Shows
Rink Stories#66 - Ryann Glushek, Quinnipiac IceCats CoachRyann Glushek is the Coach of the QU IceCats, the ECAC's only ice hockey cheer squad, who support the 2023 NCAA Division 1 Frozen Four Champion Quinnipiac Bobcats.In this conversation, Ryann, Bob and Matt discuss: How was the run to the Frozen Four championship? How did the IceCats get started? What skills are required to be an IceCat? How good of a skater do you need to be? Plus, Wrist Shots, a quick overview of Title IX, and everything you ever wanted to know about Quinnipiac University. Follow the IceCats on Instagram.+++The...
2023-06-0354 minRink Stories#65 - Maria Mountain of GoalieTrainingPro.comMaria Mountain is an exercise physiologist who has specialized in off-ice training for hockey goalies for more than 20 years. She is the founder of GoalieTrainingPro.com, where you can find all sorts of videos to help with your dry land training practices. Please welcome this 5-6 goaltender out of London Ontario.In this episode, we ask Maria: How did you get into training goaltenders? What are some of the most common injuries you see in youth and high school goalies? How do you approach training beer leaguers as opposed to young hot shots? What is the deal...
2023-05-1643 minRink Stories#64 - Reporting from the PHF PlayoffsOn March 16th, Bob attended his first ever women’s professional hockey game and recorded a monologue/rant on the way home. Here is what he had to say in the immediate aftermath of the game, a PHF playoff tilt between the Boston Pride and the Minnesota Whitecaps at the Bentley Arena in Waltham MA. Later that week, Bob crashed the PHF press conference before the Isobel Cup championship game and asked some questions. +++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt HopfArtwork by Ken Klein. Original music by Ken Klein, TFIC, Bob's Lounge, and the...
2023-04-0530 minRink Stories#63 - Bob's Last Game as a Hockey Dad, with special guest David GinivisianWhere Bob reflects on his last game ever as a hockey dad under withering questioning from Matt and our special guest, The G Force. 0:00-G Force joins the podcast11:30-Where Was Bob Last Week?23:25-G Force plays Wrist Shots31:13-After the last gamePlus other fun and funny stuff. N.B. – don’t worry folks, we’re not done making podcasts. Stay subscribed and keep spreading the word. +++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt HopfArtwork by Ken Klein. Original music by Ken Klein, TFIC, Bob's Lounge, and the Mo'NobsIf you...
2023-03-2345 minRink Stories#62 - MIAA Ice Hockey Playoff Preview with Phil Nicastro of Cape Ann LIVE!Today we have a special episode produced in conjunction with Cape Ann LIVE! Earlier today, Sunday 02/26, I sat down with our friend and previous podcast guest, Phil Nicastro, the announcer for Gloucester Fisherman hockey here in Massachusetts, to preview the MIAA boys high school ice hockey playoff tournament. Our focus was mostly on the teams in the Northeastern Conference, but you’ll get a pretty good picture of which teams to look for when the games start on Monday, Feb 27.The video of this conversation was streamed by Cape Ann LIVE! on Facebook, and it will (I th...
2023-02-261h 18Rink Stories#61 - Daryl Watts of the PHF's Toronto SixDaryl Watts recently signed a contract with the Toronto Six of the Premier Hockey Federation that will make her the highest paid player in the history of women’s professional hockey ($150,000/year!). She is the 2nd leading scorer in women’s NCAA history, tallying 136 goals, 161 assists for a total of 297 points over 5 seasons. In 2019, as a freshman at Boston College, she won the Patty Kazmaier award as the best player in the country, and in 2021, she scored the NCAA championship-winning overtime goal for the Wisconsin Badgers. In this wide-ranging and lively conversation, Daryl and Bob discuss: Coming out o...
2023-02-151h 10Rink Stories#60 - Gabriel Foley, Head of North American Scouting at RecruitScouting.comGabriel Foley is Recruit Scouting's Head of North American scouting. This 6-1 left winger out of Peoria Illinois returns to Rink Stories discuss his 2023 NHL draft rankings and other topics. Foley cracks open the notebook to give us an overview of some of the names we'll likely hear called in the 1st round of the 2023 NHL Draft, including Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Will Smith, Oliver Moore, Ryan Leonard, Jacob Fowler and Gavin Brindley.During Advice for New Hockey Parents, the boys discuss: My kid’s team is arranging to play at an NHL arena, before or during a g...
