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World Juniors Hype, Coaching Shake-ups, and Retirement Reflections
Gear up for a power-packed episode of Shoot the Puck! We're diving into the anticipation surrounding the upcoming World Junior Championships, highlighting top prospects, key matchups, and the next generation of hockey talent.
In breaking news, dissect the ramifications of DJ Smith's departure from Ottawa. What led to the coaching shake-up, and how might it impact the Senators' trajectory?
On a somber note, join us as we discuss Nolan Patrick's unexpected retirement announcement. Reflect on the career of this promising player and the factors leading to his decision.
Stay ahead of the game with our insightful analyses and exclusive insights. Subscribe to Shoot the Puck now and join the conversation! Follow us on X and Instagram @shootthepuckpod 🎧🌐 #WorldJuniors #NHLNews #PodcastInsights #HockeyTalk 🚨🏒
It kind of really gives you look into some of the future of hockey and, uh, mainly NHL, uh, you know, some kind of up and comers and who's what. And it really kind of puts a spotlight on, on those folks. Uh, uh, those kids, I should say. Uh. You know, with their respective, uh, teams. So, uh, yeah let's talk a little bit about the world Juniors coming up. Hey everybody. Welcome back to this week's edition of Shoot the Puck. Hello, as usual. I'm Pat. I am your host and Matt is on the other end of the mic here we are you hockey notes, uh, hockey notes, news, rumors. Bit of fun. Everything all together. This is gonna be a really good episode. I'm looking forward to this one. We've got some really cool topics, so let's dive in. But first and foremost, Mr. Matthew, are you, sir?
Matt:Patrick, what's going on man? How are you? You ready for the holidays?
Pat:Ready as I'm gonna be with two kids and trying to wrap and get all the presents together. It's always a busy time for us here and it's very interesting, uh, for us to, uh, again, you know, kind of set the, uh, set sale on the old year and. Looking forward to the new year. Uh, Christmas is always a good time.
Matt:Yep. Eat, drink, hang out with family and just relax and just enjoy some time down and, you know, watch some sports, some hockey, some football be on. So yeah, it'll be a good time. It'll be a good time.
Pat:That's right. So yeah, really looking forward to the next couple of weeks, uh, in sports, obviously the NFL playoffs is, uh, around the corner and, uh, my fantasy team is completely in the garbage. So, uh, that's always nice to lose again. It's like, ah, God, it's so frustrating. And then, uh, of course we got the winter Classic coming up. So that's always, uh, a fun time, uh, talking outdoor hockey, right? And nothing, uh, nothing better than a little, uh, outdoor hockey. So always gonna be, uh, interested in
Matt:I saw they were just getting ready for that too, with the ice and whatnot. I just saw pictures earlier today, so yeah, they're already starting to set up for that.
Pat:Awesome. Yeah, it's gonna be awesome. Really looking forward to that. And then, um, you know, everything else, uh, is kind of surrounded around that, but, uh, this week, uh, there's another, uh, sort of, uh, really interesting. I would say tournaments, uh, going on, uh, that's just about the start. It's the, uh, the world juniors, right? I always like the world juniors. It kind of really gives you look into some of the future of hockey and, uh, mainly NHL, uh, you know, some kind of up and comers and who's what. And it really kind of puts a spotlight on, on those folks. Uh, uh, those kids, I should say. Uh. You know, with their respective, uh, teams. So, uh, yeah let's talk a little bit about the world Juniors coming up.
Matt:Yeah, would love to.
Pat:uh, so it's, so as of today we're recording this on Wednesday the 20th. it's actually, There's two pre-tournament games that actually happen. Uh, one starts tomorrow and then the other one is on Saturday. That's a pre-tournament. And so,
Matt:Okay.
Pat:Um, and then, um, yeah, basically then, uh, the real thing, the real deal starts, uh, Tuesday, the 26th to the day after Christmas.
Matt:Yeah, I saw that. Yeah, I knew it was the day after Christmas when it officially started. I didn't know about the pre-tournament, but yeah, it's, that's cool.
Pat:Always fun. Yeah. So I'm really looking forward to getting to know some of these other, uh, you know, the up and comers. Uh, most if not all of them have already, uh, quote unquote been drafted. Um, you know, there, there's a handful in there that, uh, that are eligible, uh, for the upcoming 2024 draft, but most of them are already, uh, sort of spoken for, if you will. Um, but yeah, so a couple of'em that are here and just from a, the us um, National Junior team, uh, it looks like they got three, three goalies, three attendees that are there, uh, ready to rock and roll, eight defensemen and 14 forwards. So that's always, uh, a good, um, it looks like a good number here, so I'm looking, I believe the captains were announced. Not that, uh, was it just yesterday or maybe the day before?
