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....
May 05, 2020•56 min•Ep. 73
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 ...
Apr 30, 2020•43 min•Ep. 72
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 lea...
Apr 18, 2020•33 min•Ep. 71
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 ...
Apr 11, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 70
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, hi...
Apr 04, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 69
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...
Mar 27, 2020•53 min•Ep. 68
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 pace...
Mar 21, 2020•48 min•Ep. 67
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 tournament...
Jan 12, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 66
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 Perrea...
Jan 05, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 65
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 r...
Dec 29, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 64
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 Mic...
Dec 22, 2019•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 63
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 st...
Dec 13, 2019•52 min•Ep. 62
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 Calif...
Dec 08, 2019•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 61
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...
Nov 29, 2019•54 min•Ep. 60
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, whe...
Nov 24, 2019•56 min•Ep. 59
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 champio...
Nov 17, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 58
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 s...
Nov 11, 2019•36 min•Ep. 57
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-b...
Nov 08, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 56
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 k...
Nov 01, 2019•59 min•Ep. 55
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 Unive...
Oct 24, 2019•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 54
Terry Ruskowski and Morris Lukowich Remember Teammate and Friend Larry Hale Episode 52 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast is a tribute to former Philadelphia Flyers and Houston Aeros defenseman Larry “Stoney” Hale, who passed away of natural causes in his native British Columbia on Sept. 27, 2019 at the age of 77. Hale was born October 9, 1941 in Summerland, British Columbia. After a long stint with the Seattle Totems of the old Western Hockey League, he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1968...
Oct 15, 2019•21 min•Ep. 53
Bruce Landon an original New England Whalers G and AHL Hall of Famer Episode 51 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Bruce "Batesy" Landon, a solid WHA goaltender with the New England Whalers, a Springfield hockey icon and one of the most respected men in hockey. Following a successful junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes, Bruce was selected in the fourth round of the 1969 draft by the Los Angeles Kings He played three seasons for the Kings minor-league affiliat...
Oct 07, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 52
With Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe and Gerry Cheevers, Team Canada 1974 was a team Canadians and WHA fans could be proud of. Welcome to Episode 50 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast. This is a Topic Episode featuring many of our previous guests. First, we’’ll celebrate the 45th anniversary of “The Forgotten Summit” — the 8-game 1974 Summit Series battle between the best of Team Canada (i.e. Team WHA) and the Soviet Union. Rick Smith played defense for Team Canada ’74 and he provides unique insights into...
Sep 23, 2019•46 min•Ep. 51
Dan Quinn Was a Highly Skilled Offensive Star for 14 NHL Seasons. Episode 49 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features 14-year NHL veteran and celebrity golf legend Dan Quinn. Dan was drafted 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in 1983 and he made his debut with Calgary halfway through the next season, scoring 52 points in 54 games and adding 8 more points in eight post season games. He really hit his stride in 1985-86 as he led the Flames in scoring with 72 points and recorded 15 points in 18 pl...
Sep 07, 2019•57 min•Ep. 50
Jim "Seaweed" Pettie was a colorful and rambunctious goalie for the Boston Bruins In episode 48, we remember the life and career of the fun-loving Boston Bruins Goaltender Jim Seaweed Pettie, who passed away on August 31, 2019 at the age of 65. A 9th round draft pick by the Bruins in 1973, Seaweed played in 118 games with the IHL Dayton Gems between the 1973-74 and 1975-76 seasons. During the 1975-76 season, Pettie went 12-3 in the post season to lead the Gems to the Turner Cup championship. As ...
Sep 03, 2019•9 min•Ep. 49
Hockey Fight Stories Part 1 -- Jerry Rollins, Joe Noris and John Van Boxmeer We’ll play three periods in this episode First, we’ll start with our "Classic Stories" Series — Tonight is part 1 of Hockey Fights. Three of our guests from previous shows: Jerry Rollins, Joe Noris and John Van Boxmeer share their old time hockey fight tales. In period two we’ll get caught up with classic hockey news — and we’ll remember the man who took down the Eagle — journalist Russ Conway, who passed away this past...
Aug 27, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 48
Our guest today is 1981 Masterton Trophy winner Blake Dunlop, an 11-year NHL pro with the North Stars, Flyers, Blues and Red Wings. As a junior in 1972-73, Blake led the Ontario Hockey Association in scoring with 159 points in 62 games. He was the first pick of the Minnesota North Stars in the 1973 NHL draft. After four up-and-down seasons with Minnesota, Blake career took a turn for the better in 1977-78 when he joined the AHL’s Maine Mariners, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. Blak...
Aug 14, 2019•58 min•Ep. 47
Episode 45 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast is a tribute to 7-year NHL pro Mike Christie, who passed away on July 11, 2019. Born in Big Spring, Texas, and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Mike was the first native Texan to play in the NHL although it was strictly a technicality as his father was a Canadian citizen working for an American oil company and Mike grew up in Canada. Before turning pro , Mike played for the University of Denver, becoming a first team all-American in 1971 as well being chose...
Aug 04, 2019•14 min•Ep. 46
A two-time NHL All Star and WHA Champion with the Winnipeg Jets Episode 44 of the PHA podcast is Part 2 of our discussion with Morris Lukowich. Morris gives you inside access to behind the scenes stories from his early years in the WHA and his NHL days with Winnipeg, Boston and LA. He delivers interesting stories about Mike Murphy, Pat Quinn, Ray Bourque, Gordie Howe, Mark Howe and many more. We also discuss sports psychology, nutrition, mental health, life after hockey and much more in a wide r...
Aug 01, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 45
A prolific storyteller, who fought the likes of Battleship Bob Kelly and Dave "Killer" Hanson. Our guest on episode 43 of the Pro Hockey Alumni podcast is Mike Boland, an original member of the WHA Ottawa Nationals, a Calder Cup winner with the Springfield Kings, briefly a Broad St. Bully and, ultimately, one of Canada’s premier cinematographers. Mike is humorous and personable and he’s got captivating stories about hockey legends like Bobby Hull (there’s a part 2 to the preceding story), Billy ...
Jul 25, 2019•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 44
