We're back! The U-Show Podcast returns with a new focus and set of hosts. Join hosts Chris Treft (USHL Video Manager) and Ben Gislason (Des Moines Buccaneers Broadcaster) as they speak with USHL alumni, current players, and others associated with the only Tier I Junior Hockey league in the United States.
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button joins the Podcast to talk about the bevy of USHL prospects heading into the 2020 NHL Draft! Check to see if your favorite 2020 NHL Draft prospect is mentioned! #WhosNext
Former player and coach and current national broadcaster Eddie Olczyk joins the show to talk about his connection to the USHL as a parent of three players who passed through the league! He also gives his take on "bubble" hockey and his pick to win the Cup.
AHL Second Team All-Star Jacob MacDonald joins The U-Show Podcast to talk with Chris and Ben about his season with the Colorado Eagles, experience in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks and time in the NHL with the Avalanche!
Long-time San Jose Barracuda forward John McCarthy joins Chris and Ben to discuss his long career from the Des Moines Buccaneers to Boston University before a storied AHL career in San Jose. The former Olympian also appeared in NHL games for the Sharks and his transition into the coaching ranks after a health condition cut his playing career short.
In honor of Independence Day, USHL alumni Zach Mirageas and Blake Bride who currently play for Air Force joined Chris and Ben to talk about their time in the USHL and their choice to play for Air Force.
Two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Lewis joins Chris and Ben to talk about his time with the Des Moines Buccaneers and his journey to the NHL.
AHL Man of the Year Troy Grosenick joins Chris and Ben on The U-Show Podcast! Grosenick talks about the importance of community service in his life around Milwaukee where the goaltender had an outstanding season for the Admirals (AHL).
Chris and Ben are joined by one of the most notable hockey personalities in the world, John Buccigross! The creator of the Bucci Overtime Challenge and huge fan of "Cawlidge Hawkey" joins the show to talk about his love for the game, the impact of the USHL on the NCAA and hockey in general as well as how to win the #BucciOvertimeChallenge.
Dubuque Fighting Saints alumnus and current San Jose Sharks forward Dylan Gambrell joins Chris and Ben for Episode 17 to talk about his journey from the USHL to the NHL.
Chris and Ben are joined by former USHL forwards and current Iowa Wild (AHL) teammates Sam Anas and Gerry Mayhew. Mayhew ended the shortened AHL season as the AHL MVP and goals leader while Anas was named to the AHL First Team All-Star squad after leading the league in points. The pair discuss their great season as well as their journey through the USHL to the AHL.
Just days after speaking with Ben and Chris, former Washington Capitols Assistant Coach Reid Cashman was announced as the newest Head Coach at Dartmouth College. Listen in as they discuss the former Waterloo Black Hawks defenseman journey through the USHL to Quinnipiac before a professional career turned to coaching. Cashman talks about not knowing how amazing Alexander Ovechkin is until seeing it first-hand and what it was like to lead a veteran defensive group in Washington.
In Episode 14, Columbus Blue Jackets Assistant Development Coach Jared Boll joins the podcast to discuss his journey from the Lincoln Stars to a 579-game NHL career. Now Boll is back with the Blue Jackets in a coaching role.
Chris and Ben are joined by the NHL's Vice President of Hockey Development and Strategic Collaboration, Kevin Westgarth! The former pro breaks down the relationship between the USHL, NHL and USA Hockey and some of the great initiatives that have come from the partnership.
In Episode 11's introduction, Ben and Chris discussed an article that appeared on NHL.com (nhl.com/news/color-of-hockey-millette-stats-dont-tell-whole-story/c-316945458) this week. Now, hear first-hand from Reggie as he joins The U-Show Podcast to discuss rising through the ranks of Junior Hockey and becoming a fan favorite of the Dubuque Fighting Saints. The 20-year-old forward is committed to play Division I NCAA hockey for American International College (Atlantic Hockey) in the fall.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter joins The U-Show Podcast to discuss his rise to NHL defenseman, his ownership role with the Madison Capitols and his family's impact on USA Hockey.
Zemgus Girgensons drops by to chat with Ben and Chris about his journey from Latvia to Dubuque, where he won a Clark Cup Championship. They discuss the championship run and are joined by former teammate and current USHL Director of Player Development Luke Curadi. Girgensons also talks about his transition to North American hockey, his stop in the AHL and his time in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres!