Matt:Yeah, I think actually maybe even earlier today, to be honest.
Pat:it was just like
Matt:Either today or yesterday. Yeah. Super recent.
Pat:So, uh, I'm gonna try to pronounce some of these names. Um, and apologies if I butcher them because, you know, obviously, um, they're just getting on our radar. I mean, My radar personally for, you know, the first time and whatnot. So, you know, some of the other, uh, diehards that are really, uh, into it may have, you know, may have heard them and may have, uh, you know, kind of known them and kind of followed their career. But, uh, they're just getting on my radar, so. Um, but your captain is Rutger McGarty, I think, uh, grody, I think is his last name. Um.
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:He is actually from Nebraska he's at the University of Michigan, uh, at the moment. And he is, uh, the Winnipeg Jets. J Winnipeg Jets have drafted him, last year, the 22, uh, first round, uh, 14th overall. So he is your captain. And then you have, I believe there's four alternates. So you have Gavin Brinley, cutter Guttier, lane Hudson, and Ryan Chesley. Um. So they are your alternates. Gavin is from Florida, also at the University of Michigan, and he was this year's, uh, in 23. Uh, he was drafted by Columbus, uh, second round, uh, 34th
Matt:Come
Pat:overall, er, I know him very well, obviously from, uh, being a Flyers fan. Uh, we drafted him fifth overall in 2022. So he's always got a, uh, I'm always kind of tuning into him and some of the plays I've seen him make at Boston College are insane. I can't wait till he's up with the flyers, and I'm hoping that's gonna be next year. So, we'll see. But, um, interesting, uh, thing there. So he's crazy Good. Um, and then you have Ryan Chesley. He's at, uh, he's at Minnesota, university of Minnesota, and he's from, uh, he's, uh, the capital's got him locked up. Uh, they drafted him last, uh,
Matt:Yeah. Caps. Yep.
Pat:Yep. Second round 37th. Uh, overall, and then I'm, I feel like I'm missing one. Which one did I, oh, lane. Lane Hudson. Um, he's at Boston University and then, uh.
Matt:Yeah. Hudson.
Pat:Last year he was drafted by Montreal, the Canadians north of the border there, uh, second round 67, 60 second overall. So, uh, Chesley and Hudson are defensemen, uh, goer Ga and uh, Gavin Brinley are, uh, our forwards and as long, uh,
Matt:Forwards. Yep.
Pat:along with Rutger, uh, Magdy. He's a forward as well, good little mix there. So I'm really interested to see how this, uh, how this kind of, uh, plays out. But I don't know, Matt, do you have any thoughts on initial thoughts on that? After I kind of went through the whole spiel here?
Matt:Oh no. Go ahead. Um, yeah, no I think it's gonna be an interesting group of guys, like you said, most of the guys are, you know, pretty much already spoken for, so it's gonna be interesting. I know there's gonna be a decent amount of scouts and stuff watching and checking these guys out to see, you know, how they're gonna come up, um, and doing the NHL. So it'll be a nice little taste. It's nice to see, you know, especially, um, with hockey this year in general, getting on, you know, overseas and I feel like NHL has been really putting it together this year. And, um, this is kind of like a nice little cherry on top. So, uh, yeah, it'll be really cool to see some nice young prospects and I've, you know, I know a few of these guys, uh, you know, lane Hudson saw a few of his stuff and, um. And, uh, Gavin Brinley too. Um, uh, I like this. Well, so, um, yeah, some nice young talent. Um, and I think it's gonna be really interesting to see how they're gonna click. And, uh, I do like the coaching staff, you know, a few of those guys really know what they're doing. Um, so it'll be interesting to see, uh. How they can get their guys going. And uh, yeah, a bunch of those coaches are already, you know, five, six seasons in, uh, at their colleges and have been to a bunch of tournament, you know, frozen fours and winning national championships and the whole nine. So, uh, I think they got the best of the best coaches there. So I don't think they'll have any, uh, problems in those departments. So see if they can just click it, you know, together on the ice. So, yeah, it'll be fun to watch Day after Christmas, I'll definitely be tuning in.
