Digest

The episode begins with Biznasty discussing his recent travels and reflecting on his life, contemplating the future and the possibility of starting a family. He then addresses a rumor about listening to a compilation of his own voice on a long drive and engages in a humorous discussion about historical inaccuracies. Biznasty also shares his perspective on the current political climate, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and focusing on personal well-being amidst political polarization. He explores how social media can alter perceptions of individuals and create unnecessary conflict. The episode then features an interview with Sean Pronger, a former NHL player and the brother of Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger. Sean shares his early experiences in the NHL, including a memorable dinner with Rick Nash and his unexpected call-up to the NHL. He also discusses his childhood in Dryden, Ontario, and the importance of hockey in his life. Pronger recounts his NHL draft experience, his time in the ECHL, and his journey to launching his own whiskey brand, JRNY. He also shares his observations about playing with legendary players like Wayne Gretzky and Jaromir Jagr, and his experiences with different coaches, including Ron Wilson, Larry Robinson, and Pat Burns. The episode concludes with a discussion of various NHL news and rumors, including the hiring of Dean Evanson as the new coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the LA Kings' signing of Quentin Byfield to a five-year extension, and Joe Pavelski's retirement from the NHL. The episode also covers the Steve Moore incident, Andrei Kuznetsov's return to the KHL, and the new overtime rule being tested in the Russian junior hockey league.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Podcast Overview

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the Spit and Checklets podcast, highlighting its availability on various platforms.

00:00:53

Biznasty's Travels and Life Reflections

Biznasty shares his recent travels, including a long drive to Vancouver and a golf event in Victoria. He reflects on his life, contemplating the future and the possibility of starting a family.

00:06:19

Rumors and Mayoculpus

Biznasty addresses a rumor about listening to a compilation of his own voice on a long drive. He then engages in a humorous discussion about historical inaccuracies, particularly regarding Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

00:12:15

Joe Biden's Stepping Down and Social Media's Impact

Biznasty discusses Joe Biden's potential resignation and shares his perspective on the current political climate. He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and focusing on personal well-being amidst political polarization.

00:14:29

Social Media's Influence on Opinions

Biznasty explores how social media can alter perceptions of individuals, highlighting the contrast between real-life interactions and online portrayals. He argues that social media can distort opinions and create unnecessary conflict.

00:15:54

A Trip to DC and a Heartbreaking Rejection

Biznasty recounts a school trip to Washington D.C., where he experienced a painful rejection from a girl he liked. He shares his vivid memory of the event and the emotional impact it had on him.

00:17:26

Rumors and the Importance of Truth

Biznasty addresses a rumor about his sexuality and expresses frustration with the spread of misinformation. He emphasizes the importance of verifying information and trusting his own judgment.

00:18:11

A Successful Bachelor Party and Whistler Memories

Biznasty describes a recent bachelor party in Whistler, highlighting the fun and memorable experience. He reminisces about his previous visit to Whistler during the Olympics and the scenic beauty of the area.

00:21:04

Bachelor Parties, Golf, and Family Life

Biznasty discusses the appropriateness of extravagant bachelor parties at older ages and shares his recent golf experiences. He reflects on the challenges of balancing golf with family life and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

00:26:38

The Mystery of Cal's Skin Tone and Squanto's Wildness

Biznasty delves into the ongoing mystery of his newborn son Cal's skin tone, speculating about his future appearance. He also shares a humorous anecdote about his son Squanto's mischievous behavior on a ferry ride.

00:32:58

Dean Evanson's Hiring and the Columbus Blue Jackets

Biznasty and his co-host discuss the hiring of Dean Evanson as the new coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They analyze Evanson's coaching style and its potential impact on the team's culture and performance.

00:39:17

Joe Pavelski's Retirement and Hockey Hall of Fame Prospects

Biznasty and his co-host discuss Joe Pavelski's retirement from the NHL. They reflect on his impressive career and his chances of being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

00:47:59

The LA Kings' Byfield Extension and NHL News

Biznasty and his co-host discuss the LA Kings' recent signing of Quentin Byfield to a five-year extension. They analyze the move's implications for the team's future and the potential of Byfield as a key player.

