Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 540: Featuring Mike Modano & Hockey Illuminati
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Hosts:
- Ryan Whitney (Former NHL player)
- Paul Bissonnette ("Biz Nasty") (Former NHL player)
- Mike Grinnell (Producer)
- Keith Yandle (Guest Host and Former NHL Defenseman)
I. Introduction and Welcome
The episode kicks off with Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette welcoming listeners to episode 540 of Spittin’ Chiclets. They introduce the episode's features, including a special interview with hockey legend Mike Modano and discussions with the newest member of their team, Keith Yandle.
Notable Quote:
- Ryan Whitney [00:14]: "Biz and I are out of the league."
II. Recap of "Surviving Barstool"
The hosts discuss the ongoing reality show "Surviving Barstool," sharing their experiences and reactions to the season's drama.
Notable Quotes:
- Keith Yandle [01:52]: "The show's been absolutely incredible... it has me at the edge of my seat every week."
- Biz Nasty [01:14]: "The reason it's mostly fully drank is because tomorrow's the finale of Surviving Barstool."
III. Announcements
a. Keith Yandle Joins Full-Time
The podcast proudly announces that Keith Yandle, a respected former NHL defenseman, has become a full-time member of the Spittin’ Chiclets team.
Notable Quotes:
- Ryan Whitney [06:52]: "It's a long time coming... Keith Yandle is a full-time member of Spittin’ Chiclets."
- Keith Yandle [07:55]: "I feel honored, lucky, blessed... excited to spread our love of the game."
b. Ownership of ECHL Team in Greensboro
The hosts reveal their venture into team ownership by co-owning an ECHL professional hockey team based in Greensboro, North Carolina. They tease the reveal of the team’s name and logo, scheduled for a live press conference.
Notable Quotes:
- Biz Nasty [10:19]: "We are co-owners in an ECHL professional hockey team in Greensboro, North Carolina."
- Ryan Whitney [10:59]: "The logo and the name is phenomenal... everyone is going to be just as excited as us."
IV. Surviving Barstool: Behind the Scenes
The conversation delves deeper into their personal experiences on "Surviving Barstool," highlighting conflicts, team dynamics, and personal growth throughout the show.
Notable Quotes:
- Ryan Whitney [03:30]: "I suck at that game. I got to get out when the pink wedding turned vicious."
- Biz Nasty [02:55]: "I won six of the nine overall competitions, but some plotted like little snakes and rats."
V. Boston Bruins Locker Room Drama
A significant portion of the episode focuses on rumors surrounding the Boston Bruins, specifically the alleged fallout between star players Brad Marchand and David Posternak. The hosts analyze the credibility of these rumors, debating their impact on the team's performance.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Bissonnette [26:14]: "David Posternak has told the team he doesn't want to be on a line with Brad Marchand."
- Keith Yandle [32:56]: "I thought Marchie did a great job of handling it and putting it to bed."
VI. NHL Team Performance and Trades
The hosts engage in a lively discussion about various NHL teams' performances, potential trades, and strategies moving forward. Topics include the Edmonton Oilers' streak, the Minnesota Wild's interest in players, and Vancouver Canucks' trade refusals.
Notable Quotes:
- Biz Nasty [27:02]: "I think Nodak are a lot bigger team... they have chances to go far in the tournament."
- Ryan Whitney [38:19]: "I just know they're good buddies. It's hard to believe the Bruins management would leak something like that."
VII. Interview with Mike Modano
In a special segment, hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano joins the podcast to discuss his illustrious career, the evolution of hockey gear, and his experiences transitioning from player to ambassador of the sport.
Highlights:
- Draft and Early Career: Modano shares insights about being the first American to be drafted in the first round by the Dallas Stars (formerly Minnesota North Stars).
- Gear Evolution: Discussion on the transition from traditional leather skates and gloves to modern equipment, emphasizing comfort and performance.
- Legacy and Impact: Modano reflects on his role in growing hockey's popularity in the United States, especially in non-traditional markets like Dallas.
Notable Quotes:
- Mike Modano [76:32]: "Seeing where the game is now in Dallas... it's just mind-blowing."
- Paul Bissonnette [89:50]: "We had to carry our own little wheel on the skate sharpener."
VIII. Hockey Culture and Fan Interactions
The hosts reminisce about their interactions with fans, the changes in locker room cultures over the years, and the increasing influence of social media on player dynamics and team chemistry.
Notable Quotes:
- Biz Nasty [49:18]: "We always had a good time. Team camaraderie was never an issue."
- Ryan Whitney [53:50]: "Social media hasn't changed things; it's making the game more individualistic."
IX. Sponsor Messages (Skipped)
As per instructions, all promotional segments and advertisements have been omitted from this summary to focus solely on the podcast's content and discussions.
X. Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with heartfelt messages to fans, acknowledgments of current events impacting the hockey community, and teasers for upcoming episodes and specials.
Notable Quotes:
- Ryan Whitney [215:35]: "We support lafd.org and redcross.org... it's heartbreaking to see."
- Biz Nasty [214:34]: "This is a hell of a nugget."
Conclusion
Episode 540 of Spittin’ Chiclets offers an engaging blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth hockey analysis, team and player discussions, and a special interview with Mike Modano. The addition of Keith Yandle and their venture into team ownership in Greensboro mark significant milestones for the podcast. Amidst lighthearted banter and serious hockey talk, the hosts provide a comprehensive look into the current state and future of the NHL, making it a must-listen for hockey enthusiasts.