Pat:Yep, I'll be tuned in as well. So I had coach, uh, David Carl. Uh, he's got his, uh, squads lined up. Uh, Steve Miller, Brett Larsson, uh, a bunch of them. Uh, all they, you know, coaches head co, I should say. Uh, assistant coaches, uh, and then under gm, um, John Van Bessbrook. So, uh, let's really see what, uh, what they can do. But I'm really interested to see how this all kinda, uh, comes together and gets some eyes on some folks that, uh, you know, are the up and comers and yeah, we have a clue of what's in the pipeline, so that's always gonna be, uh, a good thing to, to kind of watch and, uh, yeah, sort of hold on to. interested to see Ryan Leonard as well. He was, uh, drafted by the Capitals this year in 23. Um, some on here that recognize, uh, Shamus Casey he's out in Michigan, university of Michigan now. Uh, and he was drafted by the Jersey Devils in 22. Just some names that kind of pop off the page here. So, um, some real good talent and, uh, yeah, we'll see what happens but as far as the schedule goes, it looks like, uh, like I said, you have those two, uh, sort of pre-tournament, uh, games, and then the real stuff happens the 26th, like you said, the day after Christmas. They kick it off with Norway. It's 5:00 PM I should kind of back up, uh, the The tournament is actually in Gutenberg, Sweden, so with the time difference and all that kind of jazz. So it's 5:00 PM um, local time. It's 11:00 AM Matt and I are in the Eastern time, so it's 11:00 AM Eastern time. Day after Christmas, uh, they're kicking off, out there in Sweden against Norway. So they play actually, um, they play Tuesday, Thursday, Friday next week. So Norway, sw uh, Switzerland. And then, um, uh, Czech, uh, cheche, they play same time. 11:00 AM all three games, and it's all
Matt:11. Okay.
Pat:uh, NHL network. if you don't have your NHL Network tuned in. Let's go get it rolling. That's gonna be, uh, some good hockey
Matt:Fire it up. Fire it up.
Pat:So, and then the 31st. So, um, new Year's Eve, they play Slovakia. Um, uh, that is a little different. That's at 6:00 AM our time, Matt So, uh,
Matt:Oh, geez.
Pat:Uh, it
Matt:Might have to watch the highlights on that one.
Pat:It depends if my kids are up that early or not. We'll see
Matt:Yeah, I was gonna say, you might be floating around already there, but Yeah, we'll
Pat:yeah, the kids just are relentless. They don't know they have no sense of time or sleep. So, uh, I may be up at 6:00 AM who knows? So we'll see. Um, and then, you know, kind of based on how they do and those first couple of games, but six games, um, they're scheduled and, you know, changes as they go into the quarterfinals, semifinals, et cetera, et cetera. So, um, so we'll
Matt:Right on.
Pat:what happens there. Yep. So we'll see what happens there. But, uh, it's very, uh, it's very interesting to see how this all kind of plays out. Uh, and this is my first year kind of really looking at the World Junior Championship. Like, I knew what it was before and I kind of, I had an idea and I would tune into highlights, but I didn't really like,
Matt:Yeah, dabbled here and there. yeah,
Pat:I didn't really follow it, but I'm really interested
Matt:Yeah. Me either.
Pat:and kind of really get going. So we will, uh, yeah, we'll kind of see from,
Matt:Yeah. I think this is. Yeah I think this is a really interesting year too, because I feel like this year is just really like stacked with talent. Um, and I thought it was pretty neat. There was a little, uh, article here that I was reading earlier about, um, it's all about Florida. Um, four players are Florida, like, you know, roots, and they all played together. Um, and, uh, it would be a. Goaltender, Jacob Fowler, uh, Seamus, Casey defenseman forward, uh, Gavin Brinley and the other goaltender, uh, Sam Hallam, Brit. So all those guys have been playing together for a couple years now, and I'm, you know, I was looking at pictures earlier when they're like, you know, 14, 15, and they're. You know, in the juniors, they're like little kids and they've been playing together for, you know, in the summers and stuff too, you know, the whole time. So those guys have been together for quite a bit, those four. So it was pretty neat to see. So I hope they can, uh, bring their, uh, you know, me and Florida Roots and Rowdy's and get that, you know, USA team fired up and, uh, hopefully win something.
Pat:Yeah. Yeah, that'll be very interesting and I that, it's interesting to me that Florida that has such a. Connection to Florida.'cause when you think Florida, you don't necessarily think hockey, you think, you know, warm, sunny weather and you know,
Matt:Yeah. No, not, absolutely not.
Pat:that's, uh, that's pretty
Matt:Quite the opposite. Yeah,
Pat:I think that's pretty cool. Um, so
Matt:yeah, It was neat.