00:55:02

Sean Pronger Interview and NHL Signings

Biznasty introduces Sean Pronger, a former NHL player, as a guest on the podcast. They discuss Pronger's career, his whiskey brand, and his experiences in the NHL.

01:00:41

BetterHelp Sponsorship and Introduction of Sean Pronger

The podcast features a sponsorship message from BetterHelp, an online therapy platform. Biznasty then formally introduces Sean Pronger as the guest for the remainder of the episode.

01:02:51

Sean Pronger's Early NHL Experiences and Rick Nash's Dinner Bill

Sean Pronger shares his early experiences in the NHL, including a memorable dinner with Rick Nash where Nash's frugal nature was on display.

01:05:01

Sean Pronger's NHL Debut and a Crazy Journey

Sean Pronger recounts his unexpected call-up to the NHL and the whirlwind journey that followed, including a series of last-minute travel arrangements and a game at Maple Leaf Gardens.

01:07:42

Growing Up in Dryden and the Importance of Hockey

Sean Pronger describes his childhood in Dryden, Ontario, and the central role that hockey played in his life. He shares stories of playing road hockey and the intense physicality of his youth.

01:10:11

Sean Pronger's Whiskey Brand and Chris Pronger's Influence

Biznasty congratulates Sean Pronger on launching his whiskey brand, JRNY. He discusses the development process and the partnership with Niagara Falls Craft Distillery.

01:11:33

Sean Pronger's NHL Dream and Chris Pronger's Prodigy Status

Sean Pronger reflects on his dream of playing in the NHL and the influence of his brother Chris, who was a hockey prodigy from a young age.

01:13:31

Chris Pronger's Growth Spurt and College Recruitment

Sean Pronger shares a remarkable story about Chris's rapid growth spurt and the efforts of Jerry York, his former coach, to recruit Chris to Bowling Green.

01:15:19

Chris Pronger's OHL Draft and Sean's Advice

Sean Pronger recounts Chris's OHL draft and the decision to forgo college hockey. He reveals that he advised Chris to play junior hockey, despite the tempting offer of a Corvette from the Detroit Red Wings.

01:16:20

Chris Pronger's Transformation and the Turning Point

Sean Pronger discusses Chris's early partying habits and the turning point that led to his commitment to fitness and training. He credits the 1996 playoffs as a catalyst for Chris's transformation.

01:17:58

Sean Pronger's NHL Draft Experience

Sean Pronger recounts his NHL draft experience, highlighting the lack of guidance and support he received compared to players drafted in earlier years. He describes the chaotic scene at the draft, his anxiety about being selected, and his eventual negotiation with security to reach the draft stage.

01:20:39

Pronger's College Years and Early Professional Career

Pronger discusses his decision to stay in college and his subsequent release from the Vancouver Canucks due to their assessment of his potential. He details his tryout with the Vegas Thunder in the IHL and his experience playing in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

01:28:54

Pronger's ECHL Journey and NHL Call-Up

Pronger shares his experience playing in the ECHL, highlighting the tough conditions and the unexpected call-up to the Anaheim Ducks during the 1994 NHL lockout. He describes his initial struggles with the Ducks and his eventual return to the ECHL.

01:31:02

Pronger's Jaw Injury and the Birth of the PHP

Pronger recounts a serious jaw injury he sustained during his first year in the ECHL, detailing the misdiagnosis and the subsequent pain he endured. This experience led to the creation of the Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHP).

01:37:24

The Origins of Pronger's Book and the \"Whiskey\" Journey

Pronger discusses the origins of his book, \"Whiskey,\" which stemmed from his online writings about his experiences in the minor leagues. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

01:39:08

Pronger's First NHL Call-Up and Ron Wilson's Coaching Style

Pronger describes his first NHL call-up to the Anaheim Ducks and his experience playing under coach Ron Wilson. He praises Wilson's coaching style and his ability to get the best out of his players.

