CKSTAM

Cam Robinson, of Elite Prospects, joined Matt and Blake to talk all things Canucks at the World Juniors. First he gave his thoughts on our Bodog poll question, and if the Canucks should sign PK Subban. Cam talked about the Canucks prospects that are in Edmonton and the one’s that didn’t get the call this time around. He says no worries, though. Some are projected for the December tournament. Cam told us about the curious case of Joni Jurmo. Cam gave his thoughts on what Truscott needs to do to make it a good tournament for him. Cam talked about Luke Hughes and how he is a legitimate offensive threat but that his d-game needs work.

Commonwealth Champion and Canadian Race Walk record-holder, Evan Dunfee, joined Matt and Blake. Evan talked about his Olympic success, and a few choice words he had for the IOC on the podium. You’ll want to hear that. Evan talked about how he will combine is love of walking and politics with an upcoming run in the Richmond City Council election this October.

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‘The Welcome Matt’ looks at what happened with Judd Bracket when he was in Vancouver.

Our Tuesday regular, Patrick Johnston, joined us from Whitecaps training. PJ gave us a bit of an update on what he is seeing at training. In response to yesterday’s Price is Right, Patrick gave his thoughts on what gives with B.C. Place attendance numbers. Moving on, PJ talked about what we should expect from Canuck prospects at the World Jr’s.

The Price is Right delves into the current crop of Canucks and their World Junior performances.

Whitecaps FC Forward, Simon Becher, joined Matt and Blake after a whirlwind first appearance with the first team. Simon talked about what it was like to step onto an MLS pitch for the first time. Simon talked about making the jump from the 2nd team into the 1st and the success the club has had preparing young players to play at the top level.

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John Shannon of the Bob McCown Podcast and all-around NHL Insider joined Matt and Blake after a few weeks away. John offered plenty of thoughts on the work Lou Lamoriello has done. Considering some of the players he had to give away, he doesn’t have all the tricks up his sleeve. It’s the first time we’ve chatted with John since the Flames made all their top end moves. John chatted about the the Western League and the difficulty they’ve had producing top talent and had a good explanation as to why. John talked about the Summer World Juniors, and how they will play to the TV crowd.

After another blowout win by the BC Lions, Nathan Rourke, joined Matt and Blake to chat about the video game numbers he put up on the weekend. Nathan told us why he is so comfortable with the Canadian game, even though he was playing the American version just a few years ago. Nathan talked about his receiving core and the importance of moving the ball around, but not always having to go deep.

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The Owner of the B.C. Lions, Amar Doman, joined Matt and Blake for President’s Week. Amar talked about what it’s been like to own the team as he approaches the one-year mark since the purchase. Amar dropped some hints as to when we could see another street party, which worked so well, on opening week. Amar talked about the process of a tenth team coming into the league and where and where not it might work. Amar is not interested in being a 2nd tier league. Amar addressed the fans to finish the show. 

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Axel Schuster, CEO and Sporting Director of Vancouver Whitecaps F.C. joined Matt and Blake for Presidents Week. Axel started off chatting about the recent Canadian Championship win, with the Voyageurs Cup in tow. Axel talked about the goalkeeping situation and how they’ve managed the rotating door in net. Axel gave his thoughts on the acquisition of Julian Gressel. Building off the community leader that he is, Axel talked about the plan as a whole when it comes to social impact. They view their club as the top of the league for that standard. He explained why. Axel talked about the roster as a whole and what needs to happen to have it complete. The latest acquisition in Alessandro Schöpf will help fill that. Axel talked about the kind of player he is and what he has accomplished in top 5 leagues in Europe. Axel talked about the academy and how it’s not exactly where they want it to be, largely in part of Covid. Says that they lost ground on American systems, as they were allowed to start playing earlier. Axel talked about Vanni Sartini. Says that he is part of their recruitment package to players and a face of the franchise. Shuster gave his thoughts on international friendlies and what the challenges are that surround the games. Axel talked about if we will see a Sr. women’s team come to the club. You’ll never guess who Axel is rooting for at the upcoming World Cup.