Pat:Yeah, that, that's a cool, that's a cool thing. So, uh, it looks like you got quite a bit. Um, there's looks like five games almost. Well, five games Tuesday and Wednesday the 26th and 27th. Then you got two games on Thursday, five games on Friday. Uh, so it's, there's quite a bit. Going on here and it's all on NL network, so you literally could watch hockey from 6:00 AM till like probably three 30 or four o'clock in the afternoon, I was like,
Matt:Yeah. All day. and all
Pat:good day. Yeah, that sounds like All right, So,
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. It'll be interesting to see the different groups too, you know, how that plays out and whatnot. So, um, yeah, and USA's medaled in, uh, six of the last eight world championships, you know, juniors. So, uh, including a bronze medal finished in 2023. Um, yeah, we'll see. We'll see what happens. But yeah, it'll be cool.
Pat:Yep. And then you have two time Defending Champion Canada. They play their first prelim, uh, round against Finland on the 26th as well. So it seems to be, uh, um, you know, generally, you know, it's a two horse race, US and Canada, right? That kind of thing. So, but, uh, I'm curious to see how the other countries, uh, play out here and what they you know, what kind of talent they have, um,
Matt:Yeah, absolutely.
Pat:pockets. So, uh, world Junior is always a interesting time, uh, really looking forward to kind of diving in and watching, you know, a couple certain players and, um, you know, kind of going from there and seeing, uh, what shakes out of that tree. So, always gonna be, uh, a fun time there. What was the next one here? We should just be, we should just be psychics. That should be our new jobs from nine to five because, I. Two episode. Well by this one, three episodes ago, uh, episode two, basically we did a segment on, uh, which coaches were on the hot seat, and number one, Dean Everson in Minnesota was fired. So we were right on that one, and now we're right on the second one. We're right on the second one. Just quit our jobs and just become psychics because finally, after. Months of agony up there north of the border.
Matt:In Ottawa. Yep.
Pat:fire, DJ Smith, like, how much rope were they gonna give this guy? Before they were like, you know what, this isn't really working anymore. It's just, it's crazy.
Matt:He was mine.
Pat:Yeah, I don't know if you could say, the guy is just, he's out. He had the long leash and finally, now they've said, all right, enough is enough. And Audi goes. So, uh, jock Martin is taking over on an interim, uh, basis and also another, uh, note, uh, Danielson, who is the franchise's
Matt:was gonna, I was just about to say that.
Pat:He's the all time leader in goals and points there. Uh, he's martin as a assistant coach. So I dunno. Matt, you have any thoughts on that? I'll cut you loose.
Matt:Yeah. Yeah, no, we, and uh, we mentioned that as well too.'cause Alfredson did the, uh, the games earlier, you know, a couple weeks ago when we were talking about that. So we, and he was undefeated in those games that they played. So that was pretty cool. And we kind of put that into fruition too. And I, it was interesting how he, uh, just kind of slid right in there and good for him because, like you said, he's. He's definitely one of the best to ever do it in Ottawa, if not the best. So, um, yeah that's good for him. I always liked Daniel sson, so. Yeah, I mean, like we said, we kind of saw this coming. Um, I'm surprised it wasn't a little sooner. Um. Because it just, he just didn't have a good year at all. Um, especially with all that talent up there, it's kind of just wasting away and, you know, you gotta cut it sooner or later before the fire really can't be put out. So, you know, I think Ottawa did the right thing here. Um, get rid of him before the new year, before all the. Trade deadlines before all this stuff, you know, second half of the season comes and then you can't turn it around, you know, it's too late. So, um, yeah. Um, it'll be interesting to see if, uh, Alfredson and Martin and all those guys can start turning that talent around.'cause like I said, too much talent there to be wasted. And, uh, Ottawa fans definitely feel the same way.
Pat:Way too much talent. Um, so it was Smith's fifth year behind the bench and he compiled a less than mediocre 1 31, 1 54 and 32 record through 317 games. So, uh, that basically just, uh, that, equates to a 0.464. Uh, percentage during his tenure. So he wasn't even 500. Um,
Matt:Yeah. Nope. You,
Pat:is, not great. They never made the playoffs under his watch and their best finish came with 86 points, and that was last season. So, um,
Matt:yeah. Just not getting it done.
Pat:So yeah, he was a long-term coach there. He just never quite. Never quite got there. And the leash was finally cut, which I think is, was obvious, like you said, was the right, uh, was the right call. And his contract was set to expire, uh, after, I think it was this season, if I'm not mistaken, uh, after this season.
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. They probably wouldn't have renewed it anyway.
Pat:Nope. Nope. Um, so Martin, uh, he's 71. Uh, so he's up there, uh,
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:he's not been a head coach in the NHL, um, since he was with the, uh, the Canadians in the 20 11, 20 12, uh, season. So
Matt:Oh Yeah. It's been a
Pat:was an assistant. He was an assistant with your pens there for several
Matt:Sullivan Yeah. Yeah. He was assistant coach when, uh, 2016 and 2017 happened. So yeah, it was a bummer that we let him go and, um, wish he was still around'cause we could use his help right now.
