Saginaw Spirit GM Dave Drinkell on Memorial Cup Win + Former Panthers Captain Brian Skrudland Joins the Show
Digest
Dave Drinkold, general manager of the Saginaw Spirit, joins the show to discuss their recent Memorial Cup victory. He describes the electric atmosphere in Saginaw during the tournament, particularly during the championship game. Drinkold highlights the contributions of trade deadline acquisitions Owen Back and Josh Bloom, emphasizing their impact on the team's success. He also praises the leadership of head coach Chris Lazarier and the dedication of owner Craig Goslin, who has been instrumental in fostering a strong community presence for the Spirit. Drinkold believes that the Spirit's victory will help dispel the stigma surrounding American teams in the Ontario Hockey League, showcasing the league's growth and development of players. He reflects on the celebratory texts he received after the win, highlighting the pride and support from family, friends, and hockey colleagues. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of community support in junior hockey, emphasizing the unique bond between players and fans in this level of the sport.
Outlines
Memorial Cup Champions
This Chapter discusses the Saginaw Spirit's recent Memorial Cup victory, highlighting the electric atmosphere in Saginaw during the tournament, particularly during the championship game. Drinkold emphasizes the contributions of trade deadline acquisitions Owen Back and Josh Bloom, praising their impact on the team's success.
Trade Deadline Acquisitions
This Chapter delves into the impact of the Saginaw Spirit's trade deadline acquisitions, Owen Back and Josh Bloom, on their Memorial Cup victory. Drinkold describes the process of acquiring both players, highlighting their contributions to the team's success.
The Sweetness of Victory
This Chapter explores the significance of the Saginaw Spirit's victory over the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final. Drinkold discusses the emotional impact of the win, particularly after losing to the Knights in the Western Conference championship, and the importance of overcoming adversity.
The Power of Belief
This Chapter examines the Saginaw Spirit's resilience and determination in their Memorial Cup victory. Drinkold reflects on the team's ability to overcome challenges, particularly against the powerhouse London Knights, and the importance of believing in their abilities.
Community Support
This Chapter highlights the importance of community support in junior hockey, focusing on the Saginaw Spirit's owner, Craig Goslin. Drinkold praises Goslin's dedication to the community and his efforts to create a positive environment for the team and fans.
Leadership and Mentorship
This Chapter discusses the leadership and mentorship of Saginaw Spirit head coach Chris Lazarier. Drinkold emphasizes Lazarier's work ethic, passion, and ability to create a family atmosphere within the team, fostering growth and development among the players.
American Hockey's Rise
This Chapter explores the significance of an American team winning the Memorial Cup, particularly for the Ontario Hockey League and junior hockey in general. Drinkold believes that the Saginaw Spirit's victory will help dispel the stigma surrounding American teams in the league and showcase the growth of the game in the United States.
The Power of Connection
This Chapter reflects on the impact of the Saginaw Spirit's Memorial Cup victory on Dave Drinkold personally. He discusses the overwhelming support he received from family, friends, and colleagues, highlighting the power of connection and shared experiences in the hockey community.
Keywords
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is the championship trophy awarded annually to the champion of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), which comprises the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and the Western Hockey League (WHL). It is considered the top prize in Canadian junior hockey and is often seen as a stepping stone to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Saginaw Spirit
The Saginaw Spirit is a junior ice hockey team based in Saginaw, Michigan, that competes in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The team was founded in 2002 and has won numerous awards, including the OHL championship in 2015 and the Memorial Cup in 2023.
Dave Drinkold
Dave Drinkold is the general manager of the Saginaw Spirit, a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He has been with the Spirit since 2015 and has played a key role in the team's success, including their recent Memorial Cup victory in 2023.
Craig Goslin
Craig Goslin is an owner of the Saginaw Spirit, a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He is known for his dedication to the community and his efforts to create a positive environment for the team and fans.
Chris Lazarier
Chris Lazarier is the head coach of the Saginaw Spirit, a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He is known for his work ethic, passion, and ability to create a family atmosphere within the team, fostering growth and development among the players.
Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is one of the three major junior hockey leagues in Canada, along with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL). The OHL is known for its high level of competition and its role in developing players for the National Hockey League (NHL).
Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the umbrella organization for the three major junior hockey leagues in Canada: the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and the Western Hockey League (WHL). The CHL is considered the top level of junior hockey in Canada and is a major source of talent for the National Hockey League (NHL).
Junior Hockey
Junior hockey refers to the level of ice hockey played by players under the age of 20. It is a popular and competitive level of hockey in Canada and the United States, with many players going on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Q&A
What was the atmosphere like in Saginaw during the Memorial Cup tournament, especially during the championship game?
Drinkold describes the atmosphere as electric, particularly during the championship game. He says the energy was palpable for the players, coaches, and even the general manager.
What impact did the trade deadline acquisitions of Owen Back and Josh Bloom have on the Saginaw Spirit's success?
Drinkold emphasizes the significant contributions of both players, particularly in the championship game. He highlights their impact on the team's overall performance and their ability to step up in crucial moments.
What role did head coach Chris Lazarier play in the Saginaw Spirit's Memorial Cup victory?
Drinkold praises Lazarier's work ethic, passion, and ability to create a family atmosphere within the team. He emphasizes Lazarier's role in galvanizing the players and fostering a strong team bond.
How does the Saginaw Spirit's Memorial Cup victory impact American teams in the Ontario Hockey League?
Drinkold believes that the victory will help dispel the stigma surrounding American teams in the OHL, showcasing the league's growth and development of players in the United States.
What is the importance of community support in junior hockey?
Drinkold emphasizes the unique bond between players and fans in junior hockey, highlighting the importance of community support in creating a positive environment for the team and fostering a sense of belonging.
What is the significance of the Saginaw Spirit's owner, Craig Goslin, to the team and the community?
Drinkold praises Goslin's dedication to the community and his efforts to create a positive environment for the team and fans. He highlights Goslin's pride in Saginaw and his commitment to showcasing the city as a great place to live and play hockey.
What is the significance of an American team winning the Memorial Cup for the Ontario Hockey League and junior hockey in general?
Drinkold believes that the Saginaw Spirit's victory will help dispel the stigma surrounding American teams in the OHL, showcasing the league's growth and development of players in the United States. He sees it as a positive step for the league and for junior hockey as a whole.
What is the significance of the Saginaw Spirit's Memorial Cup victory for Dave Drinkold personally?
Drinkold reflects on the overwhelming support he received from family, friends, and colleagues after the win, highlighting the power of connection and shared experiences in the hockey community. He expresses his pride in the team's accomplishment and the positive impact it has had on his life.
Show Notes
Jeff kicks off the show with Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkell fresh off of a Memorial Cup victory! They discuss the key players he brought in to help Saginaw win the Cup, how ownership spared no expense to help the team host the event, the impact of being the first American OHL team to win the championship, and much more. Then, the first ever captain of the Florida Panthers and two-time Stanley Cup winner, Brian Skrudland joins the program (17:33 ). He reflects upon some of the most memorable stories from his career, his experience leading the Panthers to their first ever Cup final in franchise history, and the team’s impact on the Florida community. Later, they get into his time in the Panthers front office when they drafted Alex Barkov second overall, along with his time with the Habs, and more. Finally, Matt Marchese joins Jeff to go over their favourite Stanley Cup Finals memories, before reading your answers to today's Question of the Day (50:10 )!
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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