2023-02-0852 minRink Stories#59 - Anthony Ciardelli, sportswriter, on the growth of hockey in CaliforniaAnthony Ciardelli covers schoolboy sports in California and has been a contributing writer to a range of publications including, The Hockey Writers.com, The Hockey News, USCHO.com, and the LA Times. He is also a co-executive producer for the Sundance-accepted 2022 film, God’s Country, a thriller starring Thandiwe Newton. Please welcome this 6-2 left winger out of Hanover, New Hampshire, #3, an LA transplant and still a Boston Bruins fan.During this lively conversation, the boys discuss: Which California school will be the first to have an NCAA D1 hockey program? How does one get involved in yo...
2023-01-041h 06Rink Stories#58 - Phil Nicastro, Gloucester (MA) HS announcer for Cape Ann LIVE!Phil Nicastro – a 6-foot right winger out of Gloucester MA – is “the voice of the fish,” the announcer for Gloucester High School Fishermen hockey and football games on Cape Ann LIVE!This was our first ever in-person interview. After some pizza and salad at Bob’s house, Matt joined Phil and Bob via Zoom, and the boys discussed: the electric playoff atmosphere at “The Tank,” the Dorothy Talbot Rink in Gloucester; the Fishermen’s magical year; Gloucester’s 4 victories over Marblehead last season; fun facts and famous people from Gloucester; and an invitation for Bob to join Phil in the broadcast b...
2022-12-2052 minRink Stories#57 - Advice for New Hockey ParentsIn this episode, Bob and Matt catch up after a hiatus and introduce a new segment called New Hockey Parent Advice, which may actually be useful to some people. Plus, the boys run through a bunch of topics from the notebook: Will Bob’s goalie dad anecdote be chosen for inclusion in a hockey book? What is the least popular Rink Stories episode? After recent visits to two of the most notorious rinks, how are renovations to the Kasabuski Memorial Rink and HockeyTown USA progressing? Which restaurant on Route 1 pairs most nicely with an evening of hockey in Saugus MA...
2022-11-1948 minRink Stories#56 - Paul Stewart, U.S. Hockey Hall of FamerPaul Stewart – a 6 foot 1 inch left winger out of Dorchester, Massachusetts – is the only American to both play and referee in the National Hockey League, playing the 1979-1980 season with the Quebec Nordiques before logging 1,010 games as an NHL referee. In 2018, he joined his grandfather, Bill Stewart, as an inductee in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. You can check out his thoughts on all things hockey on hockeybuzz.com, and you can read his amazing life story in the autobiography, titled, Ya Wanna Go?I’m this fast-paced conversation, Stewy tells us about his connection to curren...
2022-08-151h 00Rink Stories#55 - Steve Clay, broadcaster and hockey dadOur summer break is over. At long last we welcome Steve Clay, play-by-play voice of the Marblehead (MA) High School Headers; a public address announcer, and broadcast producer for high school, college hockey, and professional sports over the past 20 years; and a hockey dad for an 07.Steve regales us with tales of joy and woe from many broadcast booths. Should broadcasters be homers or neutral? What’s it like to call a game with your kid playing? Why isn’t the Malden Valley Forum the worst rink?Plus the boys kick around these important questions: How much are...
2022-07-2655 minRink Stories#54 - Waiting for KirstiWhat happens when the guest doesn’t show up? Bob is dismayed that his extensive notes will go unused. Matt could have been watching the Mets game. So we continue on - without a guest - and talk about the stuff in the notes anyway. Thus began an awkward dance on the third rail of women’s hockey – from trans/non-binary athlete inclusion policies to the recent news about Digit Murphy, the 2-time Rink Stories podcast guest and new President of the Metropolitan Riveters. Though likely littered with errors and inexact language, we hope this free-flowing conversation will sp...
2022-06-011h 02Rink Stories#53 - Jennifer Chefero, coach, trainer and NHL commentatorJennifer Chefero is a frequent contributor on The Donut Bag podcast, a chronicler of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Twitter, and a hockey trainer and coach. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss: predictions for the NHL playoffs, “toxic hockey culture,” player development, and Bob’s trip to the Frozen Four in Boston. +++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf Artwork and music by Ken KleinAdditional original music from TFIC and The Mo' Nobs If you like this podcast, please help us out by subscribing, following, rating, reviewing, and telling your friendsFollow @R...
2022-04-2057 minRink Stories#52 - Hubie McDonough, NHLer by way of St Anselm CollegeHubie McDonough is a 5-foot 9-inch center out of Manchester NH who scored 210 points, 124 goals and 86 assists, for Saint Anselm College on the way to winning the Small College Hobey Baker Award in 1985. He followed that up with a 13-year pro career where he tallied 820 goals and 513 assists for a total of 1333 points, along the way playing 195 NHL games with the LA Kings, NY Islanders and San Jose Sharks. In this wide-ranging conversation, Hubie and Bob discuss: his rise from tiny St Anselm College to the NHL, the long line of Hubie McDonough sporting legends, bringing the...
