The FAN Pregame - podcast cover

The FAN Pregame

Sportsnetwww.sportsnet.ca
Get ready for tonight's games with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert as they discuss the stories that matter most to sports fans. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 6pm-7pm ET.
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Episodes

Hour 2: Should Fred VanVleet Be an All-Star This Season?

The group touches on Ja'Marr Chase's performance in the Bengals' big win over KC, before taking a look at the Raptors' win vs. the Knicks, Toronto finally having a fully-healthy roster, and Fred VanVleet's All-Star candidacy (0:08). Next, the crew weighs in on Jake Paul vs. Dana White, and Paul advocating for better fighter pay in the UFC (30:58). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & ...

Jan 03, 202249 min

Hour 1: How Will Empty Arenas Affect the Leafs?

JD, Ailish and Blake discuss the Leafs returning from their COVID hiatus, the absence of fans in the building, and Jack Campbell's dominance over the past calendar year (0:55). Next, the group chats about Antonio Brown's latest meltdown, before pivoting to Ailish's A-List which includes a Kraken fan alerting the Canucks equipment manager to a cancerous mole, Team USA women's Olympic hockey roster, Brigette Lacquette being named a scout for the Blackhawks, and the Raptors using "Bing Bonga" on so...

Jan 03, 202253 min

Hour 4: Xavier Moon Makes the Jump to the NBA

The FAN Morning crew welcomes in 3-time CEBL MVP Xavier Moon to chat about what it means to make the leap to the NBA after signing a 10-day contract with the L.A. Clippers, and shares which CEBL player is due to get called up to the NBA stage next (00:11). To wrap up 2021, Blake, JD Ailish look back on the year that was before sharing their resolutions for 2022 (23:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position ...

Dec 31, 202146 min

Hour 3: Should Canadian NHL Teams Play in Nearly Empty Arenas?

The FAN Morning crew welcomes in NHL insider Elliotte Friedman to share the latest capacity restrictions announced for sporting events in Ontario ahead of the Leafs' return to the ice Saturday, and discusses what's next for the NHL after deciding not to participate in the 2022 Olympics (01:37). Next up, they welcome Kris Abbott of Coolbet.com to dive into the latest odds from *checks notes* the world of darts, the positive and negative ways that the pandemic has affected sports betting, and get ...

Dec 31, 202152 min

Hour 2: How Did 2021 Change Us as Sports Fans?

JD, Blake & Ailish welcome in friend of the show Charles Davis to discuss the slate of Week 17 action in the NFL including the Chargers-Broncos matchup he will be on the broadcast for and breaks down who can topple the Chiefs atop the AFC (01:00). Next up, the crew shares some of the ways they've changed as sports fans in 2021, including a new Formula 1 fandom, the ways we receive our sports news, & more (28:25)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and...

Dec 31, 202146 min

Hour 1: The Meaningful Sports Moments of 2021

It's New Year’s Eve on the FAN Morning Show, and JD, Blake & Ailish kick off today's show by sharing how they plan to welcome in 2022 and look back on the stories that mattered most in 2021 (05:12). Ailish wraps up the hour with a special New Year's Eve edition of the "A-List", highlighting the top Canadian female sports moments of 2021 (40:12). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports &amp...

Dec 31, 202153 min

Hour 4: Jamie Lee Rattray on Olympic Feasibility and the Women’s U-18 Cancellation

Jamie Lee Rattray, forward for the Canadian women’s national team, discusses the IIHF failing to stage the U18 Women’s World Championship for a second straight year, the cancellation of the remaining games in the USA-Canada Women's rivalry series, the women’s national team’s status for the upcoming Beijing Olympics, and what it's like having Ailish as a teammate (00:26). Savanna Hamilton, host for NBA TV Canada and sideline reporter for the Raptors 905, joins the show to discuss the influx of G-...

Dec 30, 202148 min

Hour 3: Will the IIHF Find a Solution for Cancelled Events in 2022?

Chris Peters joins the FAN Morning crew and takes listeners inside the IIHF’s decision to cancel the World Juniors and details the situation as teams were housed in hotels with public guests, the financial ramifications associated with the tournament being called off, and Luc Tardif’s tumultuous start to his tenure as IIHF President (00:44). Later, your favourite trio reveals their daily picks for the Wake and Rake parlay (31:04) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ...

Dec 30, 202152 min

Hour 2: Can the Bills Contend for the AFC Title?

Blake, Ailish and Justin Cuthbert chat about some of their bold predictions for the Raptors in 2022 before heading to the text-line where listeners shared some of the most random sports jerseys they’ve ever owned (00:34). Next up, Sports Illustrated's Gary Gramling weighs in on the Bills’ chances in the AFC, the Chiefs hitting their stride after a sluggish start to the 2021 season, the playoff picture heading into Week 17, and Trevor Lawrence’s play during his rookie campaign (24:56). The views ...

