Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 629: Featuring Mark Howe

Date: March 17, 2026
Hosts: Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette (Biz), Rear Admiral (RA), Mike Grinnell
Special Guest: Mark Howe

Episode Overview

This episode dives into all things hockey and beyond with the signature humor and irreverence of the Spittin’ Chiclets crew. The first half of the episode features buzzing updates on the hosts' adventures (from Biz’s gnarly dental tales to wild fan interactions) and lively debates on everything from minor league atmospheres to the evolving NHL playoff format. The latter half welcomes Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Howe for a deep, heartwarming, and often hilarious conversation packed with incredible stories about Gordie Howe, family, and the evolution of hockey.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Biz’s Dental Drama & Minor League Hockey Stories

Timestamps: 00:40–21:25

• Biz’s Teeth Fiasco: Biz recounts losing his bridge after a recent broadcast, describing his "homeless man crackhead" smile.
  • “If you smell what’s been glued into the top of your gums...smells.” (04:10, Biz)
• Minor League Adventures: Biz details his time with the Greensboro Gargoyles, including:
  • Taking the team out for post-game food
  • The relentless hospitality and energy of southern hockey fans, even for a last-place team (07:00–08:30)
  • Praising coach Birdie, a cancer survivor and local legend, and the community’s embrace during “cancer night”
• Eccentric Local Heroes: Shout-outs to the multi-talented local radio announcer Casey Ditzel, who calls games, sharpens skates, and wins pie-eating contests—all in the same night (10:22–11:41).
• Locker Room and Mascot Lore: Hilarious story of confusion involving player Braden Doyle and mascot Doyle, with video-worthy mishaps and classic minor league chaos.

2. Family Connections & USHL Talk

Timestamps: 12:08–14:52

• Yan’s nephew Colin gets called up to the USHL, and the hosts discuss the nuances of player movement, coaching, and the energy of junior barns.
• Player development mirrored by elite NHLers' kids drawing “next generation” buzz.

3. Passionate Baseball Detours: WBC Semifinals

Timestamps: 21:09–28:09

• Whit and Keith describe witnessing the "top 5 sporting event" of their lives at the USA vs Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic semi-final in Miami.
  • “80%, if not 90%, Dominican fans. These people are so passionate, so insane...” (21:28, Whit)
• Vivid recounting of the in-stadium energy, merchandise misadventures, and new rules like the challenge system.
• Sidebar: Predictions—robot umps could lead to a record-breaking home-run season in MLB.

4. NHL’s Gudas Hit Fallout: Culture, Accountability, and Team Response

Timestamps: 29:19–44:22

• The panel dives into Radko Gudas’s controversial knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews.
• Criticisms of the Maple Leafs’ “no response” culture and what that means for the team’s direction and identity.
  • “To me, it's a bad look. If you want to be a winner…you have to come out of your comfort zone and show courage.” (37:10, Biz)
• Exploration of appropriate suspension lengths and the difficulties of Department of Player Safety decisions.
  • “That's the worst job in the league...you are pissing every side off.” (43:10, Whit)

5. Around the League: Playoff Races, Player Notes, and Fun Stats

Timestamps: 53:06–54:28, 140:44–161:43

• Shout-outs to Brent Burns on his ironman streak, Kopitar breaking the LA points record, and other standout moments.
• Extended debate over NHL playoff seeding, the need for fairer rewards, and calls to experiment with “1 through 8” or “play-in” models (145:13–153:42).
  • “You could have the second and third place teams in the overall standings, and you’re starting the playoffs on the road—ridiculous.” (147:03, Biz)
• The San Jose Sharks and Macklin Celebrini: Sensational rookie play, MVP talk, and his pro-ready playoff game.
  • “If they get in the playoffs, he’s MVP in my mind.” (154:18, Whit)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Gordie Howe’s legacy:
  “Hearing Mark talk about his father, you completely understand why Gretzky was obsessed with Gordie and why he was his idol.” (50:09, Biz)
• On the state of the Maple Leafs’ locker room:
  “I want to be so proud of the team I’m watching…where maybe they lose second or third round, but they’re going down with a fight, blood on their jerseys, and the yacht club rocking.” (38:22, Biz)
• On Minor League Hockey’s quirks:
  “This guy’s a Hall of Fame broadcaster—calling the game, sprinting down to the concourse for a hit, sweating his dick off, then winning the pie eating contest.” (10:46, Biz)
• On family and hockey:
  “Without a doubt, the backbone of the Howe family was my mother, Colleen. She was his strength…you can’t replace family.” (135:00, Mark Howe)