Pat:Yeah. So, uh, very interesting to see that all, uh, unfold there. I think it was the right time, the right move for them to move on, and we'll see what happens. I'm curious to see if, uh, uh, a recent coach that was let go. I'll, uh, Craig, you know, Beru, uh, what, you know, makes his way up there. I. Um,'cause obviously he's a proven coach and whatnot, so it'd be interesting to see if, uh, you know, where they shake out or this next round of coaching, uh, in the off season. The next round of coaches come through there. Uh, see if bi Ruby makes it, um, to a, uh, decent, uh, squad there.
Matt:Yeah I'm guessing Martin will just be filling in for interim now until, um, you know, maybe he'll finish out this season or they'll get somebody new. Um, don't really know. But, um, yeah, it'll be interesting to see if, like I said if they can turn it around now because way too much talent up there to be wasted and, uh, I think they really need to get it going. Hopefully they'll get something maybe at the trade deadline and, you know, Martin and Alfredsson can. Put their two brains together and maybe, you know, get some more guys that'll help'em out in certain departments that they're not getting it in, you know, getting it done in. Um, but yeah, it'll be, uh, interesting to see. We'll, uh, see what happens here in the next couple weeks with them.
Pat:Yeah, I'm interested to see what happens with guys like Brady Kuck or, um, or Josh Norris or Jake Sanderson or some of those, uh, you know, those guys that you have up there in, um, in Ottawa, uh, you know, depending on Martin's coaching style and, um, know how he kind of handles the room and things of that nature. I wonder if those, uh, wonder if those, the, you know, the young talent up there kind of shifts, mindsets or what, um, you know, what that looks like. But yeah, Way too much talent up there with the guys that I, you know, that I mentioned, uh, to kind of just, you know, not do well, you know, based on the Bench boss. So, very interesting, uh, to see what that, uh, what happens over the next, uh, couple of weeks there, up in Ottawa, north of zip order.
Matt:Yeah, interesting that, you know, we talked about it last episode, like we would, we, I for you know, for sure thought that DJ Smith was gonna get canned before Bar Ruby. Like, Ruby was kind of a surprise to me. And then literally a couple days later, they're both gone now and it's like, oh man, there's been a bunch of that so far this season. Uh, teams are not putting up with it, so yeah, it's interesting.
Pat:Lot of axon going
Matt:Yep. Lot of boots, lot of asses to the door.
Pat:it. God damn right. So, uh, yeah, so we'll see what happens. And then, um, some. I don't say peculiar news, um, but some more. Um, and I really think this kid could have really been something, uh, but he was just plagued by, um, some injuries, uh, obviously closer to my heart'cause he was drafted by my flyers. But, uh, Nolan, Patrick, he was the number two overall pick in the 2017 draft. Uh, basically, uh, there was reports that he officially retired today. Um, and then
Matt:Yeah, seen that.
Pat:Elliot Friedman, I think I saw on Twitter or x we
Matt:Yeah, I saw a quick blip, uh, a quick blip about it, so I was kind of confused. But yeah, go ahead.
Pat:Yeah, he basically said that, you know, he reached out to Patrick and uh, he didn't wanna talk on the phone, but he shot him a text and Patrick basically said he is not retired but basically the gist of it is, you know, Nolan, Patrick was this really highly scouted kid coming out of uh,
Matt:Yeah, he was supposed to be kind of the next big thing.
Pat:Yeah, he was really kind of up there and the flyers kind of fell into that number two pick, and it was like a slam dunk, no brainer. And he just really didn't. Like do much, he just kind of fell flat and yeah, maybe
Matt:Yeah, very.
Pat:or whatever, but it just, um, he just, yeah, he just never kind of went anywhere. And he had, he, you know, he has some migraine issues or I guess it's an official disorder, um, a migraine disorder. The flyers just kinda let him go. And then he was picked up by the Golden Knights and then I think he played his last game, March of 2022, uh, with the Golden Knights. So, um, uh, you know, hey, I really wanted to see him work out. I think he had a lot of talent, but I think he, uh, like I said, that disorder really messed with him and he really couldn't, uh, couldn't do it. And, you know, with hockey being the contact sport, it is, you know, I get it. You gotta take care of the old noggin'cause there's life after hockey for sure. So, um, what you gotta do. But yeah, it's very interesting that, you know, there was reports that he retired and then like I said, Elliot Friedman reached out and basically said no. He said no, he is not retired. I dunno, we'll see what happens. Um, uh, like I said, flyers picked him up. Uh, he's from Winnipeg, uh, or a Winnipeg native. Uh, second overall, uh, pick, uh, in 102 points in 72 games for the, uh, the brand new week, Kings In 2015 and 16. So he was, uh, he had 41 goals and 61 assists. So he was up there, man. He really did well. And then, uh, three seasons with the flyers and, uh, they parted ways and he was picked up by the Golden Knights and he had 77 points it looks like. Um, 32 goals, 45 assists, and then, um, in, in 222 games. So, uh, you hate to see it, but
Matt:think he was shipped, uh, to Nashville there for a second too, wasn't he?
