Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 606 (Dec 19, 2025): Featuring Zeev Buium & Guy Gadowsky
Main Theme & Purpose
Episode 606 digs into a historic moment for Spittin’ Chiclets: the podcast’s new partnership with Netflix. The crew — Ryan Whitney, Paul “Biz” Bissonnette, Rear Admiral, Yans, and producer Grinnell — recap the journey from humble beginnings to streaming stardom, address fan concerns about the change, and discuss what the future holds for the show and its community. The episode then shifts gears to major NHL milestones, notable franchise moves, and in-depth interviews with rising Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium and Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky, covering everything from big-league trades and college hockey evolution to personal growth on and off the ice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Netflix Announcement & Fan Response
- [06:46–13:52]
- The hosts announce that Spittin’ Chiclets will now be available on Netflix video alongside Pardon My Take and The Ryan Ro Show.
- Whitney and Biz reflect on getting the call from Dave Portnoy:
- “Just the fact that, like, we started this thing…a hammy down GoPro camera.” (Whitney, 07:13)
- There’s banter about Grinnell thinking "hand-me-down" was "hammy down," spawning laughter and playful jabs (“That’s a Plymouth State education,” Fish, 08:05).
- [09:46–13:52]
- Hosts address the mixed reaction:
- A vocal minority of fans angry about the switch from YouTube to Netflix for video episodes.
- Biz: “If you’re that big of a fan and you’re happy for us…if you don’t want to buck up and pay the $15 a month in order to support us, we’re okay with that. But coming in with the mud to slander…that’s where you lose me.” (Biz, 19:45)
- The majority of content—Sandbaggers, vlogs, Chiclets U—will remain free on YouTube and social media.
- RA, Yans, and Fish stress their gratitude for the community and the journey.
- Notable Quotes:
- “Without you guys listening…we really are nothing.” (Whitney, 14:58)
- “This is a dream come true. Our work is going to be on Netflix.” (Fish, 23:40)
- Hosts address the mixed reaction:
Memorable Moment
- Fish’s “Hand-me-down” mix-up and resulting group roast [07:53–09:05].
2. NHL Milestones: Draisaitl’s 1000th Point & More
- [30:16–41:33]
- Whitney salutes Leon Draisaitl, who becomes the first German player to reach 1,000 NHL points, making the Oilers the first NHL team with five players reaching that milestone.
- The hosts discuss Greger’s in-depth article on Draisaitl’s upbringing and the obsessive determination of hockey superstars.
- “The true superstars—the Sids, the McDavids, the Leons, the McKinnons—they, they are born with it.” (Whitney, 32:25)
- Emphasis on how generational talents like Draisaitl, McDavid, Sidney Crosby, etc., are “built different” from a young age.
- On the Oilers’ and Penguins’ historic point chases (Sidney close to passing Mario Lemieux and hitting 2,000 points):
- “It’s just 20 years of over a point per game. How do you even explain it?” (Whitney, 47:50)
- [46:52–49:51]
- Penguins’ playoff worries, Crosby’s adaptability, and the possibility of another historic run.
- Early Stanley Cup predictions: “I think Florida’s going back to the Cup. Who out there right now doesn’t think Florida is going to do it? They look unbeatable again.” (Whitney, 49:01)
Notable Quotes
- “You celebrate anything in life, you do it—especially that.” (Biz, on the bench-emptying celebration for Draisaitl, 36:28)
- “He’s so big and dominant, but he takes hits to make plays…his ability on the backhand, probably after Crosby, is the best in the world.” (Whitney, 39:13)
3. Inside the NHL: Buffalo, Franchise Valuations, and Ice Time
- [51:40–56:53]
- Buffalo Sabres’ front office shakeup: New GM Jarmo Kekäläinen lays down the law (“Everyone is under the microscope,” 53:24).
- Discussion around Alex Tuch’s rumored contract demands and the broader challenges of roster building in small markets.
- Penguins’ recent $1.8 billion sale:
- “Good for them, good for them to do that. The rich get richer.” (Biz, 59:59)
- Managing star players’ ice time:
- "That extra minute and a half, two minutes…and that ice time you’re not getting from your coach is irritating." (Biz, 45:09)
4. Zeev Buium Interview – From Shock Trade to Canucks Fresh Start
[63:23–87:41]
Zeev on the Trade
- Describes learning about the trade as a complete shock, fearing initially he was being sent down (“He was like, ‘Hey, I got bad news’…I was like, oh God, I’m about to get sent down.” 63:50).
- Credits Wild GM Billy Guerin for honesty and support.
