teams around them in the standings. Also, we talk to Kuqali about the idea of playing Hockey in Europe, and the NHL-level players he played with when he was younger. Does Bryan have his own pregame routine like the players do? You bet he does! (28:04) Should Nikita Kucherov be in the running for the Hart Trophy? We’ll talk about the leagues leading scorer being in the conversation about the MVP Trophy…and…what that trophy should mean! Is it time for the Bolts to rest players? Jon Cooper’s extension, and the ultimatum…is it win or bust for the Lightning?(42:05) Florida Panthers Coach Bob Boughner leads the NHL segment with a comment about his young team and their mission for their last 20 games, and you won’t believe what we think of it. Plus, what would another week be without Carolina Hurricanes foolishness and we’ll preview the “If They Started Today” Stanley Cup Playoffs!

Check out the first live episode of Hockey Now on 96.9 The Game! We jumped right into the Lightning’s big comeback win over the Boston Bruins and the continued magic provided by Nikita Kucherov. We shared a clip of our interview with Jackson Playfair of the Orlando Solar Bears and set up the remaining season for the team.

(1:13) Solar Bears Assistant Coach and former Solar Bear Eric Baier joins us to talk about the recent set of games against the Idaho Steelheads, including their game at RDV Sportsplex Ice Den. Also, we talk about the raw talent of Solar Bears F Mathieu Foget and Akim Aliu’s opportunities with the Tuscon Roadrunners in the AHL.(16:57) Short and sweet: we talk at length about the moment that started the building of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2018-19 President Trophy winning season’s Roster. (34:16) In the NHLPA Players Survey, Brad Marchand is both loved and hated by his fellow NHL brethren – in the same category. With the season wrapping up, we’ll talk about the Playoff Magic Numbers and possible playoff scenarios. Bryan also continues his relentless assault on the Carolina Hurricanes and their post game choreography.

(1:08) Solar Bears play-by-play man Jesse Liebman joins us in studio for an extended talk about the teams’ trip to Newfoundland this past weekend and a recap of their games in Canada. We’ll also talk about the team’s game against Florida on Wednesday 3/13, and the physicality that came with the match. Plus, weeks ago we talked to Solar Bears Defenseman Cody Donaghey, who told us about the Newfoundland tradition called “Screeching”. Did Jesse get Screeched in?! Listen to his story about this most interesting Eastern Canadian Tradition!(26:43) Matt Esteves of Raw Charge joins the show to talk about the Lightning and their recent schedule of games, including the instances in the loss to Minnesota last week at home. Steven Stamkos doesn’t like the Playoff structure in the NHL, but Bryan disagrees. Hear the discussion about that, and the importance of the Lightning upcoming schedule, including 3 games against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. (42:36) We’ll talk about Geno Malkin’s 1000’th point, Ovi’s 1200’th point…and where Sidney Crosby fits into the equation between those 2 players. Plus, the UCF Knights Club Hockey Team has made it to the National ACHA DIII Tournament in Texas – we talk to Assistant Coach Anthony Mariani about the team, their early season hurdles and the outlook for Florida Collegiate Hockey! Then, we make the mistake of letting Floor Nick bring up his stats, including why “the Lightning ain’t that fire”.

(1:02) Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky calls in as the team travels to Newfoundland to take on the Growlers this weekend. What does Coach think about highlight reel goals like the one Otto Somppi scored this past weekend, and how he feels his team is responding to the process they’re going through. Is there drama in the Solar Bears locker room? Something might be up, and it could end up benefiting the team in the end!(20:08) The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for just one win to clinch a Playoff Position, so we’ll talk about the next chapter for the Bolts and their schedule down the stretch. Also, Bryan asks Walt and Floor Nick the question of the hour: Is Nikita Kucherov the most underrated player in the NHL? You must hear this conversation!!!(35:36) Brad Marchand is starting to throw the playoff shade at the Toronto Maple Leafs, surely the Bruins’ 1st round opponent. John Tavares returned to Long Island last week to face the Islanders faithful. Hear some of the chants they yelled, and whether anyone cares about Sean Avery’s opinion on the subject. Magic Numbers and Playoff Scenarios!

(:52) Solar Bears Forward Jackson Playfair joins the show to talk about the process of him joining the team after his season at Dalhousie University and his thoughts on the team’s current potential. Jackson talks about taking on teams who play a chippy game, and what he brings to the ice as a player. Also, Playfair shares how his families hockey legacy influences his game. Oh – and his brother is Reilly in Letterkenny! (24:55) The road is set for the Lightning towards the playoffs, and their 10 game winning streak is evidence of their domination. When do the Lightning start their preparation for the Playoffs? Resting Players? There so much, and so little, to discuss when it comes to the Bolts! (39:19) Trade Deadline transactions. Pretty much the whole NHL Segment is Trade Deadline transactions. AND John Tavares going back to Long Island to see his old team, and their very upset fans. Mostly Trade Deadline transactions, though.