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The President of the Vancouver Canadians, Andy Dunn, joined Matt and Blake for Presidents Week. Andy talked about moving to full season ball and having this be the first season at home. Andy dropped some mind blowing numbers when it comes to game-time and how much has been saved with the pitch clock. Andy talked about the different groups involved and who likes the quicker games and who might wish they were a bit longer. Andy talked about the trimming of Minor League Baseball and if he was ever worried that the C’s would be no more. Says it all comes down to there being a team that wants to affiliate with you. That was never a concern for the organization, quite the contrary as Andy explains. Andy talked about the commitment from ownership. He ran down the list of all the improvements that are needed to improve quality for the players and fans. If you are a fan of going down to the Nat, you will want to hear what he says. Andy talked about a top Jays prospect that rolled through town this season, Ricky Tiedemann. He gave his thoughts on all the Canadian content that happen to be on the C’s this year and Canadian baseball as a whole and how it looks after the pandemic. Before he had the floor, there was a few words for John Schneider and his rise to manage the Blue Jays.

Sr. Advisor to the President of the Fraser Valley Bandits, Rob Sacre, joined Matt and Blake for Presidents Week. Rob talked about his role with the Bandits. It’s a combination of offering his thoughts and opinions and mentoring players. Rob talked about what he is up to now and how it helps him as an executive for a professional team. Rob told us who to look out for and the kind of players the league and team attracts.

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The General Manager and AGM of the Canucks, Ryan Johnson joined Matt and Blake for Presidents Week. Ryan talked about his promotion and how it hasn’t actually changed his day-to-day responsibilites. Ryan talked about who needs to jump up and become a bigger part of the Vancouver Canucks organization. 

The President of the Vancouver Warriors, Dan Richardson, joined Matt and Blake for Presidents Week. Dan told the story of how he came to be in the position he is now. It involves the Canucks’ brain-trust and a Salmonbellies super-fan. Great stuff. Dan talked about the overall landscape of the league, down to what players make and how they go about recruiting them. Dan gave his thoughts on marketing strategies and how they will continue to draw in new fans, alongside the TSN numbers when their games are aired.

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The Owner and President of the Vancouver Giants, Ron Toigo, joined Matt and Blake for President’s Week. Before we got to chatting about the team, Ron enthralled us with his story of going down to see the Titanic in a submarine. It’s a hell of a story. Moving along, Ron talked about the ups and downs of last season and how they were able to be the first eight seed to take down a one seed. In doing so, he explained that they players he had available at different points of the season really stepped up and how some of them might not be back with the team as they move up through the ranks. Ron talked about the player that Bowen Byram is in the NHL and how he played for him in Jr. Ron talked about his organization’s management groups previous and in what they have now. He went through a few of his alumni and how they’ve fared in the NHL. Ronnie can’t say for sure who is the best of the lot. Though, Gilbert Brule might have been the best Jr. player he has ever seen. To wrap it up, they talked about how business is at the LEC since Abby came in. Talked about Chloe Primerano and if she could make it to the WHL.

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Ken Campbell of Hockey Unfiltered, joined Blake and Jeff as he continues to cover the Hockey Canada scandal. Ken can’t see a path where the management group stays on. They will need a complete rebranding. Ken gave his thoughts on what should be done with the money that comes from the World Juniors. Ken talked about the fact that Hockey Canada isn’t your typical business and the expectation should be that it isn’t structured that way when in comes to incentives.

The Chief Sport Officer for Golf Canada, Kevin Blue, who is also participating in the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, joined Blake and Jeff ahead of the tourney. Talked about what it will be like playing with the kids after a few years away from playing.

Canadian Amateur golfer, AJ Ewart, joined Matt and Blake just ahead of the Canadian Amateur Championship, being held locally at Point Grey and Seymour. AJ talked about the last year and how the tournament went for him. AJ talked about meeting the Golden Bear.

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Scott Rintoul joined us for his regular Thursday hit from the beaches of Tofino. Right off the bat Scotty shared his thoughts on the 25 year anniversary of the Canucks signing Mark Messier. In relation to our Bodog Poll Question, it’s not the worst move in Canucks history. Hear what Rintoul has to say about that and an interesting juxtaposition to another Canucks trade that worked out in the team’s favour. Scotty went around the BC sports landscape after a big win by the Whitecaps and what we’ve seen from Nathan Rourke. The win was massive on a Thursday night.

Our Vancouver Canucks reporter, Jeff Paterson, joined Matt and Blake in his daily spot. Starting off with our Bodog Poll Question, Jeff gave his answer, to which there was no doubt in his mind. JPat talked about what Messier was like to deal with as someone who was covering the Canucks. Jeff talked about the defensive depth and where Tucker Poolman fits into the plan with new management.

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