- “You kind of look at the bigger picture…maybe, you know, I can come here and be that guy and bring that element to it.” (67:01)
Locker Room & Mentorship
- Heartfelt about leaving Minnesota’s veteran group; Zach Bogosian as a mentor (“He took me under his wing, always invited me to his house…he wanted me to be a part of it.” 71:04).
- Adapting to Vancouver and learning from new teammates like Garland, Heronic.
Development Details
- Discusses being coached by Adam Foote:
- “You gotta be like a cat out there…always on your toes, in position, kind of ready to pounce on anything.” (82:02)
- On NHL’s higher intensity, learning from playoff pressure in Minnesota and the need to “find space.”
- Locker room personalities: Bo hated Seattle, Garland is funny, yo-yo tricks on the road.
5. Guy Gadowsky Interview – Penn State, College Hockey's Future, & Gavin McKenna
[92:59–132:57]
- Coach Gadowsky reflects on building Penn State’s hockey from the club level to national prominence, emphasizing community, alumni, and student participation.
- On Penn State’s growth: “From day one…Penn State is a little different when it comes to support and resources and alumni getting behind you.” (94:50)
- Handles immediate Frozen Four excitement, balancing expectations with 17-year-old superstar Gavin McKenna.
- On McKenna:
- “The way he manipulates time and space is really weird…He just does so many things at elite level…Anything on the backhand side of his stick, it’s insane.” (118:31)
- Dialogue on the evolving world of college hockey:
- Transfer rules and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness).
- The talent influx and NCAA as a copycat league ("We're very much, I think, coaching is very much a copycat profession." 114:55)
- Announcing a new USA College all-star team heading to Spengler Cup in Switzerland.
6. Hockey Headlines, Culture & Pop
- [138:31–154:02]
- Rear Admiral’s "RA’s World": historical NHL tidbits, favorite and least favorite Christmas movies, reminiscing about Blockbuster and Netflix’s origins.
- “Jack Frost” is panned: “I basically, I'm not going to knock on G., but it was like a movie for, like, seven-year-olds who got kept back three times already” (R.A., 153:00)
- Emotional tribute to Blues alum and cancer fighter Kelly Chase (“He has surpassed that by light years, the way that he’s handled this situation…” Biz, 150:06)
- Rangers’ long-overdue tribute to Chris Kreider; Penguins’ policy on honoring ex-players.
- Talk about the tradition and criteria for NHL video tributes.
- Picks of the week: NHL and NFL betting lines, and a movie recommendation—Thief (1981).
Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps
- "We started with a hammy down GoPro camera." – Whitney [07:13]
- “This for me…this is a dream come true. Our work is going to be on Netflix.” – Fish [23:40]
- “He’s so big and dominant, but he takes hits to make plays…on the backhand, probably after Crosby, is the best in the world.” – Whitney [39:13]
- “This second career of ours is the opposite [of the NHL]…without you guys listening…we really are nothing.” – Whitney [14:58]
- "He wanted me to be a part of it…wanted me to not miss out on anything, because at the end of the day, you’ll remember the stories and the good times and the laughs over any hockey games unless you really win a cup." – Zeev Buium [71:04]
- “You gotta be like a cat out there…on your toes, ready to pounce on anything.” – Adam Foote, relayed by Buium [82:02]
- “Anything he does on the backhand side of his stick, it’s insane.” – Guy Gadowsky on Gavin McKenna [118:31]
- “You can’t be doing that. You gotta stand in the fire—that’s why you get paid the big bucks.” – Biz, on Seattle shutting out reporters [142:36]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Netflix Announcement & Reaction: 06:46–28:50
- Leon Draisaitl’s 1,000th Point / NHL Milestones: 30:16–49:51
- Buffalo, Franchise Ownership, & Ice Time: 51:40–59:59
- Zeev Buium Interview: 63:23–87:41
- Guy Gadowsky Interview: 92:59–132:57
- Pop Culture, Christmas Movies, RA’s World: 133:50–154:02
- Tributes: Kelly Chase, Chris Kreider, Video Tributes: 148:06–146:35
Flow & Tone
The hosts maintain their signature irreverent, candid, and riotously funny tone, using insider knowledge, self-deprecation, and banter to both celebrate hockey culture and dig into the business and human side of the sport. The heartfelt gratitude for listeners and behind-the-scenes team members is authentic, and long-form interviews highlight both technical details of the game and the personalities shaping hockey’s future.
For New Listeners & Diehards Alike
Whether you’re interested in the business boom behind the Chiclets phenomenon, NHL star power and locker room culture, the young guns changing the game at both pro and college levels, or just want to laugh through sprawling tales of yo-yos, mispronounced idioms, and childhood movies, this milestone episode is a must-listen.