01:43:16

Pronger's Time with the Anaheim Ducks and the Rise of the Franchise

Pronger discusses the early days of the Anaheim Ducks franchise and the excitement surrounding the team's first playoff appearance. He describes the passionate fan base and the team's success in the 1997 playoffs.

01:43:57

Pronger's Trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the \"Dorn\" Nickname

Pronger recounts his trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins and his experience playing with legendary players like Mario Lemieux and Tom Barrasso. He shares a humorous anecdote about his interactions with veteran defenseman, Ulf Samuelsson.

01:47:39

Pronger's Observations on Jaromir Jagr's Strength and Temperament

Pronger shares his observations about Jaromir Jagr's incredible strength and his temperamental nature. He describes Jagr's unique approach to weightlifting and his tendency to express frustration on the ice.

01:49:13

Pronger's Time with the Houston Aeros and the Potential for an NHL Team

Pronger discusses his time with the Houston Aeros in the IHL and his belief that the city could support an NHL team. He highlights the strong fan base and the team's championship-winning season.

01:51:21

Pronger's Trade to the New York Rangers and Playing with Wayne Gretzky

Pronger recounts his trade to the New York Rangers and his brief time playing with Wayne Gretzky. He describes the star-studded roster and his initial excitement about playing in Madison Square Garden.

01:53:52

Pronger's Time with the Rangers and the \"Less is More\" Approach

Pronger details his struggles to find consistent playing time with the Rangers, highlighting the lack of communication from the coaching staff. He shares a humorous anecdote about being called up for a game after a night of heavy drinking.

01:59:50

Pronger's Time with the Los Angeles Kings and Larry Robinson's Coaching Style

Pronger discusses his time with the Los Angeles Kings and his experience playing under legendary coach Larry Robinson. He describes Robinson's passionate coaching style and his commitment to winning.

02:04:17

Pronger's Free Agency and Signing with the Boston Bruins

Pronger recounts his first experience as a free agent and his signing with the Boston Bruins. He describes the late-August signing and the tough conditions of free agency.

02:06:13

Pronger's Time with the Providence Bruins and the Captaincy

Pronger discusses his time with the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins. He describes his unexpected appointment as captain and the challenges of playing in the AHL after a long NHL career.

02:07:07

Pronger's Time with the Manitoba Moose and the Reinvigoration of His Career

Pronger recounts his time with the Manitoba Moose, where he found a renewed passion for the game. He describes the team's culture, his role as captain, and the positive impact it had on his career.

02:10:53

Pronger's Experience with Pat Burns and His Coaching Style

Pronger discusses his experience playing under coach Pat Burns with the Boston Bruins. He describes Burns' tough but fair coaching style and his focus on battle drills.

02:13:47

Pronger's Time with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the \"Waiver Wire\" Journey

Pronger recounts his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, highlighting the unusual circumstances of his acquisition through waivers. He describes the Islanders' decision to waive him and the Blue Jackets' subsequent claim.

02:15:25

Pronger's Time in Germany and the Locker Room Confrontation

Pronger shares his experience playing in Germany, detailing his frustration with the league and his eventual confrontation with a teammate. He describes the incident, his apology, and his decision to finish the season.

02:17:17

Pronger's Flight Home from Germany and the \"Shut Up\" Incident

Pronger recounts a humorous and frustrating incident on his flight home from Germany, where an older man told his crying son to shut up. He describes his confrontation with the man and the absurdity of the situation.

02:19:43

Pronger's Time with the Canucks and the Bertuzzi-Moore Incident

Pronger discusses his time with the Vancouver Canucks and his presence on the ice during the infamous Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore incident. He describes the events leading up to the incident and the impact it had on the league.

02:21:41

The Steve Moore Incident

The episode begins with a discussion of the infamous Steve Moore incident, where Todd Bertuzzi attacked Moore during a game. The speaker describes the events leading up to the hit, including the tension between the teams and the fight between Matt Cook and Steve Moore.

02:24:36

Sean Pronger's European Hockey Experience

The conversation shifts to Sean Pronger's experience playing hockey in Europe during the NHL lockout. He talks about playing with Dougie Weight and how his game improved during that time.

