Episode Summary: "The Hockey Show: We Miss Puck"

Release Date: July 25, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hosts: Roy Bellamy, David Dwork, Ethan, and Guest Adnan Virk
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

1. Recent NHL Offseason Developments

The episode kicks off with the hosts diving into recent happenings within the NHL offseason. Roy Bellamy introduces the main topics, including the recap of significant trades and the current state of various teams.

Notable Discussion:

• Nick Tarnaski Incident: Roy and David discuss a recent altercation on a golf course involving former NHL enforcer Nick Tarnaski.

  • David Dwork ([03:13]): “I had to put some thought into it.”
  • Roy Bellamy ([03:32]): “All jokes aside, guys, I'd like to...”

• Personal Anecdotes on Golfing: The hosts share personal stories about their golf experiences, highlighting frustrations and humorous moments.

  • Roy Bellamy ([03:50]): “36 is 18. Very much a Michael Jordan thing to do.”
  • Ethan ([04:07]): “I love golf and I love to play golf. I don't play enough golf.”

2. "Happy Gilmore" Sequel Speculations

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the anticipated sequel to the classic movie "Happy Gilmore."

Key Points:

• Missing Characters: The absence of Chubbs Peterson due to Calwater's death is a major talking point.

  • Roy Bellamy ([06:26]): “There's one major character missing...”
  • David Dwork ([15:28]): “Matthew Tkachuk has made it look easy.”

• Casting and Cameos: The hosts speculate on potential cameos, including Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce, adding excitement yet expressing skepticism about the film's reception.

  • Ethan ([07:04]): “She's going to be terrible, but very fun because the cameos...”

3. Top Five Fictional Coaches Perfect for Hockey

The hosts and guest Adnan Virk engage in a lively debate to compile a list of fictional coaches from various media who would excel in managing a hockey team.

Top Five Picks:

1. Ted Lasso (David Dwork)

   • David ([27:28]): “Gives off major Paul Maurice vibes. A lot of positive influence...”

2. Lou Brown (David Dwork)

   • Roy Bellamy ([29:34]): “Tell me that guy's not firing up the troops.”

3. Eric Taylor from "Friday Night Lights" (David Dwork)

   • David ([29:46]): “Just a motivational guy with his finger on the pulse...”

4. Norman Dale from "Hoosiers" (Adnan Virk)

   • Adnan ([29:58]): “He knows everything about everything...”

5. Jimmy Dugan from "A League of Their Own" (Adnan Virk)

   • Adnan ([30:28]): “He is going to make the difference between winning and losing...”

Additional Mentions:

• Mickey from "Rocky"
• Coach Carter
• Bud Kilmer from "Varsity Blues"
• Patches O'Houlihan from "Dodgeball"

4. Adnan Virk’s New Book: "Cinephile Interviews, Essays and Tales from the Red Carpet"

Guest Adnan Virk promotes his newly released book, sharing insights and excerpts that delve into his passion for cinema.

Highlights:

• Excerpt on "Taxi Driver" ([37:24]): Adnan reads a passage praising the film's enduring impact and its exploration of loneliness.

  • Adnan Virk: “Taxi Driver is a definitive film about loneliness and urban alienation...”

• Discussion on Favorite Directors: Adnan shares his admiration for Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, emphasizing their influence on his work.

  • Adnan Virk: “I love Tarantino, but Scorsese is my favorite...”

• Book Promotion: The hosts encourage listeners to pre-order and engage with Adnan’s work.

  • Roy Bellamy ([44:45]): “Please, go out and pre-order that right now...”

5. Major NHL News: Ineligibility of 2018 World Junior Team Members

A pivotal segment covers the recent court verdicts involving five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey Team, impacting their NHL careers.

Details:

• Court Verdict: All five players, including Carter Hart and Michael McLeod, were found not guilty of sexual assault but remain ineligible to play in the NHL.

  • Adnan Virk ([22:31]): “All five members of that team are ineligible to play in the National Hockey League.”

• NHL’s Response: The league is reviewing the judge’s findings but maintains the suspensions based on the allegations.

  • Ethan ([25:08]): “The NHL did release a statement...”

• Implications for Teams: Discussion on how teams might handle the ineligibility, with specific mentions of the Edmonton Oilers and their GM, Stan Bowman.

  • Roy Bellamy ([25:24]): “Stan Bowman is currently running the Edmonton Oilers...”

6. NHL Season Predictions and Upcoming Highlights

In anticipation of the new season, the hosts share their predictions and analyze team performances.

Predictions:

• Stanley Cup Favorites: Roy champions the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights, while David expresses confidence in Matthew Tkachuk’s contributions.

  • Roy Bellamy ([41:52]): “I'm gonna go for Vegas then...”
  • Ethan ([42:32]): “The Florida Panthers are a +600 favorite according to DraftKings.”

• Team Analysis: Detailed discussion on team standings, player performances, and potential Stanley Cup contenders.

  • David Dwork ([43:19]): “Bud Kilmer is a no-nonsense coach...”

7. Listener Engagement and Future Episodes

The episode concludes with promotion of Adnan Virk’s book and a brief overview of future topics, maintaining engagement with the audience.

Final Remarks:

• Book Signing Plans: The hosts express eagerness to host a book signing event for Adnan in Miami.

  • Roy Bellamy ([45:27]): “Get your Sharpie ready, because he's ready.”

• Next Episode Tease: A promise of continued hockey discussions with possible deep dives into player performances and team strategies.

  • Roy Bellamy ([46:05]): “We will see you next week.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David Dwork ([03:19]): “Looks real bad. Played 36 holes of golf.”

• Roy Bellamy ([06:10]): “That's a major, major thing.”

• David Dwork ([15:28]): “Three straight Stanley Cup final appearances. Two straight Stanley Cups...”

• Adnan Virk ([37:24]): “Taxi Driver is a definitive film about loneliness and urban alienation.”

• Ethan ([42:32]): “The Florida Panthers are a +600 favorite according to DraftKings.”

Conclusion

"The Hockey Show: We Miss Puck" offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current NHL events, intertwined with personal anecdotes, cinematic discussions, and insightful predictions. Hosted by Roy Bellamy, David Dwork, Ethan, and featuring Adnan Virk, the episode provides valuable perspectives for both avid hockey fans and casual listeners alike. The blend of sports analysis, movie enthusiasm, and engaging banter ensures a rich and enjoyable listening experience.

For more insights and detailed discussions, tune into "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz" on DraftKings Network or their YouTube channel.