Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 547: Featuring Jon Cooper & Brady Tkachuk

Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 547 of Spittin’ Chiclets, hosts Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and Mike Grinelli welcome listeners to an electrifying episode featuring two prominent figures in the hockey world: Jon Cooper, Head Coach of Team Canada and the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators and star of Team USA. The episode delves deep into recent events, player performances, and the evolving landscape of the NHL.

Charity Hockey Game in Los Angeles

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the Bastool Sports Charity Hockey Game held in Los Angeles, a significant event aimed at raising funds for first responders and families displaced by recent wildfires in the area. The game was a star-studded affair featuring celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, Danny DeVito, and Justin Bieber. Paul Bissonnette shares his experience attending the event, highlighting the collaborative spirit and the remarkable turnout:

Paul Bissonnette [05:30]: "It was an amazing day of hockey, and the LA Kings are my new team. Truly first class."

The hosts commend the LA Kings organization for their efforts in orchestrating such a successful event, emphasizing the positive impact it had on the community.

Interview with Jon Cooper

Team Canada’s Performance and Tournament Insights

Jon Cooper provides an in-depth analysis of Team Canada's performance in the recent Four Nations Tournament. He discusses the unprecedented pace of the games, attributing it to the heightened skill levels and strategic plays of the world's best players. Cooper reflects on the preparation leading up to the tournament and the seamless integration of veterans with the next generation of Canadian talent.

Jon Cooper [24:18]: "There's a lot of preparation for this, like a year in the making. It's been an incredible journey."

Cooper highlights the collaboration with superstars such as Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, noting how their exceptional skills have elevated the team's overall performance. He also touches upon the strategic decisions made during the tournament, including the handling of high-stakes moments and player management.

Adapting to Increased Game Pace

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the accelerated pace in modern hockey. Cooper notes the challenges and advantages this brings, emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience among players.

Jon Cooper [25:17]: "The first period of the Sweden game was unlike anything I've ever seen in a live hockey game. It was sick."

He also discusses the support from the NHL and NHLPA in optimizing the production and promotion of the tournament, which contributed to its record-breaking viewership.

Player Highlights and NHL Trends

Brady Tkachuk on Team Dynamics and Leadership

Brady Tkachuk shares his insights on team chemistry and leadership, drawing from his experiences during the tournament. He speaks about the importance of competing together and being good teammates, values instilled in him by his family and reinforced by his teammates.

Brady Tkachuk [95:09]: "Compete and be a good teammate. That's how you build a winning team."

Tkachuk also reflects on the unique challenges faced during the tournament, including handling high-pressure situations and maintaining focus amidst intense competition.

Ovechkin’s Goal Chase and NHL Expansion

The hosts and guests discuss Alexander Ovechkin’s ongoing goal chase, debating his potential to break NHL scoring records. They also explore the future of the NHL, speculating on potential team expansions and the growing popularity of hockey globally.

Ryan Whitney [22:22]: "This is unbelievable, boys. Hockey cannot miss."

The conversation touches on the strategic moves by teams to bolster their rosters for playoff success and the implications of high-profile player performances on the league’s dynamics.

Interactive Segments and Fan Engagement

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lively banter and interactive segments, including discussions about memorable moments from the tournament, player anecdotes, and listener questions. They emphasize the importance of fan support and the evolving relationship between the media and the hockey community.

Ryan Whitney [55:02]: "The fact that we have that tournament, we have that many people watching an incredible final game... hockey is buzzing right now."

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the significance of the Four Nations Tournament in revitalizing interest in hockey and setting the stage for an exciting NHL season. They express optimism about the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the potential for hockey to reach new heights in viewership and fan engagement.

Jon Cooper [36:31]: "We played this game for ourselves and for everybody that is sitting around having a coffee at Tim Hortons."

The episode concludes with teasers for upcoming events, including Amazon Hockey’s Coast to Coast show, promising more engaging content and exclusive interviews with top hockey personalities.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Bissonnette [03:30]: "Celebratory Pink Whitney. Whether you want to do the nip and the shot... it's gonna be a win for me."

• Jon Cooper [26:38]: "There's been a lot of preparation for this, like a year in the making... it's a huge honor for me."

• Brady Tkachuk [95:09]: "Compete and be a good teammate. That's how you build a winning team."

• Ryan Whitney [22:22]: "This is unbelievable, boys. Hockey cannot miss."

Key Takeaways

• Charity Initiatives: The LA Kings’ charity game was a colossal success, bringing together celebrities and hockey stars to support disaster-affected families and first responders.

• Team Canada’s Evolution: Under Jon Cooper’s leadership, Team Canada has showcased exceptional skill and strategy, adapting to the fast-paced nature of modern hockey.

• Player Dynamics: Brady Tkachuk emphasizes the importance of teamwork and leadership, reflecting on personal growth and team cohesion during high-stakes tournaments.

• NHL Trends: The discussion highlights significant trends in the NHL, including increased game pace, player performances like Ovechkin’s goal chase, and potential league expansions.

• Fan Engagement: The episode underscores the growing relationship between hockey media and fans, emphasizing the role of engaging content in boosting the sport’s popularity.

Tune in Next Tuesday for Episode 548, where the hosts continue their deep dives into the NHL, featuring more exclusive interviews, player insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of hockey.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the episode's main discussions and insights.