The Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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”

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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.

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. Can Ice Host: Mark Willand ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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. Order Icing on the Plains Host: Mark Willand ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube * edit note: Gary MacGregor and the Cornwall Royals played in the QMJHL, not the OHA

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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. https://3ice.com/ Host: Mark Willand ITunes/Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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 ITunes/Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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.

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. ITunes/Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube

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. ITunes/Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Stitcher Twitter Facebook Instagram Google Play Mark Willand Pro Hockey Alumni WHA Hockey Boston Bruins Alumni You Tube