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Duluth has become quite famous for its brewery scene as of late, bringing in locals daily and drawing in tourists from all over the midwest, each eager to try the beers they've heard so much about, brewed with water straight from the great lake they've also heard so much about. When it comes to breweries in the Zenith City, Hoops Brewing is simply LAGER than life. With its convivial food hall-esque atmosphere and prime location right in the heart of Canal Park, it's nearly impossible not to BEER happy while sipping on one of their one-of-a-kind creations. The man behind the incredible spot is a legend in his own right, playing a major role in the brewery boom in our neck of the woods AND marking 25 years of brewing in Duluth this year, quenching our thirst for a quarter of a century and counting. Find out how Dave Hoops became a renowned member of the brewery business in this new episode.
Dave Hoops of Hoops Brewing talks about the latest seasonal beers available at the Brewery and a great slate of NFL games to watch in Week 15. Head coach CJ Osuchukwu of Duluth Marshall praises the continued rise of girls' basketball in the area and the state. He also sees the fading of the opinion that "bigger means better" for school enrollment as it relates to athletic teams. Vencie Glenn closes the show in the Drawing Lines segment, as the former safety for the Minnesota Vikings previews the Monday Night tilt against the Bears.
With Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota with the Falcons, Brian & Dave discuss players who played for Minnesota sports franchises and then returned to face them. Who was the toughest to accept? Who did you most want to see lose? Dave Hoops previews the release of his "1225 Christmas Beer" which comes out Monday. Brian & Dave close out the first hour by playing the latest edition of Buy or Sell.
On Thanksgiving weekend, Brian & Dave give their personal "thankful" aspects in sports, as well as what they feel our MN men's pro sports teams should be thankful for both historically and currently. Dave Hoops of Hoops Brewing talks about a busy holiday and sports season in Canal Park as well as the importance of Small Business Saturday. Brian & Dave close out the hour with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
On the Eve of the big Titans-Vikings watch party, Brian & Dave debate who in the sports they would most want to watch a game with in order to learn more about the game itself. Dave Hoops chimes in his usual sports optimism and promotes a beer for each upcoming holiday season. The Drawing Lines segment courtesy of Arola Architecture Studio moves up an hour from its usual spot as Venice Glenn previews Vikings at Titans.
LIVE at Hoops Brewing for the show's 7th Anniversary Special, Brian & Dave discuss the greatest Game 7s of all-time while rarely having to stray from Minnesota sports to accomplish such a thing. Dave Hoops chimes in with his usual energy and tells you why Hoops Brewing is the place to gather for the best sporting events of the season. Brian, Dave, and Dave close out the first hour by playing "Buy or Sell."
TV Voice of the Minnesota Wild, Anthony LaPanta kicks off the show and chats about the hot start for the Wild, and pending changes for the Twins. The St. John's grad also helps preview the gridiron battle for St. Scholastica against the Johnnies. Dave Hoops joins to enlighten us as to the holiday season and how it's "the most wonderful time of the year" for both beer and sports. The latest edition of Buy or Sell closes the hour with Brian, Dave, and Steve.
With Dave recently "upgrading" to a new knee, Brian, Dave & Steve discuss the best year-to-year upgrades in Minnesota pro sports history. Dave Hoops checks in while on his way to Gopher football. The guys close the hour by playing the latest edition of "Buy or Sell"
Brian & Dave talk a lot about coaches on the show. What if the Vikes, Twins, Wild, and Wolves all lost their current head coach? The guys explore which current and former opposing coaches that they would bring to Minnesota. Dave Hoops brings a ton of enthusiasm and tells you which beers to enjoy during a busy sports weekend! Brian & Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
Many Minnesota teams have our support, BUT we know how much suffering can sometimes be involved. Brian & Dave examine the reasons why we love the current state of our Minnesota teams BUT reasons why we often utilize cautious optimism. Speaking of optimism, Dave Hoops brings plenty to the world of sports and beer. Topher Davis is the pride of Hermantown and Hollywood, and discusses the start of the NHL season, and the excitement of the MLB playoffs.