Feature Interview: Mark Howe

Timestamps: 55:31–135:43

Key Themes & Stories

Gordie Howe: The Man, the Myth, the Legend

• Early Life & Example: Mark underscores Gordie’s work ethic (hauling 80-lb cement bags as a kid), humility, and relentless dedication to fans.
  • “He never refused an autograph. He said, ‘Those are the people paying my salary. I owe it to them.’” (67:45, Mark)
• Parenting Philosophy: The Howes valued independence; Mark and his siblings learned by doing, not by being micromanaged.
• On-Ice Violence & Respect:
  • Hilarious tales of Gordie immediately asserting dominance in WHA games.
  • “He two-handed this guy—split his forehead. Five minutes in, another challenger…Gordie flattened him too.” (83:32, Mark)
  • Anecdotes about Gordie’s ability to create time and space via intimidation, and meticulous advice he gave teammates like Tim Kerr (“drop your glove, smoke the guy on national TV, buy yourself more time…”).

Mark’s Playing Career

• Position Switch Star: Originally a winger, Mark transitioned to defense in the WHA/NHL merger and “never looked back.”
• Defensive Mastery: Insights into learning from Eddie Van Impe about positioning, reading attackers, and how playing with smart partners propelled his career.
• Nature of Team Success: Philly Flyers culture of accountability, leadership from owner Ed Snider, and carrying on team-first values.
• Career-Ending Injury: Honest reflection about suffering a gruesome injury (being “skewered” on the net) and the old-school mentality of rushing back at the cost of long-term health.

Family, Legacy, and Giving Back

• Gordie’s Retirement and Afterlife: Stories about Gordie’s struggle to step away at age 52, his devotion to caring for Colleen as she battled dementia, and the lasting impact of tight family bonds.
• Charity and Community: Mark’s ongoing work with the Howe Foundation, raising over $500,000 for youth and Alzheimer’s causes, and honoring his mother’s legacy of giving back.

Highlight Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “One day in Houston, Dad looked at Marty and I and said, ‘This game’s not meant to be this fun.’” (86:38, Mark)
• “His actions spoke volumes…on the ice, in the locker room, never had anything to say. He just led by example.” (91:27, Mark)
• “I know my dad gets so much credit, but without a doubt, the backbone was my mother, Colleen. She was his strength.” (135:00, Mark)
• “Gordie led by example, but Colleen was the backbone in the family. You can’t replace family. That’s what life’s all about.” (135:08, Mark)
• “My father... without question, the foundation of this league was built off the backs of guys like Gordie Howe.” (50:09, Biz)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Start of Episode/Opening Banter: 00:40
• Biz’s Teeth & Minor League Tales: 01:33–11:41
• Doyle Mascot Story: 15:00
• Fan Energy in Minor League Hockey: 07:00–10:22
• USHL Family Discussion: 12:08–14:52
• WBC Baseball Experience: 21:09–28:09
• Gudas Hit Reaction/Leafs Culture: 29:19–44:22
• Transition to Mark Howe Interview: 54:28–55:31
• Mark Howe Interview: 55:31–135:43
• Brent Burns/Kopitar Milestones: 141:18–146:09
• NHL Playoff Format Debate: 145:13–153:42
• Closing Stories and Shoutouts: 174:08–178:53

Tone & Style

• Unfiltered, irreverent, and personal: True to form, the Chiclets crew blends brash humor, self-deprecation, and heartfelt respect, especially in moments discussing family, tradition, and the hard truths of professional hockey.
• Mix of inside jokes and real talk: Players’ stories are balanced by earnest appreciation for the game’s legends and the communities that sustain hockey at every level.

Final Takeaways

• Hockey is family: Both in the locker room and at home, the theme of brotherhood and support runs deep.
• Legacy matters: From Gordie Howe’s humility to Mark’s lifelong commitment, this episode radiates respect for those who built the sport’s foundation.
• Sport is changing—debate is healthy: Whether it’s playoff formats, disciplinary standards, or how fans connect with teams, the episode emphasizes that open debate and adaptation are vital.
• Have fun, give back: Everything from the antics of minor league mascots to multi-generational charity efforts shows the joy and responsibility players feel in sharing the game with the world.

Essential listening for any hockey fan, this episode is both a love letter to the sport’s past and a raucous celebration of all that makes hockey, and its people, unique.