2022-03-231h 03Rink Stories#51-Kristina McKay Young of LiveBarnThis week we welcome to the podcast Kristina Young, Director of Marketing and Social Media at LiveBarn, the streaming service that broadcasts games from more than 1,000 rinks throughout USA, Canada and Sweden. Here we ask all the questions that need to be answered, such as: Do people ever contact you to remove video of their regrettable behavior? What was the impact of the pandemic on LiveBarn? What does LiveBarn think when their videos go viral?This interview coincided with a week where Bob visited many rinks, inspiring an extra-special “Where Was Bob Last Week?”Check out @LiveBarn on Tw...
2022-03-0357 minRink Stories#50 - Why Bobby Orr MattersBobby Orr, a staple of the hockey GOAT conversation, the best player on the best and most colorful Bruins team ever, the phenom from small town Ontario who fully reached the potential suggested by his eye-catching play as a 9-year-old. In this wide-ranging investigation, we combine contemporaneous and historical sources with nostalgia, to get a full picture of Orr’s career and life. Special thanks to Joe Bertagna, G-Force, and the Swamp Thunder Gun.+++We recommend:Bertagna GoaltendingMarco's Italian Cold Cuts, 389 Main Street in Woburn Center, MABobby Orr and the Big...
2022-01-231h 15Rink Stories#49 - Stuart Woodrow, USA Hockey Level 4 OfficialStu Woodrow, a 5-10 forward out of Marblehead MA, has been refereeing youth hockey games for the past 14 years, and he is a hockey dad for 3 boys, a 93, a 95, and a 98. With the kids grown up and securely out of the house, we’re delighted that he had time to speak with us. In this wide-ranging conversation, Stu provides fascinating insight into what it's like on the other side of the glass as a referee for youth and adult hockey games. Why are we having a critical shortage of officials? What explains the unacceptable behavior by too many coac...
2021-12-0754 minRink Stories#48 - Nick Carpenito, Associate Head Coach of Northeastern Huskies Women's HockeyA 5-8 forward out of Acton Massachusetts, #9, Nick Carpenito is the Associate Head Coach for the Northeastern Women’s Hockey team, 2021 Frozen Four Finalist and preseason #2 team in the country. +++Bob and Matt welcome Nick, who takes all of our mispronunciations and misspeaks in stride, introducing us to the loaded NU Huskies team (3 returning 1st team all-Americans!?!?), along the way regaling us with quick takes on rule changes, an upcoming trip to the World University Games in Switzerland, a crushing 2019 tournament loss to the Cornell Big Red, and much, much more.And, our usual fun and funn...
2021-10-2948 minRink Stories#47 - Christina Putigna of the Boston Pride, leading scorer in the PHFChristina Putigna is a 5 foot 8 forward out of Grimsby Ontario. As a key contributor for the 2021 Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride, she was the league’s leading scorer and MVP runner-up in the Premier Hockey Federation. +++In this fast paced conversation, Bob asks Christina about: Comparisons between life in the Lake Placid Bubble and sleepaway hockey camp; technical pointers on Christina's two hella assists in the Isobel Cup final; the struggle as a fan of 2 NHL teams; the decision to wear #21 at Providence College; and much, much more.+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Ma...
2021-10-1943 minRink Stories#46-Digit Murphy, President of the Toronto Six of the PHFWhere Bob asks Digit everything you wanted to know about the past and future of the Premier Hockey Federation, on and off the ice.Digit Murphy is the President of the Toronto Six of the Premier Hockey Federation (née National Women's Hockey League). One of the most distinguished figures in the history of women’s hockey, she was a CWHL Championship coach, won 318 games in 22 seasons as the head coach at Brown University, and, as a 5-6 forward out of Cranston RI, #9 is still the 4th greatest scorer in Cornell Big Red women’s hockey history, with 213 career...
2021-09-2347 minRink Stories#45 - Tony Scott - Youth Hockey Hub (YHH) - talks NEW USA Hockey RulesWhere Bob, Tony and Matt wonder aloud about a world without touch-up offsides, icing the puck while shorthanded, and finishing the check.Tony Scott is a 6-0 left winger out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the proprietor of the Youth Hockey Hub, and our most popular guest ever. YHH does it all: Hockey tournaments, podcasts, team rankings, blogs, and so much more. As we approach the new youth/juniors/college seasons, here is a much-need rundown of compelling topics of the day: What has it been like running hockey tournaments during the pandemic? What do you make of the...