Pat:He might've been. Yeah, I know he kinda, he kind of went
Matt:They like right after the flyers and then I think after that, yeah, he they pretty much got rid of him too and then he played for Vegas, but Yeah.
Pat:Yeah. So, uh, he we'll kind of keep an eye on that and, you know, not that he's gonna make some miraculous, you know, comeback or anything, at least I don't think so. Um, but it's, uh,
Matt:Yeah.'cause he's had.
Pat:story.
Matt:Yeah, he's had, yeah, he's had some trouble with that migraine and concussion stuff the last couple years. He didn't even play in 20 18, 20 19 season he was out with it. So he kind of maybe had a, you know, sense of direction on where this was coming. Um, because like you said. Pat, like he was supposed to be kind of this next big thing and got the flyers fans, you know, fan base, all excited'cause he was supposed to be a really good player and the hype was up there, and uh, like you said, kind of came in and just didn't really do much and then he kind of just like phased out and you didn't really hear much about him again, to be honest. And uh, but yeah, it kind of makes sense why, you know, he's been having all these issues and Yeah, like you said, young kid. You know, got your life ahead of you. And if it's really that, you know, big of a deal and it's really giving you that bad health problems, then you know, you need to reconsider your life choices, which, you know, good on him. So, um, yeah, hopefully maybe if he can't play hockey, he'll, um, you know, maybe be a coach or I. You know, analyst or something. I'm sure. I'm sure he'll find something. But yeah, good guy. All overall, it's just, it's unfortunate when stuff like this happens, you know, you don't know what the talent that could've been. You know, you're always wondering having that in the back of your head, especially you Pap being a flyers guy, you know, he was with you. So, um, you were always like, man, just if he would've just stayed healthy, I wonder what could happened,
Pat:Yeah. Right.
Matt:yeah it's unfortunate. But yeah, it's just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.
Pat:Yeah, like I said, maybe that's some of the flyers, uh, bad voodoo that the students, uh, center around their draft picks that just don't really kind of pan out. So, um, yeah, who knows? But, um, I. But it is interesting here. You mentioned that, uh, coaching perspective. He actually does, uh, I think he was hired, I wanna say for it's called the Power Play. So I think, uh, Patrick was. Involved in
Matt:Involved in that.
Pat:yeah, so He's got that like kind of coaching or mentorship, um, kind of avenue in front of him, uh, that sort of thing. So, uh, just curious to see how that goes. And he's still in the game. It's just not playing anymore. So he looks like he is part of, uh, said the power play here. It's hockey coaching and, uh, mentorship, uh, program. Always good to, to see what they're doing afterwards. And, um, uh, it looks like he's a mentor video coach. Uh, he's got a couple titles, uh, behind his name with that, uh, you know, from, uh, from the Power Plays, uh, website here. So, um, always, uh, always good to see that, uh, he's not just sitting on the couch hanging out and, you know, potentially getting in trouble. So, it's
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. it's cool that he's still at least involved somehow. And uh, yeah, interesting enough, his dad, Steve Patrick played, uh, as an NHL player, played 250 games, and then his Uncle James was also in the NHL who played only 23. He was moved around a couple teams and didn't pan out. But yeah, so like yeah, had some, yeah, definitely had that generational hockey there. And uh, yeah, so it'd be interesting to see if he can take all that wisdom that I'm sure he knows. You know, he's gotten passed down from his family members and yeah, just keep on mentoring and hopefully he'll we'll see him again.
Pat:Yep. Yeah, for sure. So just thought I mentioned, uh, that as well. And then, um, I think we're gonna, it's a little bit of a shorter one, but I think we're gonna do, uh, we're gonna bring back the shooter of the week. I, uh, we always like to do this segment and just kind of showcase some guys that are just absolutely on fire, um, for, you know, goals and just can't miss the net. So, I dunno. Matt, why don't you go, what's your first, uh, shooter of the week here?
