The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: The Hockey Show: Catching Up With The Voice of Hockey
Date: August 22, 2025
Host(s): Dan Le Batard, Stugotz | Guests: Bob Wischusen, Roy Bellamy, David Dwork, Ethan, Rosie, Jason

Episode Overview

Broadcast live from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, this "Hockey Show" episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz focuses on hockey culture, notable recent events on and off the ice, and features a deep-dive conversation with veteran ESPN/ABC broadcaster Bob Wischusen. The crew also discusses Sergei Fedorov’s impending jersey retirement, evolving hockey traditions, memorable hockey moments, the grueling life of a sports broadcaster, and top storylines for the upcoming NHL season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Show Kickoff: Skating Milestones & Hockey Community Fun (01:19 - 04:03)

• The crew celebrates Roy Bellamy's graduation from skating lessons, reminiscing about his first goals ("bar down," a hockey term for a goal that hits the crossbar and goes in).
• Plans for a casual “stick and puck” session at the Florida Panthers practice facility, featuring both adults and children, are shared, highlighting the inclusive and multi-generational hockey culture.

“You got the same look on my face as I was to start the show as I was interrupted by Rosie.” – Roy (02:21)

2. Sergei Fedorov’s Number Retirement & 90s Red Wings Nostalgia (04:05 - 07:14)

• The Detroit Red Wings are set to retire Sergei Fedorov's #91 jersey, igniting reflection on his legendary status and unique style.
• The panel shares personal memories: Fedorov’s white Nike skates, prolific talent, and his role in the iconic “Russian Five.”
• David Dwork recalls Fedorov’s legendary five-goal game (05:34), and the group discusses how the style of play—specifically passing and patience—has evolved since the 1990s.

“When I think of Sergei Fedorov from the 90s, I just think of white Nike skates.” – Ethan (05:04)

3. Inside Hockey Operations: Ice Installation & Arena Changes (07:14 - 08:13)

• Discussion turns to the annual spectacle of NHL rink construction, focusing on the Anaheim Ducks’ “ice building” time-lapse video.
• Curiosity about center ice logos, especially as Detroit reinstates their “Hockeytown” branding and Utah’s newly refitted Delta Center is mentioned.
• A sense of excitement as hockey season approaches.

“Every time I see that [Anaheim] logo, I think Darkwing Duck.” – Ethan (08:02)

4. Wins & Fails of the Week Segment (09:20 - 16:12)

Wins:

• Ethan: Detroit Red Wings bringing back the “Hockeytown” logo for their 100th anniversary (09:35).
• Roy: Team USA’s gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, emphasizing the rising success of USA Hockey (10:24).
• David: Sam Reinhart’s playful antics with the Stanley Cup (including working out with the Cup) (11:19).
• Rosie: Corey Perry’s creative play at an All-Star Skills Competition, making hockey “interesting for 10 seconds” (12:08).

“Not only am I better than you, not only am I stronger than you, but I'm a two time defending Stan[ley] Cup champion.” – David Dwork on Sam Reinhart (11:46)

Fails:

• Dual fail: Confusion over the orientation of the Buffalo Sabres “Goat Head” logo, addressing a viral Reddit theory (13:01).
• David: Hockey Hall of Fame posting a video of a less-than-sober Sam Reinhart, raising questions about social media choices (15:14).
• Rosie: A puck disappearing during play, emblematic of hockey’s unpredictable chaos (16:02).

“My thoughts are this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. It's a buffalo.” – Roy Bellamy on the Sabres logo debate (14:13)

5. Feature Interview: Bob Wischusen, “The Voice of Hockey” (18:31 - 43:14)

A. Life as a Hockey Broadcaster – The Grind and Rituals
(18:31 - 20:32)

• Bob details the demanding schedule of covering the Stanley Cup Playoffs—alternating games, minimal sleep, daily rink visits, and essential meetings with coaches for lineup information.
• Describes evolution of morning skates: once sacrosanct, now often optional, making pre-game information gathering more inconsistent.

“You just get up early in the morning, go to the rink, do some interviews, go back, grab a nap, do a game, get up the next morning, go back to the airport, do the same thing over again. But it's the best part of the year.” – Bob (19:18)

B. Preparation, Memory, and Roster Management
(22:26 - 24:57)

• Bob discusses how prepping for games in NHL versus college sports is easier due to pro teams’ less fluid rosters, as compared to the rapid turnover in college athletics.