2021-09-1753 minRink Stories#44 - Rink Stories Rewind III: Episode ThreadsAs we are having a summer, Matt has mixed together a thread of connected excerpts, giving us new insights into the world of puck. Fresh interviews resume with the next episode.Meanwhile, here's inspiration to go back to the episodes you missed, such as:#1 - Kasabuski#5 - Matthew Jasper, creator of the book Home Ice#8 - John Messuri, Head Coach at Arlington (MA) HS#13 - Karen Given of NPR's Only A Game#17 - Cara Morey, Head Coach of Princeton University Women's Hockey#22 - Kirsten Krull, Ice Side Reporter#25 - Rebecca...
2021-08-3132 minRink Stories#43 - Rink Stories Rewind II: Hock-u-mentaryWhere producer Matt assembles our favorite takes (and outtakes) from the first 42 episodes. From the silly to the serious to the sublime, what were these guys thinking?+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Artwork and music by Ken Klein. Additional music from the Mo'Nobs.If you like this podcast, please help us out by subscribing, following, rating, reviewing, and telling your friendsFollow @RinkStories on Twitter and InstagramCheck out our new YouTube channelFollow Matt on Twitter and InstagramWork hard. Have fun. Don't be...
2021-08-0647 minRink Stories#42-Craig Barnett, Executive Director of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA)Craig Barnett, a 6-foot goaltender out of Oakville, Ontario, wears many hats. He is at once the Executive Director of American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), Director of NCAA Compliance and Education for the North American Hockey League (NAHL), and Director of the NJ Titans Academy.+++If you are a youngster with aspirations to continue hockey beyond high school, or the parent of such a player, this is the episode for you. Recorded in late May, Craig Barnett keeps one eye on the Leafs playoff game as he speaks with us about: What is the profile of a t...
2021-07-201h 16Rink Stories#41-Matt Murray, UMass Goalie, Frozen Four ChampionMatt Murray is a 6-1 goaltender out of St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. On April 8th, his stellar performance in the national semifinal game helped propel the UMass Minutemen to their first Frozen Four championship. In this intimate conversation, Bob and Matt discuss: What went down behind the scenes after four of your players had to sit out the semifinal game against UMD? Did you know that Cornell hosted UMass for three outdoor games on Beebe Lake in the 1920s? Who has the best hockey hair on the Minutemen? Plus, some time in the film room breaking down key play...
2021-06-071h 02Rink Stories#40 - The Hockey Mom PanelWhere Bob and Matt get some new perspectives on bad parent behavior and dealing with hockey stink+++Just in time for Mother's Day, we present the long-awaited hockey mom panel. On this show we meet: Jody Anderson, from Roseau MN, the author of Hockey Moms Aren’t Crazy...Well, Maybe Just a Little Bit and a 78 and a 85 hockey mom; Dana O’Connor, from Kingston MN, hockey mom for an 06 and an 09; Kelly O'Connell Taverna of Stillwater MN, an 02 and 03 hockey mom; and Monica Winter, an 05 goalie mom out of Marblehead MA.In this wide-ranging conversation, the lad...
2021-05-091h 12Rink Stories#39 - Pete Perram, Friend of the Show and Hockey LiferOn March 27, the NWHL crowned an Isobel Cup champion for the first time in 24 months. And what a ride it was: We laughed; we cried; we had COVID interruptus; and, yes, we saw some awesome hockey. Listen in as Pete Perram shares a first-hand portrait of life in the Lake Placid Bubble for the dapperest head coach in the League. Given an oh-too-early tournament exit by the Buffalo Beauts, the erstwhile skipper was free and eager to provide a considered St. Patty’s Day prognostication for the remaining contenders at the Warrior Ice Arena in Boston, and we s...
2021-03-311h 00Rink Stories#38 - Joe Bertagna, Part 2: Former Boston Bruins Goalie CoachIn Part 2 of this double album, Coach Bertagna delivers hockey wisdom for the ages. (Part 1: Storyteller was Episode #37.)Joe Bertagna was Hockey East Commissioner for 23 years. His latest book, co-authored with Darren Hersh, is Revisiting Goaltending: A Complementing Guide to Today’s Teaching. Please welcome this 5-9 goaltender out of Arlington MA.To get goalie lessons or one of Joe's books, visit https://bertagnagoaltending.com/ Plus, highlights from these Rink Stories episodes:#2 - Excerpts from Ken Dryden's book, The Game#9 - Doyle Somerby, AHL defenseman#13 - Karen Given, erstwhile host of NPR's Only a Game#22 - K...
2021-03-2357 minRink Stories#37 - Joe Bertagna, Part 1: The StorytellerJoe Bertagna was Hockey East Commissioner for 23 years. His latest book, co-authored with Darren Hersh, is Revisiting Goaltending: A Complementing Guide to Today’s Teaching. Please welcome this 5-9 goaltender out Arlington MA.In his 50-year career as a player, coach, and college sports administrator, Joe has accrued an impressive array of stories and name-drops that would be the envy of any hockey person. Bill Cleary? Ryan O'Neal? Digit Murphy? Ken Dryden? Scotty Bowman? And many more. Plus, Rink Stories name-drops via highlights from these episodes:#2 - Ken Dryden's book, The Game#8 - John Mes...