Matt:Yeah, sure. Um, my shooter of the week is going to be up in Vancouver. It is Brock Besser. Um, he's been on a little bit of a tear lately. Um, you know, a couple games ago, last week or whatever it was, uh, the 12th actually against Tampa Bay. He had a Hattie. Um, so that was ni that was nice. I. And, uh, then the next game he had a goal and, uh, then he had a goal against Chicago a couple nights, and, uh, yeah, he's up there. He is in the top five. So, and he's been ripping'em lately and so has Vancouver. Man, I mentioned them earlier in a couple episodes ago, and I, you know, they're standing in second right behind, you know, the Knights in the Pacific Division. I think they have one hell of a team this year. And, you know, they're definitely on my high horse up there to, you know, cup contender. So I'm interested to see, you know, especially he's been lighting the lamp a lot. And, uh, getting his team going. So, uh, I'm really excited to see where they're gonna do in this second half coming up,
Pat:nice. Yep. Always nice to see, uh, some other folks on this list and, you know, not the big muscle that we're always used to and, you know, light the lamp. So, um,
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. Who you got?
Pat:Uh,
Matt:your shooter?
Pat:my shooter of the week is Mr. Koff down there in Tampa Bay. He's, uh, just, he's insane. He, the dude is just, I mean, obviously over the last, you know, we, you know, he's been in the league quite a few years now and he just performs it year in and year out. And you know, those couple of years where Tampa Bay was basically, you know, the Chicago Black Hawks of the mid two thousands you know, the mid two, 2000 tens or whatever they had a little bit of a dynasty run there for. For a bit, um, you know, couple years back to back and some cups in there and whatnot. So they were really humming, but, uh, and this guy's a big part of it. So yeah, Kuro, uh, totally, I think he's third and third league in goals, uh, with 22, uh, at the moment. But the last week has just been on a terror. He's got five, he's got five goals in the last five games, and he's got, uh, five assists in the last five games as well. So he's just, uh, he's on an absolute terror. So, um,
Matt:Yeah, I was, uh
Pat:lightning have stumbled a little bit. Uh, I think they've, uh, they've I stumbled outta the gate, or they hit a longer pause. They're 15, 15, 13, and five, um, which is kind of middle of the road, uh, kind of thing. But,
Matt:Middle. Yeah.
Pat:Maybe some of that talent down there in Tampa Bay is, uh, is getting a little long in the tooth, right? The stamp coasts, and again, the coffs,
Matt:Yeah. Veteran team's getting a little older.
Pat:They're kind of, you know, they're kinda like your pens and, you know, they've had some core, real core players there for a long time, and now they're starting to be on the wrong side. So yeah, get a little old, a lot of the tooth. But, uh, we'll see what happens here in the next couple of weeks with, uh. With the season, shaken out with the Winter Classic and then the trade, you know, deadline and whatnot. But yeah, coff is really, uh, you know, just absolutely, you know, steady as a rock, as you expect him to be. Like I said, 22 goals, 32 assists. He's got 54 points, which is first, um, points wise, he's
Matt:Yeah, I was gonna say he's first in points right now. Yeah, that's what I was gonna
Pat:absolutely, uh, brings it every year. Um, consistency is his, uh, is his name. That is my mine's shooter in a week. So we'll see what happens, uh, next,
Matt:You should.
Pat:next couple weeks and, uh, get you two more shooters depending on who, uh, rises to the top here. So, um, do you have anything else, Matt?
Matt:Um, no, I just had, um, uh, there were some crazy games last night on Tuesday, some really high scoring games, so that was interesting to see. I was watching and, um. Just flicking back and forth and saw Columbus was up like nine, four or whatever at the time. And yeah, a bunch of six threes and five fours and I was like, oh my God. It was like, I should have bet the over on everybody last night because everybody was lighting the lamp, so it was kind of c rather than the opposite. And uh, you know, sometimes, you know, one, one nothing. Games are oh man, it's just all defense. So it was kind of cool to see, you know, a lot of guys lighting the lamp last night and. And scoring some points. Um, yeah, all your flyers. 1, 3, 2 against the devils in overtime. That was a close game. I was watching a little bit of that, so, and uh, yeah. You guys are on a roll now, man. What are you guys in? Second or
Pat:I think so, something like that.
Matt:second? Yeah. Second or third. Still hanging around. Up at the top of the pack.
Pat:yeah, we are, we're second in the metro, so only behind those pesky rangers. So second
Matt:Yep. Yeah. And then, uh,
Pat:I think
Matt:yeah.
Pat:like top 10 in the league, in, in points.
Matt:Yeah. Yeah, definitely.
Pat:or 10th in, in the league in points. So yeah, it's
Matt:Up there.
