Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 624 Summary
Released: February 27, 2026
Featuring: Zach Werenski, Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, Abbey Murphy, T.J. Oshie
Hosts: Ryan Whitney ("Whit"), Paul Bissonnette ("Biz"), Rear Admiral ("RA"), Keith Yandle ("Yance"), Mike Grinnell
Episode Overview
This episode centers around Team USA's historic double gold at the 2026 Milan Olympics, as both the men's and women's hockey teams clinched gold after decades-long droughts. The hosts, alongside special guests from the gold-medal teams—including Zach Werenski, Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, Abbey Murphy, and T.J. Oshie—break down the celebrations, pivotal moments, controversies, and the broader impact on USA Hockey. The podcast is energetic, irreverent, and insightful, with a blend of humor and deep respect for the game's traditions.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. USA's Gold Medal Triumph & Its Meaning
(00:40–15:15)
- The hosts reflect on the whirlwind week, the massive celebrations, and the nearly 3-day blur since the gold medal game.
- Emphasis on the depth of meaning for players representing their countries ("the amount of patriotism… it wasn't about them, it was for the country." – Yance, 03:17).
- The magnitude of the broadcast: the gold medal game's overtime segment drew a record American TV audience (over 26 million; 05:15).
- They recount the tension and unpredictability of the final, particularly with McDavid and Jack Hughes' decisive plays in OT.
- Discussion of how best-on-best international hockey is a game-changer and the potential for regular high-level tournaments.
2. Canadian Reaction and Sportsmanship
(07:20–15:15)
- Biz and Whit offer candid, classy Canadian perspectives—the pain of the loss but deep respect for Team USA’s journey.
- Obvious differing styles of celebration ("That's how Americans celebrate, and that's beauty." – Biz, 07:20).
- Breakdown of the OT goal from both Canadian and American points of view, emphasizing the razor-thin margins.
3. The Political Controversy: Trump's Call
(09:24–15:37)
- Hosts tackle social media's reaction to an off-color joke made by President Trump during the team’s congratulatory call and defend the players who were caught laughing in the heat of the moment.
- Whit: "I just don't get the hate towards the players… it's just kind of brutal that, at least online, it turned into that." (09:24)
- Biz: "It sucks that it got out, because I really think it took a lot out of what the Americans deserved as far as their celebration." (14:21)
Featured Interviews
1. Zach Werenski (USA Men's Defenseman, OT Assist)
Segment: 24:22–41:16
- Talks through the OT sequence leading to the golden goal, admitting nerves but affirming that "it all happened so fast… then it's history." (26:25–26:50)
- Shares what it meant to reconnect with long-time USA Hockey teammates, many from NTDP: "When you get to these events, in a sense, we have an upper hand with how close we are. It's gone back to high school." (29:55)
- Notes the importance of role-acceptance: "I've never been in that position before, playing 12, 13 minutes a night… But at the end of the day, it's not about me." (34:00)
- On the post-victory celebration: partying at club "11" in Miami, fans lining the streets, and an overwhelming sense of national pride (24:33–25:26).
- Quote: "We're bonded together as a group of guys for life now." (25:36)
- Praises coach Billy Guerin's leadership: "He has an infectious personality, a guy you want to be around… he puts together one hell of a hockey team." (40:35)
2. Jack Eichel & Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights, USA Men’s Gold Medalists)
Segment: 43:21–79:55
- Both admit the enormity of their achievement hasn't fully sunk in; discuss the surreal experience returning to the U.S. and being mobbed at the airport and hotel in Miami (44:29).
- Eichel speaks to his journey—a career previously marred by injuries and setbacks—to now being a Cup and Olympic gold winner: "I'm just really grateful… it's a lifelong dream." (47:57)
- Hanifin describes the Villages’ unique camaraderie, late-night team gatherings, and the return-to-youth feeling (49:48).
- Hilarious details about Brady Tkachuk hoarding focaccia bread and team pranks; team bonding over music (51:40–61:17).
- Insights on the penalty kill, which didn't allow a goal during the Olympics or Four Nations ("our whole group put a big emphasis on [it]… Heinz, he was the PK coach," – Eichel, 57:28).
- Praises for Matthews’ “200-foot game” and rebuttal of his detractors: "I don't know where any type of criticism comes for a guy like that… He's an unbelievable teammate." (67:07)
- Looks forward to continued Team USA/Canada rivalry: "That was the best team you've ever played," – Biz, 71:08.
3. Abbey Murphy (USA Women's Gold Medalist)
Segment: 96:14–127:43
- Back-to-back Olympic appearances; detailed account of USA’s road to gold and the emotional highs—especially the final against Canada, including Hillary Knight's game-tying and record-breaking goal (99:29–101:29).
- Shares locker room dynamics, chirping on the ice ("people on our team say I live rent-free in their heads… that's an honor," – Murphy, 104:49).