Dec 30, 202148 min

Hour 1: Did the IIHF Mismanage the World Junior Championship?

On this edition of the FAN Morning Show, Blake and Ailish are joined alongside Justin Cuthbert to react to Wednesday's announcement of the cancellation of the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and how IIHF President Luc Tardif’s handled the situation (00:52). The crew also reveals their bold predictions for each Toronto sports team in 2022. To round out the hour, Ailish's shares today's "A-List", including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rocking a throwback Phil Kessel Maple Leafs jersey (31:20...

Dec 30, 202150 min

Hour 4: Reflecting on the Life & Legacy of John Madden with Fred Gaudelli

Blake, Ailish & Justin are joined by The Athletic's Scott Wheeler live from World Junior Championship in Edmonton to chat about the state of the tournament amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights Canada's competition from around the globe, and reflect on Canada's 11-2 win over Austria (00:22). To wrap up, NBC's Fred Gaudelli joins to reflect on John Madden's lasting legacy in the NFL and abroad after his passing yesterday, and shares some of his fondest memories of working alongside John (2...

Dec 29, 202148 min

Hour 3: Can Anyone Challenge the Chiefs in the AFC?

Blake, Ailish & Justin Cuthbert are joined by Mike Morreale, Commissioner and CEO of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, to share his thoughts about CEBL players getting the chance to showcase their talents on the NBA stage, including three-time MVP Xavier Moon with the Clippers, and reflects on the health of the league heading into 2022 (00:45). In the final half hour, the crew discuss their bets from yesterday, the current favourites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, and the challe...

Dec 29, 202151 min

Hour 2: Is Connor Bedard the Best NHL Prospect since Connor McDavid?

Blake, Ailish & Justin Cuthbert keep things rolling and chat about Canada's strong 2-0 start to the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, including a four-goal night from 16-year-old Connor Bedard, and weigh-in on the IIHF’s decision to cancel all January events, including the U18 Women’s World Championship (01:07). Next up, The Athletic's Joshua Kloke weighs on Lorenzo Insigne's rumoured move to Toronto F.C. and the instant impact TFC fans can expect on the pitch, before sharing the latest o...

Dec 29, 202148 min

Hour 1: Is the NBA Taking the Right Path with Hardship Exemptions?

Blake and Ailish are joined alongside Justin Cuthbert to catch up about how they spent their holiday break, before diving into Tuesday night's NBA action to recap how the shorthanded Raptors fell short against the Sixers (01:30). Next up, Ailish welcomes us back from the break with a brand new edition of the "A-List" featuring Stephon Diggs, new hockey cards & more (30:38)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the p...

Dec 29, 202150 min

Hour 4: Making NBA History with Beth Mowins

JD, Ailish, and Blake resume their holiday wishlist for every Toronto sports team. After Blake gifted the Blue Jays Jose Ramirez, JD and Ailish reveal their gifts for the Leafs and Raptors. ESPN’s Beth Mowins discusses being the first woman to call a national NBA game on ESPN and this year’s Christmas Day slate (25:22). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate....

Dec 23, 202147 min

Hour 3: Canada's Loaded World Juniors Roster

JD, Ailish, and Blake chat with Sam Cosentino on Team Canada’s roster for the upcoming IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, Connor Bedard making the team as a 16-year-old, Shane Wright’s skill set, and some of the Maple Leafs’ top prospects in the tournament (0:44). Kris Abbott stops by to share his favourite picks for Week 16 in the NFL (27:37). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports &...

Dec 23, 202149 min

Hour 2: What Are Your Holiday Viewing Essentials?

JD, Ailish, and Blake bring on Charles Davis, who discusses Sunday’s Bills-Patriots matchup, Mac Jones being an X-factor for New England, and potential candidates to succeed Urban Meyer in Jacksonville (1:02). Later, the team conducts their Holiday Viewing Draft, selecting their favourite sports events and shows to watch during the holidays - which sporting event would you take first overall? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessaril...

Dec 23, 202151 min

Hour 1: What's on the Blue Jays’ Christmas Wishlist?

JD, Ailish, and Blake discusses the Raptors’ postponement against Chicago last night, the NBA’s desire to avoid a pause on the season, the Blue Jays’ plans to renovate the Rogers Centre, and why Jose Ramirez should be on the Jays’ Christmas wishlist. Afterwards, Ailish's A-List! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Dec 23, 202150 min

Hour 4: James van Riemsdyk on his Winter Olympics Experience

JD, Ailish, and Blake bring on Marc Ross, who lends his eye as a talent evaluator to figure out what's going on with Russell Wilson, and takes a look at some of the hotter seats in the NFL (1:59). Afterwards, they speak with Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk on his participation with Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics, the lack of NHL players at the 2022 Winter Games, and playing in an empty arena vs. in front of fans (25:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the h...