2021-03-1935 minRink Stories#36 - NHL Draft Preview with Gabriel Foley of Last Word on HockeyGabriel Foley is a senior editor at Last Word on Hockey and a left winger out of Peoria Illinois. In this episode, Gabriel talks about his latest 2021 NHL draft rankings, and the boys discuss these compelling questions: Who are the possible #1 picks? Which European country will likely have 6 first rounders? Which college team has 3 potential 10-top draftees? Why will there only be one tendy taken in the first round? Not to mention,What is the deal with hockey in Peoria? What are the all-time high and low points of being a Blues fan? As a player, how...
2021-03-091h 17Rink Stories#35 - Catriona Le May Doan, Olympic Champion Speed SkaterCatriona Le May Doan is a 4-time Olympian, 2-time Olympic gold medalist and 5-time world champion in speed skating. A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, she is Chef de Mission for Team Canada going into the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. +++In this wide-ranging conversation, Catriona enlightens us on: What is the Chef de Mission? Will it be cold enough in Beijing for the Winter Olympics? What's it like when your kid becomes faster than you on hockey skates? Why is ringette the fastest game on ice? Is speed skating a rich kid's sport? Do speed skaters ever...
2021-02-101h 03Rink Stories#34 - NWHL Mid-Whubble UpdateA week+ into the NWHL's 2021 Bubble season, there is no shortage of headlines and questions. Who is the favorite to win the Isobel Cup? Which team is the biggest disappointment? Will the Bubble's safety and health protocols win the day? What is the significance of the league's dust-up with a certain sports website? We break it all down here, along with a dollop of our usual silliness.+++Check out the NWHL Bubble Hockey season and 2021 Isobel Cup Playoffs at the 1980 Rink-Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, NY, January 23 - February 5, 2021Watch the NWHL's Isobel...
2021-02-0231 minRink Stories#33 - Pete Perram, Head Coach of the NWHL’s Buffalo BeautsPete Perram has been coaching girls and women hockey for more than 20 years. When the NWHL Bubble season hits Lake Placid NY on Jan 23, he will begin his second season as coach of the Buffalo Beauts. Please welcome this 6-1 pugilistic centerman out of Edmonton Alberta.In this wide-ranging conversation, Pete and the boys discuss: the new-look Buffalo Beauts roster; Anchor Bar vs Duff’s; striking gold at open tryouts; the evolution of women’s hockey; coaching the Swiss women’s team to the IIHF podium; crazy pee-wee parents; and, what to expect from the NWHL Bubble tournam...
2021-01-191h 08Rink Stories#32 - Kaleigh Fratkin (Fratty) of the Boston Pride, NWHL Defender of the YearKaleigh Fratkin is a 5-8 blueliner out of Burnaby, British Columbia. When the NWHL's Bubble season starts in Lake Placid NY, she will play her 6th season in the league, the 4th with the Boston Pride. Here Bob and Matt learn about the amazing Fratty's hockey journey, from being the first girl to play Major Midget AAA hockey in British Columbia to multiple Frozen Four appearances with Boston University to becoming the 2020 Defender of the Year in the NWHL. A perennial all-star with a 76 mph slapshot, no defender in NWHL history has more points, and few have...
2021-01-071h 04Rink Stories#31 - Digit Murphy, President and Head Coach of the NWHL's Toronto SixDigit Murphy is the President and Head Coach of NWHL’s newest team, the Toronto Six. In January, she will lead her squad into the league’s Bubble season in Lake Placid NY. For 22 years, Digit was the Head Coach at Brown University, where she won 318 games. A 5-6 forward out of Cranston RI, #9 played her college puck at Cornell University, where she had 213 points on 123 goals and 90 assists. In this episode Digit and Bob discuss: The NWHL Bubble; coaching the expansion Toronto 6 during the lockdown; the enduring significance of Title IX; Rhode Island rinks; Cornell memories; and o...
2020-12-271h 10Rink Stories#30 - Steve Seftel, former NHL Player and author of Shattered IceThis week we welcome Steve Seftel, a 6’3”left winger out of Kitchener Ontario, who made it all the way to the NHL after the Washington Capitals selected him in the 2nd round of the 1986 draft. His 2019 book, Shattered Ice, details, in lively fashion, the long arc of his hockey and life journey. The boys discuss: Steve's decision to write the book; starting out on the outdoor rinks of Kichener Ontario; rising through the ranks on legendary teams like the Kitchener Greenshirts, Kingston Canadians, and Baltimore Skipjacks; starting across from Bob Probert in his first NHL game; a years-long battle with m...