(:38) Solar Bears broadcaster Jesse Liebman joins the show to talk about the recent success of the team and the impact Akim Aliu has had! Also, we talk about Mike Monfredo taking a greater role on forward and give an outlook at the possibilities for the Solar Bears in the Kelly Cup Playoffs .(13:03) John Cooper is one lucky guy. He is currently coaching the handcrafted roster that leads the league by many! We’ll discuss the keys to the Bolts remaining season and whether or not the Lightning need to make a trade to set up the stretch. Also, Floor Nick will show you what its like to be a fan of any other team in the league facing the Bolts. (28:06) TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!! John Tavares’ legacy among his teammates is in the crossfire, and the Carolina Hurricanes celebrations. But, again, TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!! TRADE DEADLINE!!!

(:57) Solar Bears Defenseman Cody Donaghey joins to talk about the teams recent success, and setbacks, in the last few weeks of the season! Cody also talks about his days in Juniors, including playing for Patrick Roy in Quebec, and what it’s like to be reunited with a teammate from those days, Olivier Archambault. Plus, as a native Newfoundlander, Donaghey explains what exactly “screeching” is to those not from Eastern Canada!(18:35) Nikita Kucherov had 4 points in the Lightning’s recent game against Calgary, so the question remains, how many points CAN Kuch accumulate before the seasons end? The year 2017 was so important to the Bolts and their current roster, but 2 moves in particular helped sure up the defense corps the Lightning take the ice with every night. With the trade deadline approaching, we’ll discuss the options the Lightning could have.(31:55) Evgeni Malkin was suspended for only 1 game on his careless stick swinging towards Michael Raffl. Was it enough? Kevin Boyle got his first NHL start and shutout last night, his cousin and friend of the show, Chris Boyle of the Daytona News-Journal, joins to talk about his cousin’s rise to success! Well talk trade deadline and wrap up the show…by professing our love…for our favorite players.

This week’s show is for Ann O’Brien. (:44) Colby McAuley joins the show to talk about his Shootout winning goal last night vs. Jacksonville in the Solar Bears’ first game back at Amway a month! We’ll discuss Colby’s journey through Junior Hockey in Canada, and an award he won in the 2015/16 season in the WHL. McAuley also shares some insight into the mindset of the team playing frequent division games and the importance of the points at stake. Plus, is Colby McAuley a Disney fan?! Did Bryan and Bacon find a new podcast to start?!(24:07) How confident is the coaching staff in themselves and their team in Tampa Bay? Bryan watched much of the recent Lightning visit to MSG to play the Rangers, and a lot of his observations on the team were validated in the game! Are the Lightning to worry about the loss to Vegas this week in a shootout? We’ll then discuss the lingering trade deadline and the cap situation the Lightning find themselves in when working possible new players into the mix! (32:38) Kyle Dubas, 33, and Auston Matthews, 21, are changing the face of hockey as we know it. With Matthews recently signing an extension in Toronto, we talk about what that does for the Leafs and their roster – including who may be on the outside looking in once the summer signing period hits. Brian Burke doesn’t like the Carolina Hurricanes’ new post game ritual, and Bryan completely agrees, though the boys see it different. Bacon (Blackhawks) and Floor Nick (Flyers) are riding high on their teams successes, but at what cost would they like to see a playoff run over other possibilities.

(0:35) Fresh off his OT Winner for the Solar Bears this past weekend in Atlanta, Tayler Thompson joins from the team bus to recap the recent games for the Bears, and the growing chemistry within the team! While Tayler is enjoying his 2nd season with the Solar Bears, we’ll find out what made him want to return to Orlando for this season, and some insight on his career before the ECHL. Thompson also talks about the awkward play earlier this season that resulted in his injury, and the injury suffered by Linesman Charlie O’Connor. (18:11) Steven Stamkos is the Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and last night in the teams’ first game back from a 10 game break, he did the most Captain thing he could! The road gets tougher for the Bolts in February with an intense schedule, but the current rumors are the hot topic with a name Bryan threw out a few weeks ago possibly coming to the Bay! We’ll also recap the All Star Game weekend for the 3 Lightning players visiting San Jose.(26:52) Sidney Crosby was the NHL All Star Game MVP, and at this stage in his career, can you still hate him? We’ll mention some players, like Crosby, who have become the “old guard” in the NHL and their place in the league. We’ll recap the All Star Game Weekend as a whole, including the Skills competition results, even though Bryan is kind of over some of the events. And of course, ‘tis the season…for Trade activity and rumors!

(3:51) Eric Baier, former Captain of the Solar Bears, joins Bryan and Bacon to talk about his career as a Solar Bear, as the team announces their Celebrity Classic Game, in which Eric will play! We’ll talk about Baier’s current role with the club, as well as the reasons He and his Brother Paul had for coming to Orlando in the ’13-’14 season. Also, did Baier always have it in his plans to be a Coach? (23:08) The All-Star Break is upon us, and the Bolts got snubbed! One of their players should absolutely be in San Jose this weekend, as you’ll learn in the segment. Also, Bryan has been looking for something the Bolts can do at the Trade Deadline, and he found it! Find out what the Lightning could do to improve their seemingly perfect team, and recap the last weekends game. (33:45) Edmonton’s recent management changes were a long time coming, after 4 years of foolish moves since drafting Connor McDavid. We’ll go over some headlines around the league, including a reunion and trade deadline buzz! We’ll preview the weekend events around the All Star Game…and of course…Gritty.