- Talks about college-veteran balance, young players stepping up, and the foundational role of tough love and big personalities.
- Describes the joint celebrations with the men’s team in the village—lava cakes with Brady Tkachuk (123:31).
- On rivalry with Canada: "We're not friends… if I could drop the gloves, I would," (108:11).
- Snoop Dogg, the Kelce brothers, and other celebrity encounters at the Olympics (118:34).
- Looking forward to the PWHL draft and her future in women's pro hockey (110:16).
4. T.J. Oshie (Surprise Pop-in; Wrap-Up)
Segment: 153:31–162:11
- Joins to congratulate Team USA and discuss the charitable outcome of a lost bet with Biz—the donation going to the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
- Shares stories of his connection to the younger guys, the importance of the men's and women's teams' togetherness at the Olympics, and pride in the next generation.
- Quote: "All you hope for is that… you and your teammates, you come together… and you immediately shift it into America, the United States, your teammates, your brothers, USA Hockey as a family." (160:32)
Other Key Segments & Moments
Game Analysis & Individual Highlights
- Deep tactical breakdown of the final sequence in the men’s final, especially OT (06:15–08:06).
- Praise for Connor Hellebuyck's MVP-caliber performance.
- Charlie McAvoy’s ‘game-saving goal-line stop’ (21:17).
- Discussion of best-on-best hockey's place in the sport and anticipation for more frequent high-level international competitions.
Running Jokes and Notable Quotes
- Frequent chirps about sustaining American celebrations, Pink Whitney shoutouts, and Keith Yandle's comic relief.
- Biz, after putting on the tight USA jersey: "They ran out of jerseys, boys. I guess they didn’t anticipate us winning this thing."
- On social media and negativity: “Never in my life have I been more aware that social media is not the real world.” – Whit, 09:24
Controversies & Culture
- Honest talk about the effect of political missteps overshadowing the athletic accomplishments and defending athletes from misplaced backlash (09:24–15:37).
- Discussion about athletes handling “gotcha” questions from reporters, with the McDavid interview as an example (81:40–84:37).
Hockey News & Trade Deadline Talk
- Penguins’ bad luck: Sidney Crosby’s injury update and Sam Girard’s trade to Pittsburgh (packaged with analysis from Biz and Whit, 91:55–93:15).
- Nazem Kadri trade speculation (93:25+).
- Other news: Miko Rantanen’s injury at the Olympics.
Legacy and Growth of USA Hockey
- USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program and how it has fueled the current wave of elite American players (143:43).
- Reflection on increased U8 registration, systemic progress ("look out 2026 Olympics"… prophetically from 2011).
Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)
- "It wasn't about them, right?… They went over with a mission. They got it done." — Yance, 03:17
- "That play by Werenski to just move it to his backhand and one-hand it… incredible." – Biz, 08:06
- "All these guys know what it means to win and put on that uniform. I think anything being taken away from those guys is tough to hear right now." — Yance, 12:03
- "You could tell like from the start to the beginning, they were hanging out together. They were playing as hard as possible for each other." — Yance, 21:26
- "I've never been in that position before. That was probably the first time in my hockey career… It's not about me. It's about our country, our team." — Zach Werenski, 34:00
- "I'm just really grateful… it's a lifelong dream." — Jack Eichel, 47:57
- "I was just trying to contribute… that's why our team was so good. Everybody just bought in." — Noah Hanifin, 51:06
- "I think we're bonded together as a group of guys for life now." – Zach Werenski, 25:36
- "All you hope for is like that you and your teammates, you come together… and you immediately shift it into America, the United States." – T.J. Oshie, 160:32
- "We aren't friends with Canada… if I could drop the gloves, I would." — Abbey Murphy, 108:11
Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments
- [00:40] – Show opens, Team USA’s celebration
- [03:17] – Yance on Team USA’s patriotism
- [05:14] – Record TV audience for the final
- [24:22] – Zach Werenski interview begins
- [43:21] – Jack Eichel & Noah Hanifin join
- [51:06] – Hanifin on team buy-in/roles
- [66:55] – Eichel on Matthews' two-way game
- [96:14] – Abbey Murphy interview starts
- [104:49] – Murphy on living rent-free in Canadians’ heads
- [123:31] – Post-win village, shared celebrations
- [153:31] – T.J. Oshie joins to wrap up/bet
- [160:32] – Oshie on USA Hockey’s legacy
Final Thoughts
The episode is a passionate, comprehensive reflection on USA Hockey's breakthrough—celebrating the athletes, breaking down decisive moments, discussing controversy and hockey culture, and looking at the larger growth of the sport in the U.S. The hosts strike a balance between humor and depth, providing fans with behind-the-scenes stories that capture the meaning, drama, and fun of this Olympic milestone.