2020-12-1750 minRink Stories#29 - Hockey in the Time of COVID, with special guest Ken KleinWhere Bob looks for hope among a flurry of discouraging headlines +++This week Bob and Matt welcome Ken Klein, the Official Artist of Rink Stories. The boys talk about: Ken’s musical and visual art, Long Island University’s auspicious D1 debut, the plague in college hockey, hockey news from Massachusetts and Minnesota, “the health and safety of our players,” the psychological impact of quarantine, and other happy topics. +++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf and is a Remsen Ave Production. Artwork and theme music by Ken Klein, TFIC, the Mo’...
2020-12-0746 minRink Stories#28 - Rink Stories Awesome Mixtape Vol 1The dingy arenas. The crowds big and small. Cold feet grinding on the ice. The clacking of sticks. The tings and booms of the puck. A sublime experience for those missing the real thing.+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf and is a Remsen Ave Production. Artwork and theme music by Ken Klein, TFIC, the Mo’Nobs, and Bob’s Lounge. If you like this podcast, please help us out by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing.Follow @RinkStories on Twitter and Instagram.Check out Matt's new podcas...
2020-11-2046 minRink Stories#27 - Flaming Ice Resurfacing Machine, Doug Peters of the Zamboni CompanyIn this episode, Bob and Matt welcome back Doug Peters, regional sales manager at the Zamboni Company and host of the Ask the Zamboni Experts podcast. Hear the whole truth about what happened with that unfortunate incident in Rochester NY, where an 11-second video of a spectacular hydraulic fluid mishap on a NON-Zamboni ice resurfacing machine caused a viral sensation. They discuss: How did the Zamboni Company react when they heard the news? How do you protect the brand when it's misrepresented in a story like this? What caused the fire? Did the driver do the right thing? How...
2020-11-1627 minRink Stories#26 - Hockey is Back in Massachusetts - Live from the BOGWhere Bob reports from an actual hockey game+++Massachusetts returns to hockey activity after a two-week pause. Bob calls in from The Bog in Kingston MA and Matt asks: What is it like at the rink? How was the enforcement of the protocols? Did all of the kids wear their masks over their mouth and nose while playing? What was it like to have body checking again? Did the parents behave themselves? How did the actual game go?+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf and is a Remsen Ave Production. Artwork and...
2020-11-0918 minRink Stories#25 - Rebecca Morse (Moose) of the NWHL's Metropolitan RivetersWhere Bob chats with Moose.+++Rebecca Morse (aka Moose) is entering her 5th season as a member of the Metropolitan Riveters. A 5-8 blueliner out of Westfield, NJ, Moose is an Isobel Cup champion and NWHL all-star. Prior to the NWHL, she played 4 years at Providence College, where she also earned BS and MBA degrees. She was class valedictorian and captain of the hockey team at the National Sports Academy in Lake Placid, NY.+++In this wide-ranging conversation, Bob, Matt and Moose discuss: Maintaining good hockey form during the pandemic; stinky...
2020-10-291h 07Rink Stories#24 - MASS. HYSTERIA: Hockey Shut Down Again, with Ben MottolaWhere Bob and Ben discuss the public health order in Massachusetts prohibiting indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities from operating from October 23, 2020 to November 7, 2020.+++Ben Mottola is a proud bantam Dad and a 5-8 right winger out of Marblehead MA . Previously, he joined us in Episode 3 as the first ever guest on the Rink Stories podcast. +++Statements released on 10/22 concerning the shutdown of hockey: From the Commonwealth of Massachusettshttps://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-to-temporarily-pause-all-indoor-ice-rink-and-ice-skating-facilities-operationsFrom Mass Hockey ht...
2020-10-2729 minRink Stories#23 - Black Girl Hockey Club (@BGHC) , Tunisha Singleton and Fatou BahRink Stories welcomes two leaders of the Black Girl Hockey Club: Vegas Golden Knights fan Tunisha Singleton and Washington Capitals fan Fatou Bah.+++Two years ago, Black Girl Hockey Club started out as a meetup group for women of color to attend NHL games. Since then its mission has broadened as a certified nonprofit organization, raising money for diversity education, hockey skills training and youth hockey scholarships. In September of 2020, BGHC was featured in The New York Times, highlighting its efforts to influence the league’s diversity and inclusion efforts.In this episode we...