"Radio is not a visual medium" but Brian and Dave discuss the most memorable images in sports. Dave Hoops brings his usual optimism to the world of brewing and Minnesota sports! CSS Football coach Mike Heffernan previews homecoming against Macalester
Coaches have a very difficult job on any level, Brian and Dave give grades to some of Minnesota's current professional sports coaches. Dave Hoops brings his usual enthusiasm to the world of sports and beer. The latest edition of "Buy or Sell" closes out Hour 1.
With many former Vikings coming to town to play for the Texans, Brian and Dave discuss most memorable former Minnesota pro athletes facing their old team. Chad Greenway chats Hawkeyes-Gophers, Texans-Vikings, prep sports, and Gray Duck Spirits. Dave Hoops shares his usual enthusiasm towards Minnesota sports and delicious beer.
Steve Pitoscia is in for Dave Cook all week, and after watching a jaw-dropping prep football play on Thursday, Brian & Steve discuss the most incredible single plays in MN sports history. Dave Hoops talks about all of his delicious fruit beers, along with cautious optimism towards the Vikings and Twins. Duluth Denfeld Football Coach Erik Lofald expresses the key to early success for his team.
On the eve of the Vikes opener, Brian & Dave predict how they see the NFC North shaping up this season. Dave Hoops discusses a great time of year for sports -- and the release of his Blueberry Wheat beer. Duluth Denfeld alum and former basketball standout Jon Trebesch is now a teacher in Florida, and he discusses his latest elective course: Fantasy Football.
With Labor Day weekend upon us, Brian & Dave focus on the "hardest-working" players currently and historically in Minnesota sports. Kristin and Derek Montgomery share their newest project "The Montgomery Sports Foundation," designed to help children overcome the financial burden of sports participation. Dave Hoops gives his NFL season predictions, all while promoting delicious beer.
Going an hour early due to Vikes preseason coverage, Brian & Dave embrace 9-11am by diagnosing the numbers 9, 2, and 11 and their presence in Minnesota sports. Dave Hoops is en route to a Minneapolis weekend, but he still brings his usual energy to the sports and beer scene. The guys play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
Sports tend to produce a lot of over-reactions from fans -- both positively and negatively. Brian & Dave discuss some of each as it pertains to the Wild, Wolves, Twins, and Vikings. Dave Hoops joins with post-Olympics withdrawal but lots of Brewery Excitement. Brian & Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
Brian & Dave examine "Great Expectations" in sports and discuss MN pro sports seasons that had the highest and lowest expectations. Hobey Baker Award winner Bill Watson helps the Northland remember legendary Bulldog Hockey Coach Mike Sertich, who passed away earlier in the week. Dave Hoops provides his usual enthusiasm towards the world of sports (and beer).
In conjunction with the Netflix documentaries “Quarterback” and “Receiver” — Brian & Dave select other positions that need to be done and pick historic Vikings to star in them. Dave Hoops joins by phone to discuss the latest in beer and sports. The guys play the latest edition of “Buy or Sell.”
In honor of the Summer Olympics, Brian & Dave offer their gold, silver, and bronze moments in the history of the Wolves, Wild, Twins, and Vikings. Dave Hoops hypes up one of the best beer weekends of the year with All Pints North. Brian & Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
After the All-Star break for MLB, Brian, Dave, and Steve discuss narratives that MN fans could use a “break” from these days. Dave Hoops is headed to the Twins game, but has time to stop by to drop knowledge on sports and beer — and stick around for “Buy or Sell.”
Brian & Dave “turn back time” and determine which seasons the current state of the Vikings, Twins, Wild, and Wolves most resemble. Dave Hoops shares his sports enthusiasm and recaps several Hoops Brewing events. All 3 guys play the latest version of “Buy or Sell.”