Chris and Ben are joined by Hockey Hall of Fame member Phil Housley! The current Arizona Coyotes Assistant Coach is a former USHL player (St. Paul Vulcans, 1980-82) who went on to have a great career in the NHL before joining the coaching ranks. Housley talks about his journey through hockey and what life has been like lately.
Ben and Chris open with the USHL Draft Phase I and Phase II from earlier this week before being joined by Cedar Rapids RoughRiders alumnus and current Minnesota Wild goaltender Alex Stalock! The former Clark Cup Champion and Clark Cup Playoff MVP talks about his time in the USHL and NCAA during his route to the NHL.
In a special episode of The U-Show Podcast, Chris and Ben are joined by USHL General Manager of the Year Kalle Larsson. The Dubuque Fighting Saints GM breaks down his journey to the USHL and talks about this year's team!
In a special episode of The U-Show Podcast, Chris and Ben are joined by USHL Coach of the Year Oliver David. The Dubuque Fighting Saints bench boss breaks down his journey to the USHL and talks about this year's team!
Chris and Ben are joined by the major USHL individual award winners, including Player and Forward of the Year Riese Gaber (Dubuque Fighting Saints), Rookie of the Year Brendan Brisson (Chicago Steel), Defenseman of the Year Owen Power (Chicago Steel) and Goaltender of the Year Erik Portillo (Dubuque Fighting Saints). Chris and Ben also break down the All-USHL First, Second and Third Teams.
Chris and Ben are joined by NCAA Award winners Scott Perunovich and Jeremy Swayman! Perunovich, a junior forward from University of Minnesota Duluth, won the Hobey Baker Award, which is awarded annually to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player. Swayman, a junior goaltender from University of Maine, won the Mike Richter Award, which is awarded annually to the top NCAA men's ice hockey goaltender. Perunovich and Swayman discuss their awards, their time at the NCAA level, their journey through the USHL and signing professional contracts this summer (Perunovich with the St. Louis Blues & Swayman with the Boston Bruins).
Chris and Ben are joined by Florida Panthers forward Dominic Toninato. The Fargo Force alumnus discusses his road to the NHL through the USHL to University of Minnesota Duluth and to the professional ranks.
Chris and Ben are joined by Detroit Red Wings winger Justin Abdelkader! The former RoughRiders and Michigan State University forward talks about his time in the USHL and his journey to the NHL through the NCAA and AHL. Justin isn't the only Abdelkader to make an appearance on the episode as his son puts together a great drum solo during the interview!
Usual co-host Chris Treft is joined by guest co-host Brent Meske (USHL Director of Media & Communications) as the pair are joined by headversity CEO and Psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Todd. Dr. Todd talks about the great partnership between the USHL and headversity that began this season as well as what everyone can be doing during the coronavirus shutdown to maintain strong mental health and remain mentally resilient.
Chris and Ben are joined by a very special pair of USHL alumni: Jon Cooper and Jeff Blashill! Cooper is now the Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning while Blashill is the Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings. Both previously coached in the USHL and squared off in back-to-back Eastern Conference Final matchups with each Coach going on to capture the Clark Cup. The pair talk about their time in the USHL, their routes to the NHL and the difference between the friends when it comes to conquering the Rocky steps in Philadelphia.
Welcome (back) to The U-Show Podcast! Join hosts Chris and Ben as they introduce the new layout of the podcast and touch on some of the latest news around the league. Let us know what YOU want to hear in the future. Stick around until the end for a sneak peek at next week's episode with two very special guests!
2017-18 | Week 27 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | Week 24 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | Week 23 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | Week 22 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | Week 21 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | Week 20 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 55 (Mark Carlson/Bobby Kaiser) by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 54 (Michael Caples/Tim Harwood) by USHL
2017-18 | Week 19 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | Week 18 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | Week 17 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 53 (Jim Leitner) by USHL
2017-18 | Week 16 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show| Episode 52 (Jared Nightingale/Doug Christiansen) by USHL
2017-18 | Week 15 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 51 (Julie Robenhymer/Anthony Del Gaizo) by USHL
2017-18 | Week 14 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 50 (Live from the 2018 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game) by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 49 (Roger Jasnoch) by USHL
2017-18 | Weeks 11 & 12 | USHL Plays of the Week by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 48 (David Wilkie/Scott Bradford) by USHL
2017-18 | The U-Show | Episode 47 (Jason Koehler/Cole Gallant) by USHL