2020-10-151h 21Rink Stories#22 - Kirsten Krull, Ice Side ReporterWhere Bob talks St Cloud State hockey with Kirsten Krull. For the past two seasons, Rochester MN native Kirsten Krull (@KirstenKrull on Twitter and Instagram) was the ice side reporter for Husky Productions, covering the St Cloud State Huskies. Today, she is the host of the Storyteller podcast.Kirsten, Bob and Matt discuss: Starting out in sports reporting; Herb Brooks; Minnesota geography; Saint Clodoald; St Cloud State University history; the Cornell-SCSU rivalry; OG female sports reporters; the glass ceiling; and keeping occupied during the quarantine. Plus, wisdom from Giuseppe. +++The Rink...
2020-09-251h 03Rink Stories#21 - Rink Stories Rewind: A Fun Look Back (remastered 1.7.21)Where we look back at the best of Rink Stories so far, from the ridiculous to the sublime moments. A look behind the curtain, outtakes, and how we get to the final product. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry....+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Artwork and music by Ken Klein, the Mo’Nobs, TFIC, with special guest Giuseppe. If you like this episode listen to more episodes; subscribe, rate, and review; follow @RinkStories on Twitter and Instagram; follow @OneThrowin, Matt’s new podcast, throwin' one back...
2020-09-1636 minRink Stories#19 - Doug Peters of the Zamboni CompanyWhere Bob and Doug discuss everything you ever wanted to know about the art and science of ice resurfacing+++In this episode, Bob and Matt welcome Doug Peters, regional sales manager at the Zamboni Company and host of the Ask the Zamboni Experts podcast. We get: the history of ice resurfacing and the Zamboni Company; driving in California during the pandemic; metonymy vs synecdoche: the benefits and pitfalls of being the brand synonymous with ice resurfacing; follower questions; the path to becoming a competent maker of ice; what makes good ice; the ice rink in...
2020-09-091h 12Rink Stories#18 - Brett Riley, Head Hockey Coach at Long Island UniversityWhere Bob speaks with Brett Riley, the inaugural head coach of the Long Island University Sharks, the NCAA’s newest Division 1 ice hockey program. +++Bob, Matt, and Brett discuss: the challenges of starting a new D1 program, from scratch, in the summer of 2020: putting together a roster, finding a place to play, scheduling games, funding the program, bringing the players into quarantine on campus; his playing career at Needham (MA) High School, The Governor's Academy, and Hobart College; the differences between DIII and DI college hockey; the long list of distinguished hockey coaches and players who...
2020-09-021h 13Rink Stories#17 - Cara Morey, Head Coach of Princeton University Women’s HockeyWhere Bob speaks with Cara Morey about her team’s amazing 2019-20 season.+++Cara Morey is the head coach of the Princeton Women’s Ice Hockey team. In March, her team won the ECAC Tournament for the first time, vanquishing the #1 Cornell Big Red in an overtime thriller. A 5-6 blueliner out of Hensall, Ontario, she was an all-Ivy and all-ECAC performer in two sports at Brown University. +++In this wide-ranging conversation, Bob, Matt and Cara discuss: the greatest win in the history of Princeton women’s hockey, growing up in Hensall...
2020-08-181h 06Rink Stories#12 - Tony Scott of the Youth Hockey Hub (YHH)Where Bob discusses many things with Tony Scott, the man behind the Youth Hockey Hub.+++Minneapolis native Tony Scott is the proprietor of the Youth Hockey Hub, which since 2010 has been a wonderland of information about Minnesota hockey. They put on approximately 18 youth hockey tournaments per year, including their signature event, Squirtacular. Additionally, he does a daily (!) podcast called YHH Hockey Podcasts, team rankings and blogging. Tony regales Bob and Matt with tales of crappy rinks, tournaments, fights, video production, books, blogs, his competition, the best states for hockey, the problem with Massachusetts hockey, getting...
2020-07-121h 03Rink Stories#11 - Harrison Markell, Dartmouth College DefensemanWhere Bob speaks with Dartmouth College junior defenseman Harrison Markell.+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Musical performances by Ken Klein, Bob Winter, and the Mo’Nobs. Follow @RinkStories on Instagram and Twitter.+++In this episode, Bob welcomes Harrison Markell, a junior defenseman for the Dartmouth Big Green. They speak about Harrison's journey from learn to skate in Andover MA to ECAC hockey in Hanover NH. Prior to Dartmouth, he was a 3-year player for the Junior Bruins, where in his final year, he was an ass...
2020-06-301h 27Rink Stories#10 - John Messuri, Head Coach at Arlington (MA) HS, Part 2Where Bob continues his conversation with Arlington HS Coach Messuri about his playing days and other subjects.+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Music themes adapted from performances by Ken Klein, Bob Winter and the Mo'Nobs.Follow @RinkStories on Instagram and Twitter.***Sounds best in headphones***+++In the second of two parts, Bob continues his conversation with Head Coach John Messuri of Arlington (MA) HS. Here, we learn: What was it like to play in Johnstown PA at the rink where they filmed Slap...