Dec 22, 202147 min

Hour 3: NFL Parity Reigns Supreme in the AFC

JD, Ailish, and Blake chat with Conor Orr on Cooper Kupp being one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL, the Rams’ chances of contending for a Super Bowl, the playoff battle in the AFC, and his latest NFL QB index (0:18). Afterwards, they get to gambling picks for the day and their Wake and Rake parlay. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate....

Dec 22, 202147 min

Hour 2: Our Kupp Runneth Over

JD, Ailish, and Blake discuss the Rams’ win over the Seahawks, Cooper Kupp’s standout season, and Russell Wilson’s regression this year. Former NHLer Eric Fehr joins to chat NHLers not participating in the Olympics and being on the short list of potential candidates to represent Canada in Beijing (24:54). They wrap up the hour with a draft for the best activities when stuck indoors on vacation. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessar...

Dec 22, 202151 min

Hour 1: Olympic Narratives That We'll Miss

Ailish returns! The trio discusses the reports that NHLers won’t be participating in the Olympics, which storylines they’ll miss most without pros making the trip to Beijing, and the Raptors’ current COVID-19 situation. Plus, Ailish's A-List! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Dec 22, 202152 min

Hour 4: Growing the Beautiful Game With the Minister of Defence

JD and Blake discuss the NFL MVP race with NFL analytics expert Ben Baldwin, get into game management from coaches, and why the analytics community is in favour of the L.A. Chargers. Gold medalist Stephanie Labbé chats her success this year, the NWSL’s plan to bring a Division II league to Canada, and the growth of Canadian soccer in 2021. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or...

Dec 21, 202143 min

Hour 3: Identity Crisis on Monday Night Football

JD and Blake bring on Ben Ennis, and the trio get to the text-line, including Charlie Woods needing a bigger stage in the world of golf, and the NHL putting a pause on the season (0:21). Afterwards, Geoff Schwartz joins to discuss Kirk Cousins only throwing for 87 yards against a depleted Bears secondary, what Chicago's identity is and should be, and if the biggest offseason change for the Browns should be at quarterback (43:31). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ...

Dec 21, 202152 min

Hour 2: The Most Clutch Hockey Players of All-Time

JD and Blake speak with Jeff Marek on the delayed announcement of women’s national team roster for the Olympics, Marie-Philip Poulin’s clutch gene, and NHLers likely being omitted from Olympics (0:29). Afterwards, they get to their best bets for NFL and NBA action later this evening. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Dec 21, 202147 min

Hour 1: The NHL Hits the Pause Button

JD and Blake discuss the NHL's pause, and if games will actually resume after the Holiday Break. They also get to the Monday night NFL doubleheader, including the Vikings stagnancy, Kirk Cousins concerns (especially in primetime), and the Browns’ performance without Baker Mayfield. Afterwards, they chat about the most interesting storylines from the first half of the Raptors' season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect...

Dec 21, 202153 min

Hour 4: Paul-Woodley II and the State of Combat Sports

JD and Blake chat with Tim Micallef on Paul-Woodley II, the coverage surrounding Jake Paul’s foray into boxing, and the consumption of professional sports on social media (0:40). Afterwards, Luke Thomas breaks down what comes next for Jake Paul, his skill level as a boxer, and controversy over fighter pay in the UFC (28:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate....

Dec 20, 202147 min

Hour 3: Touchdowns Are Hard to Come By

JD and Blake bring on Ross Tucker who breaks down Week 15 (so far) in the NFL. He discusses the Colts' big Saturday win, the Cardinals regressing with a loss to the Lions, and Tom Brady’s rough outing against New Orleans (0:25). Afterwards, they get into best bets for Monday’s NFL double-header. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Dec 20, 202149 min

Hour 2: Diminishing Chances of NHL Players at the Olympics

JD and Blake discuss takeaways from Sunday’s NFL slate, John Harbaugh’s controversial decision to go for two, Tyler Huntley’s impressive performance in the absence of Lamar Jackson, and Tom Brady being shut out by the Saints. Later, Frank Seravalli on NHL’s response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, why a league-wide pause is unlikely, and the diminishing odds of NHL players suiting up at the Olympics (29:24). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and d...

Dec 20, 202146 min

Hour 1: Return of the OG (Anunoby)

JD and Blake host! They discuss the evolving COVID-19 situation across professional sports and how North America’s main leagues have responded to the surge in cases. Afterwards, the guys discuss the Raptors’ win over a shorthanded Warriors team on Saturday and evaluate OG Anunoby’s return to the lineup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Dec 20, 202153 min
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