Pat:crazy how that works. It's just, you know, you don't expect your folks to, you know, your team to do well and then all of a sudden they're like shot out of a cannon and you're like, oh my God, what is going on here? So, uh, that's very, uh. Very interesting to see how that happens. So now they have played more games than, uh, some of the folks lower down on the rung. So they played three more games than the capitals. They've played a game or two more than the devils in your pens and stuff like that. So kind of once that, once that kind of watches out, I'm curious to see what, uh, what happens. But they've been getting good goal tending. Uh, Carter Hart's been on the shelf with an illness for a co for a week or two now. So Sam Harrison's filled in and he's just on a crazy streak right now. Um, which, which has really helped. And, uh, yeah, some of the young guns really doing well. Cutter Gaer from the like we kind of talked about him earlier, uh, I'm hoping he's here next year up with the big squad, uh, doing his things. And then, uh, um, Mitchoff as well. We drafted him this year. Um, from, he's over in Russia at the moment. I think he's with the KHL, um, doing his thing, and I'm hoping he gets over here next year. So some young kids really Finding some space and I'm kind of forcing their hands. So yeah, we'll see. I'm gonna ride the bus as long as it's, as long as the flyers will take me.
Matt:Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I saw, um, uh, Minnesota played the Penguins the other night and Pittsburgh fans were chanting for flurry to. To come in. But yeah, I don't think it happened.'cause you know, it might be his last game. So yeah, they won, uh, four, three over the wild. But yeah, they were loving the flower. Hope you know, one last time probably,'cause who knows if he'll come back season and, uh, if he doesn't, God bless him. I think he'll definitely, uh, be a number up there eventually in the rafters up in pp and g. So, um, yeah, that
Pat:it's a crime if he isn't, let's put it that way,
Matt:Yeah. Oh yeah, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. A lot of people will feel that way. But yeah. And then, uh, just a couple other guys coming back from injury. That's good to see. Um, Dylan Larkin being one of'em, you know, I mentioned him a bunch. Um, so he was back there. He had an assist. They lost the other night, four, three, you know, in his first game back since that, uh, little concussion or, you know, knockout, whatever he had. So just glad it wasn't worse than it was'cause uh, it's nice to see him back. But, uh, other than that, yeah, I think, uh, you know, Christmas coming up, let everybody get through the holidays and, you know, have the games the rest of this week and we'll catch up with everybody, you know, in, uh, up and coming, you know, in the new year, you know, next week, late next week. So.
Pat:Yep. Sounds good. We'll have a little, uh, a little more to talk about with the world juniors, that'll, you know, a couple games have been played out by then, so,
Matt:Yeah. Yeah, that too. And, uh, trade deadlines coming up. We'll touch base on that coming up probably in the next few weeks. So yeah, we'll definitely have, uh, some things to talk about coming up.
Pat:Yep, for sure. So, alright, uh, like I said, we're gonna get outta here, get outta your hair. We appreciate everybody joining as usual. Just thanks again as always for listening as we kind of get this thing off the ground. Uh, Matt and I are, you know, we're just fans of the hockey game, right? Um, you know, we don't have any kind of insider information or, I mean, we'd like to, but, uh, we're just two guys talking to him, Mike and really enjoying the game of hockey for as long as we've had. Um, and kind of going from there. So, um, really appreciate everybody joining, listening and keeps us going here so. As always, uh, do us a favor and subscribe to the show here. Uh, that really, uh, helps us and, uh, kind of again, keeps us going and keeps the, uh, the mojo high, if you will. So that's always good. Throw us a rating and a review on Apple, uh, apple podcasts. That would be great. That fools with the apple, uh, the algorithms that we, you know, continuously seem to fight in today's content driven world. We're always fighting against an algorithm. So, uh, yeah, those, uh, ratings, reviews, all that stuff really helps, uh, with getting more eyes and ears on the show as well. And so, Uh, that would be great. Uh, stay in tune with us, right? Stay in the loop. Uh, chat with us. Uh, we're on, uh, mainly on Twitter or x, uh, and Instagram, both at shoot, the puck pod. So come and hang out, uh, on there as well. And, uh, as we start to kind of burn this a little bit and get going, uh, we'll be posting some more things like. Behind the scenes shots or, uh, just little small clippets, you know, clips of things. And, uh, just kind of give you a little behind the scenes actions. So I think that adds a little color, uh, than just us talking into a, uh, into a mic. So, uh, once again, Matt, it's always fun hanging out with you, my man.
Matt:Yes sir. Brother.
Pat:we'll, see you, uh, I'll see you over the Christmas holiday for sure. We'll shoot the shit and then, uh,
Matt:Yes. Happy holidays to everybody out there.
Pat:holidays and
Matt:Have a safe one.
Pat:next week.
Matt:Sounds good.
Pat:See ya.