2020-06-0344 minRink Stories#9 - Doyle Somerby, Cleveland Monsters DefensemanWhere Bob speaks with Cleveland Monster defenseman Doyle Somerby. +++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Musical performances by Ken Klein, Bob Winter, and the Mo’Nobs. Follow @RinkStories on Instagram and Twitter.+++In this episode, Bob converses with Marblehead native Doyle Somerby, a 25 year old defenseman who just completed his third year in the AHL as a member of the Cleveland Monsters. Originally drafted by the Islanders in the 5th round of the 2012 draft, he is now the property of the Columbus Blue Jackets, He was a 4...
2020-05-251h 15Rink Stories#8 - John Messuri, Head Coach at Arlington (MA) HS, Part 1Where Bob is joined by Arlington (MA) HS Head Coach John Messuri to break down the anticlimactic thud that was the end of the 2020 high school hockey season.+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Music adapted from works by Ken Klein, Bob Winter and the Mo'Nobs.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, follow, rate, review, comment and share with like-minded friends. Follow @RinkStories on Twitter and Instagram. +++In the first of a two-part conversation, Bob welcomes Arlington HS Head Coach John M...
2020-05-0546 minRink Stories#6 - Minnesota: Land of Prince and HockeyBob's conversation with Matthew Jasper in Episode 5 launched a zillion Minnesota-oriented inter-web inquiries. Listen here as Bob reveals his extensive research on all matters Minnesota, discovering answers to a host of timeless questions, such as: How many Brotens played in the NHL? Is Minnesota really the biggest hockey state in the land? What pivotal moment in the film Purple Rain revolved around hockey? What sports scandal took place on Lake Minnetonka? What is the greatest Prince album of them all? What hockey-related thing did Bob once say to a Penguins fan that almost led to fisticuffs? Plus, a very...
2020-04-1637 minRink Stories#5 - Matthew Jasper, creator of the book Home IceWhere Bob has an in-depth conversation with Matthew Jasper. Jasper is a Grand Rapids MN native and the creator of Home Ice, a beautiful coffee table book that takes us on a visual tour of 72 rinks around his home state of Minnesota. The book is available at HomeIce.MN.+++Produced by Matt Hopf. Artwork and music themes adapted from the work of Ken Klein. "Far Above Cayuga's Waters" performed by Bob Winter. Follow @RinkStories on Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, follow, rate, review, comment a...
2020-04-071h 02Rink Stories#4 - Who Is The Greatest Hockey Coach of All Time?Bob and Matt discuss the top 5 hockey coaches of all time. Where does Scotty Bowman rank? What does Ken Dryden think of Bowman as coach? His players? Why did he always have a contract dispute and leave - yet have continued success. Lather, rinse, repeat.+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Theme and background tunes adapted from music by Ken Klein. "Far Above Cayuga’s Waters" performed by Bob Winter. Dramatic readings extracted from Ken Dryden’s book, The Game.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subs...
2020-04-0135 minRink Stories#3 - Ben Mottola, Marblehead hockey dadWhere Bob hears two generations of rink stories from a Marblehead hockey dad.+++Production by Matt Hopf. Artwork and theme music by Ken Klein. Far Above Cayuga's Waters performance by Bob Winter.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, follow, rate, review, comment and share with like-minded friends. Follow @RinkStories on Twitter and Instagram. +++In this episode, the Rink Stories podcast welcomes its first guest, Ben Mottola, former Marblehead (MA) High School player and current hockey dad. We touch on a variety of topics, including p...
2020-03-2535 minRink Stories#2 - Ken Dryden's book, The Game (Remastered 12.8.21)Where Bob discusses loss amid memories of 70s hockey, with a little help from The Game, by Ken Dryden. Remastered 12.8.21+++Produced by Matt Hopf. Artwork by Ken Klein.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, follow, rate, review, comment and share with like-minded friends. Follow @RinkStories on Twitter and Instagram.
2020-03-1735 minRink Stories#1 - Kasabuski Brothers Memorial RinkIn the pilot episode (remastered on 05/24/20), host Bob Winter answers a variety of compelling questions: How does becoming a hockey parent upend your life? How did Rink Stories start (Hint: don't go to the "Learn to Skate" class for the free donuts). What is the biggest shithole arena on the tour? What does the name Kasabuski mean to the community? What was the most devastating youth hockey loss - evah?+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by MC Hopf. Artwork and music adapted from the work of Ken Klein.NOTE: We’re very proud of t...
2020-03-1035 min