Podcast Summary: Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 573: Featuring Nick Tarnasky & Gene Principe

Introduction Spittin’ Chiclets, hosted by former NHL players Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette, along with producer Mike Grinnell, dives deep into the world of hockey with a blend of humor, irreverence, and insightful discussions. In Episode 573, released on July 15, 2025, the hosts welcome special guests Nick Tarnasky and Gene Principe to discuss Nick's recent viral incident on a golf course, his NHL career, and life beyond the ice.

1. The Viral Golf Course Incident

The episode kicks off with an engaging discussion about Nick Tarnasky's unexpected viral moment involving a confrontation on a golf course in Alberta. Nick explains the events leading up to the altercation:

• Setting the Scene (01:07): Ryan Whitney introduces the episode, mentioning that it was initially intended to be a "best of" episode but pivoted to cover Nick Tarnasky's viral video:

  "The greatest video in the history of the Internet came out involving Nick Tarnaski." (01:07)

• Incident Breakdown (33:34): Nick details how the confrontation unfolded when intoxicated golfers were slowing down play, leading to tensions:

  "I rolled up and I just said, hey, guys, that we got to get moving... instantly set him off." (38:31)

• Aftermath and Apologies (44:11): Nick reflects on the widespread reactions, emphasizing empathy and the respectful apology video from the other party:

  "Everyone's getting a good laugh, but you don't have to continue to pound this guy down." (44:47)

2. Nick Tarnasky's NHL Career

Delving into Nick Tarnasky's professional journey, the conversation highlights his role as an enforcer and his experiences across various leagues:

• Early Career and Fighting Ethic (50:10): Nick recounts his transition from a sniper to an enforcer at age 18, influenced by his coach's advice to embrace fighting:

  "Mark Hagstri... told me, you need to find a way. Go get in a fight." (52:23)

• Challenges in the NHL and Minor Leagues (74:56): He discusses the difficulties faced in the NHL, including injuries and trades:

  "I ended up fighting Chris Neal in preseason with a broken thumb. It wasn't a good fit." (74:56)

• Experience in the KHL (78:39): Nick shares his adventurous stint in the KHL, highlighting the camaraderie and unique team dynamics:

  "We were boxing with, like, Povetkin and going through... to make something happen." (80:07)

3. Life After Hockey

Post-retirement, Nick has diversified his career and maintains a strong presence in his community:

• Current Endeavors (99:53): Nick balances his time between selling cars at a Chrysler dealership and working at his father's lumberyard:

  "I sell cars at a Chrysler dealership back home and work part-time at my dad's lumberyard." (100:26)

• Handling Online Attention (44:50): He discusses managing the influx of messages and support following his viral incident:

  "I was on the plane all day yesterday. I probably got 500 texts." (44:50)

4. Personal Anecdotes and Other Discussions

Throughout the episode, the hosts and guests share various personal stories and insights:

• Golf and Fly Fishing Adventures (03:09 - 28:51): Paul and Gene talk about their experiences with golf and fly fishing, interspersed with humorous exchanges about golf mishaps and outdoor adventures.

• Merle's Induction to NY State Hockey Hall of Fame (15:22): They congratulate Merle on his induction, sharing playful banter about his contributions and legendary status:

  "Like, Merle's invented the dreidel that Leonardo DiCaprio spins in Inception 2." (15:45)

• Keystone Moments and Mentorship (53:12 - 73:53): Nick reflects on influential figures in his career, including coaches and veteran players who shaped his fighting role and overall hockey journey.

5. Reflections on the Hockey Community and Media

The conversation also touches on the dynamics between players, media, and fan interactions:

• Interviews and Media Relations (127:25 - 142:53): Ryan discusses his role in sports broadcasting, sharing stories about interacting with legends like Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler, emphasizing the importance of building positive relationships within the sports media landscape.

• Impact of Hockey on Fans and Community (132:43 - 142:53): Ryan highlights the profound effect hockey teams have on their communities, sharing heartfelt anecdotes about fans who find solace and joy through their teams.

Notable Quotes

• "Pink Whitney always delivers." – Gene Principe (01:52)
• "When you go to a course and you challenge that many people, eventually you're going to run into somebody that says it." – Paul Bissonnette (11:39)
• "You don't ever forget those memories." – Nick Tarnasky (67:42)
• "Embrace the suck." – Nick Tarnasky (92:16)

Conclusion

Episode 573 of Spittin’ Chiclets offers an in-depth look into Nick Tarnasky's impactful career and his recent viral incident, blending personal stories with broader discussions about hockey culture, media interactions, and life after professional sports. The episode underscores the importance of empathy, resilience, and community support both on and off the ice, providing listeners with a rich and engaging narrative that goes beyond the surface of sports entertainment.