Shift Change - Staying in the game at 50+

Most hockey players eventually hang up their skates—but at 70, George Nickerson is still chasing his next shift. George joins Rich Ineson to share the stories, friendships and passion that keep him in the game.

Hockey’s not just what we played—it’s who we are.

Tyson Nash joins Shift Change Hockey for a wide-open conversation about his journey through professional hockey, the NHL, St. Louis, Arizona, and his transition into broadcasting with Arizona and Utah. Along the way, Tyson shares unforgettable stories, plenty of laughs, and the passion for hockey that has stayed with him long after his playing days.

Former NHL defenseman Craig Muni joins Shift Change to trace his path from junior hockey and being drafted by Toronto to playing 819 NHL games and winning three Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers.

He recounts memorable teammates and trades that shaped his career, reflects on team culture and leadership, and discusses coaching a championship women’s pro team and the growth of the women’s game.

Along the way he shares candid advice about adapting as players age, staying prepared for opportunity, and why Buffalo became home after hockey.

In this episode of Shift Change, Rich walks through Hi hockey bag, comparing 1980s gear to today’s equipment and explaining how modern skates, sticks, helmets, pads and base layers improve performance, protection and comfort for older players.

He highlights the biggest changes (especially skates and sticks), offers practical buying tips for players 50+, and invites listeners to share their own equipment stories.

Rich Ineson returns to his hometown of Buffalo for a personal tour of the places that shaped his hockey life. He visits iconic rinks, remembers Sabres and Bills stories, and samples classic Western New York food.

The episode reflects on aging in the game — staying competitive after 50, adjusting expectations, and celebrating the friendships and memories that keep him connected to hockey and his hometown.

Rich breaks down the latest Sabres updates: Peyton Krebs' four-year deal, new defensive additions, and a crowded blue line that needs sorting.

He also highlights NHL schedule news — including the Utah Mammoths' Winter Classic — and discusses trade rumors linking Connor Hellebuyck and Patrick Kane to Buffalo.

Plus: notes on Buffalo's strengthened front office and a preview of next week's guest, a 20-year NHL veteran and #2 overall pick.

Rich breaks down a pivotal NHL draft weekend where a generational prospect, a defenseman-heavy class, and blockbuster moves reshape the league. The Buffalo Sabres traded for the 4th overall pick and unlocked massive cap space, putting GM Jarmo Kekäläinen’s vision and Alex Tuch’s contract situation at the center of the offseason.

Highlights include top prospects like Gavin McKenna, the rise of big, mobile defensemen, the Sabres’ strategic choices between drafting or using assets to win now, and the Florida Panthers’ addition of Brady Tkachuk that alters the Eastern Conference balance.

Former Philadelphia Flyer Lindsay Carson joins Shift Change to share his journey from North Battleford, Saskatchewan to the NHL, playing in two Stanley Cup Finals against Wayne Gretzky's Oilers, being Drafted, life with the Flyers, the legacy of Pelle Lindbergh, and why he's still playing the game today.

Rich Ineson examines Gary Bettman’s bold overhaul of the NHL All-Star Weekend into a five-team international tournament with short round-robin games, a Young Guns showcase, and a $2 million prize for the winner.

He explores how the new format restores competition and star marketing, raises fan voting and Russia-related questions, and argues the league has effectively replaced the old All-Star game with a more compelling midseason hockey festival.

Portland Winterhawks owner Kerry Preete joins Shift Change for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, junior hockey, player development, and the future of the game. From the Hawkeytown: Portland to the Pros documentary series to the NCAA eligibility changes reshaping junior hockey, Kerry shares his perspective on growing hockey communities, giving back, and why hockey remains a lifelong passion.