“Pro sports, guys sign 3, 4, 5, 6-plus year contracts and stay on the team... That makes it a lot easier.” – Bob (24:57)

C. College Football vs. NHL Broadcasting
(25:22 - 27:07)

• College travel grinds are tougher due to smaller markets and more complicated logistics, whereas NHL and NFL typically visit big cities and are logistically easier—until season overlaps begin.

D. Bizarre Road Trips & Missing Out on Winnipeg
(29:03 - 29:50)

• Fun banter on the unique travel inconveniences of NHL playoffs, especially the Miami-to-Edmonton jaunt, and Bob’s anticipation of eventually visiting Winnipeg.

E. Broadcaster “Top Five” Lists
(30:07 - 32:18)

• David details his “Top Five Broadcasters to Have a Beer With,” sparking laughter, gentle debate, and anecdotes.
• Names include John Buccigross, Kenny Mayne, the Giants’ Dwayne Kuiper/Mike Krukow, Al Michaels, Chris Berman, and Harry Caray.

F. Bob’s Most Memorable Calls
(33:16 - 37:49)

• Bob lists his most cherished games, including playoff overtime winners (e.g., Verhaeghe, Goodrow), the Bobrovsky windmill save, and Calgary’s double-OT win led by Johnny Gaudreau.
• Emotional moments: Mark Scheifele’s overtime goal after his father’s passing, and Mason Marchment consoling him.
• Narratives of hockey’s brotherhood and how players honor opponents (e.g. Ovechkin insisting teammates honor Marc-André Fleury).

“That was one of those peaks into the culture of hockey...legend recognizes legend.” – Bob (37:28)

6. Big Questions for the Upcoming NHL Season

(38:04 - 42:29)

• Will the Panthers repeat as champions, having retained their core roster through “hometown discounts”?
• Are the Rangers due for a culture shift, or will goaltending salvage their season?
• Bob emphasizes the importance of playoff-style players—physicality and adaptability over pure regular-season stats.

“They’re all kind of collectively doing what Tom Brady did all those years in New England... it would reward guys for caring more about winning than about their paycheck.” – Bob (38:08)

7. Closing Banter, Panther Propaganda, and Farewells

(42:29 – 43:26)

• The group jokes about turning Bob into a Panthers booster, compares Florida’s brief NHL success to that of the Chiefs in the NFL.
• Hosts thank Bob and each other, wrapping up another energetic episode.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “When I think of Sergei Fedorov from the 90s, I just think of white Nike skates.” – Ethan (05:04)
• “Not only am I better than you, not only am I stronger than you, but I’m a two-time defending Stanley Cup champion.” – David Dwork (11:46)
• “My thoughts are this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. It’s a buffalo.” – Roy Bellamy (14:13)
• “You just get up early in the morning, go to the rink, do some interviews, go back, grab a nap, do a game, get up the next morning, go back to the airport, do the same thing over again. But it’s the best part of the year.” – Bob Wischusen (19:18)
• “They’re all kind of collectively doing what Tom Brady did all those years in New England... it would reward guys for caring more about winning than about their paycheck.” – Bob Wischusen (38:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Skating graduation & fun banter: 01:19 – 04:03
• Fedorov’s jersey retirement & 90s Red Wings: 04:05 – 07:14
• Hockey Operations/Ice-building videos: 07:14 – 08:13
• Wins & Fails of the Week: 09:20 – 16:12
• Interview: Bob Wischusen on hockey broadcasting: 18:31 – 43:14
  • Broadcasting grind: 18:31 – 20:32
  • Preparation & roster talk: 22:26 – 24:57
  • College vs. NHL travel: 25:22 – 27:07
  • Top Five lists: 30:07 – 32:18
  • Favorite moments called: 33:16 – 37:49
  • Big questions for new season: 38:04 – 42:29
• Closing/farewells: 42:29 – 43:26

Tone & Style

A blend of irreverent, knowledgeable banter and genuine sports passion, true to the established dynamic of The Dan Le Batard Show. The crew’s playful ribbing and love of both hockey and broadcasting shine, creating a welcoming vibe for diehards and newcomers alike.

Summary Takeaway

This episode is a must-listen for fans of hockey nostalgia, the art of sports broadcasting, and anyone curious about the interplay of talent, tradition, and culture that animates both the NHL and the on-air personalities who call its greatest moments.