02:26:49

Lucy Nicotine Pouches Advertisement

This segment is an advertisement for Lucy nicotine pouches. The speaker highlights the different flavors and strengths available, emphasizing the unique hydration capsule in the \"breakers\" pouches.

02:28:29

Rempi's Uppercuts and Heavyweight Division Revival

The episode discusses a viral video of Matthew Rempi training with George LaRocke, focusing on his uppercut technique. The speaker believes Rempi's training with LaRocke signifies a revival of the heavyweight division in hockey.

02:33:07

Coozy's Return to Russia

The conversation turns to Andrei \"Coozy\" Kuznetsov's decision to return to Russia and play in the KHL. The speaker discusses the financial incentives for players to return to their home countries and the potential impact of Coozy's return on the KHL.

02:34:45

KHL Overtime Rule Change

The episode discusses a new overtime rule being tested in the Russian junior hockey league, which prevents the attacking team from crossing the red line back to their own side of the ice. The speaker believes this rule could lead to more offensive plays and fewer shootouts.

02:38:25

NHL News and Rumors

The episode covers various NHL news and rumors, including Tori Krug's potential season-ending injury, the signing of defenseman Brendan Smith by the Carolina Hurricanes, and the new ECL team in Lake Tahoe.

02:39:52

Kyle Dubas's Mistakes as Leafs GM

The episode discusses Kyle Dubas's recent book, where he admits to mistakes made during his tenure as the Toronto Maple Leafs' GM, including the signing of John Tavares and the trade of Kadri.

02:40:53

Mark Leach Hired as Leafs Director of Amateur Scouting

The episode discusses the hiring of Mark Leach as the new director of amateur scouting for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The speaker highlights Leach's experience and success in scouting for other teams, hoping he can improve the Leafs' draft record.

02:43:00

Chickens TV Vlogs and Upcoming Episodes

The episode concludes with a promotion for upcoming Chickens TV content, including a behind-the-scenes vlog from the Vegas trip and a Sandbagger episode with Heat Daddy and Schmaltzi.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key takeaways from Biznasty's recent travels and life reflections?

  Biznasty's travels highlight his adventurous spirit and his desire to experience new places. His reflections on life, including contemplating starting a family, reveal his introspective nature and his evolving priorities.

• How does Biznasty's discussion about Abraham Lincoln's assassination illustrate his personality?

  Biznasty's humorous and lighthearted approach to historical inaccuracies showcases his playful personality and his ability to find humor in unexpected situations.

• What is Biznasty's perspective on the current political climate and the impact of social media?

  Biznasty believes that the current political climate is highly polarized and that social media contributes to this division by amplifying extreme opinions. He advocates for staying grounded and focusing on personal well-being amidst political turmoil.

• What are some of the key highlights from Sean Pronger's interview?

  Sean Pronger shares his early NHL experiences, including a memorable dinner with Rick Nash and his unexpected call-up to the NHL. He also discusses his childhood in Dryden, Ontario, and the importance of hockey in his life.

• What are some of the key NHL news items discussed in the episode?

  The episode covers the hiring of Dean Evanson as the new coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the LA Kings' signing of Quentin Byfield to a five-year extension, and Joe Pavelski's retirement from the NHL.

• What was Sean Pronger's experience like at the NHL draft?

  Pronger describes a chaotic scene at the draft, with a lack of guidance and support for players compared to earlier years. He was anxious about being selected and had to negotiate with security to reach the draft stage.

• How did Pronger's time in the ECHL impact his career?

  Pronger's time in the ECHL was a challenging experience, marked by tough conditions and a serious jaw injury. However, it also led to the creation of the PHP, which provides support to minor league players.

• What was Pronger's relationship like with Wayne Gretzky?

  Pronger played briefly with Gretzky on the New York Rangers. He describes Gretzky as a great teammate and shares a humorous anecdote about their practice together.

• What was Larry Robinson's coaching style like?

  Robinson was a passionate and demanding coach who was known for his commitment to winning. He was so passionate about the game that he was once seen in tears during a team meeting.

Show Notes