On Independence Day weekend, Brian & Dave talk about what "fires them up" about the four major MN pro teams, and also what "makes their heads explode." Dave Hoops previews a very busy July at Hoops Brewing. Brian & Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
In honor of "Hoopla VII" at Hoops Brewing, Brian & Dave discuss which MN pro athletes both currently and historically have had too much or too little "Hoopla" said about them. Kelly Grgas-Wheeler of UMD Athletics Communications talks of a myriad of exciting topics in Bulldog Country. Dave Hoops hypes up the all-day party that is "Hoopla VII."
Dave Hoops sticks around and plays "Buy or Sell" with the guys. Dave Reyelts beams with pride over the prospect of being the father of an NHL Draftee and updates on the strides made in Proctor Athletics. Former Duluth Mayor Don Ness closes the show by discussing how Duluth's track record can improve with semipro sports teams.
On Marathon Saturday, the focus is a "long run" -- so Brian & Dave analyze each of the four major MN sports teams. -- Which team is built to compete in the long run? Dave Hoops talks about a busy tourism weekend at the Brewery. Star Tribune Columnist Lavelle E. Neal III diagnoses the inconsistency of the Minnesota Twins.
On the Eve of Father's Day, Brian & Dave look at the current and historical state of the Twins, Vikings, Wild and Wolves -- and decide who was the "team Dad." Dave Hoops discusses Harbor Monster Watch Parties and other upcoming exciting events at Hoops Brewery. Brian & Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
The Yankees have long been the villain for every Twins season. Brian & Dave explore who the true villains are for the Twins, Vikings, Wolves, and Wild. Dave Hoops talks about a very successful bingo debut at the Brewery and offers his enthusiasm for all things sports. Brian and Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
In honor of the Timberwolves overachieving this season, Brian and Dave focus on historically overachieving teams in MN Sports. Julianne Vasichek was unable to join, but the guys discussed women's hockey and rejoiced in PWHL Minnesota's championship victory. Dave Hoops is back from Paris bringing his usual sports enthusiasm as he prepares for a fun summer at Hoops Brewing.
Dave Hoops checks in from Paris, France where the French Open begins this weekend. Olympic Gold Medalist and Duluth FC co-owner John Shuster stops by to promote the beautiful game. Former Viking Vencie Glenn fires up the Harbor Monsters for their debut contest.
Our favorite MN teams have always had fan favorites as well. Brian & Dave discuss the top 3 fan favorites of all time for with Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves. Dave Hoops brings his contagious energy from Commencement Day in Madison. Brian & Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
For Kentucky Derby weekend, Brian and Dave give a Win, Place, Show for the biggest NATIONAL superstars to play for MN teams. Star Tribune Columnist LaVelle E. Neal III promotes his new book and discusses a rare joyous time in MN sports. Dave Hoops shares his usual enthusiasm for all things beer and sports.
Dave Hoops promotes his ever-expanding beer menu while also tackling a myriad of miscellaneous topics. Nick Nelson of Twins Daily tries to find a reason for optimism in a woeful start for the Minnesota Twins. Drawing Lines has Vencie Glenn talking about college sports being on a slippery slope, and how it impacts preparation for the professional level.
In honor of April Fools Day earlier in the week, Brian & Dave discuss some of the more foolish moments in MN pro sports. Dave Hoops talks about the tremendous impact a chaotic time in sports has on the brewery. Brian and Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
Easter often brings Easter Egg Hunts, but Brian and Dave examine players in MN pro sports lore that were hyped up -- only to "lay an egg." Former Bulldog and NHL player Bill Watson discusses the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament, and the potential look of next year's UMD men's roster. Dave Hoops talks bracket busters and beer and some very timely topics of fun as well.
Brian & Dave examine the divisions that each of our Minnesota men's pro teams are in, and "borrow" a player for each team. Dave Hoops tells you how to keep your brackets from getting busted. Brian & Dave play the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."
St. Patrick's Day is March 17th, and with all the focus on bad luck for MN pro sports, Brian & Dave take a moment to acknowledge the times when our teams have actually had some good luck. Dave Hoops encapsulates the meaning of March Madness when discussing a multitude of sports and all the beer you can enjoy this time of year. Rhett McDonald gets everyone hyped up for a UMD men's basketball NCAA Tournament run.
CJ Osuchukwu of Duluth Marshall hypes up a stellar MN state field of teams for girls basketball. Dave Hoops didn't make it this week, but Dave Cook's "life-altering" questions go deep and were aimed at Brian. Drawing Lines focuses on the future of the Vikings at quarterback in conjunction with pick 11.
The State Hockey Bracket unveiling opens the show, then in honor of Leap Year, Brian & Dave ask players on current MN pro rosters to take a leap forward or take a flying leap! Dave Hoops chimes in from Madison ahead of Illinois-Wisconsin men's college basketball. Brian & Dave play the latest edition of Buy or Sell.
On "Section Semifinal Saturday," Brian and Dave share some of their favorite days on the sports calendar for various sports at different levels. Dave Hoops brings his enthusiasm for the weekend with the Hoops Bonspiel and all the latest in great beer, Dave Reyelts discusses the nerves that come with being a goaltender dad, while also being the public address announcer for Proctor Rails Hockey.
In a belated Valentine's Day celebration, Brian and Dave discuss the current and former players who helped them fall in love with each professional sport. Dave Hoops joins in to give some love to the art of brewing and 218 days. Brian & Dave play an "exciting" edition of "Buy or Sell" to close the first hour.
On "Super Bowl Eve" - Brian & Dave talk about what MN pro sports teams consider their Super Bowl, seeing that the Vikings have never won it, and haven't made it to one since 1977. Dave Hoops discusses why Hoops Brewing is your ultimate Super Bowl Watch Party location. Former WDIO sports anchor Chelsie Brown is now in Iowa and enlightens us to the fanfare following Catlin Clark during National Girls and Women in Sports Day (and week).
In honor of "Groundhog Day" -- both the holiday and the film -- Brian & Dave discuss the most notable athletes with "repeat tenures" in Minnesota pro sports. Dave Hoops is on the road in Madison talking Gophers-Badgers hockey and a myriad of other topics. The latest edition of "Buy or Sell" closes the first hour.
Brian & Dave debate Joe Mauer's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and who now becomes the most notable MN-born athlete in each pro sport. Dave Hoops makes his NFL playoff choices amidst a discussion of delicious beer. The guys play the latest edition of Buy or Sell to close the first hour.
Brian & Dave visit "Heartbreak Hotel" and ponder the most heartbreaking moments for each MN franchise. Dave Hoops plays playoff pick 'em while promoting his latest beer selections. The guys play the latest edition of Buy or Sell to round out the first hour.
It's another "Viking-less postseason" so Brian & Dave discuss their favorite postseason moments "without a dog in the fight" for each sport -- college and professional. Dave Hoops chimes in on playoff predictions, great coaches, and even better beer. CSS Women's Hockey coach Julianne Vasichek celebrates her team's recent success and also her own, as she was named to UMD's 25th Anniversary Team.
For the final show of 2023, Brian & Dave suggest resolutions for the Wild, Wolves, Vikings, and Twins in 2024. Dave Hoops generates excitement for a football-filled New Year's at Hoops Brewing. Former Duluth Huskies intern Sadie Keller shares her latest "ladder climb" in the sports world.
In the days before Christmas, Brian & Dave do a gift exchange with MN's major pro sports teams. Dave Hoops chimes in from Alumni Day for Duluth East hockey. Alicia Tipcke of WDIO talks about a crazy winter sports season.
With so much focus on offense and defense, Brian & Dave award MVPs on both sides of the current and historical rosters of the four major men's pro franchises in Minnesota. Dave Hoops gives his NFL predictions and previews a festive holiday season at Hoops Brewing. Topher Davis talks football and hockey at the college and pro levels.