Suspension, Get Spending and NFL Round Up | The Game Sports Podcast

[00:00:04] Speaker A: Foreign. It's time for the Game Sports podcast. Is your host, David McCaig Jr. Right out of the gate? I am joined by Alexander, and if you can see his name at the bottom, pure later par. Alex, my friend. How's it going? [00:00:18] Speaker B: It's going well, man. You know, the mail business is just sending things out, getting things in. I actually just got my golf clubs delivered today, so that's why I was a couple minutes late to responding to your text. I am fired up. It's January and that's all I can think about is golfing is golf. [00:00:32] Speaker A: And it's a sad story, though, why you had to get new clubs, but. [00:00:35] Speaker B: Nonetheless, because some scumbag stole them from my car. [00:00:38] Speaker A: Yeah, that's unbelievable. Don't steal, people. Do not steal. Okay? Don't steal. It's bad. I didn't get into it in the opener because guess why I didn't have my usual opener today. So I'm just gonna tell you. The Game Sports podcast is powered by 91 Network and also featured on Spaces through Sue Today and Village Media. We got an action pack show. Okay, there's gonna be top shelf, which you. What you tune into here. There's going to be Chuck a puck, there's going to be in the pocket. And look, we're even going to talk a little bit about baseball. Okay? There's going to be some venting, there's going to be some deventing. Just made it up. If it's a word. If it's not, I don't care. I made it up as a word today. There's going to be a lot going on on this show and very excited to share it with you. Now, of course, Brennan had to be absent this week, so you got Alex and myself. So getting right into it. Alex, look, I want you. Because we talked about this earlier in the year when it first happened. I want to give kudos to the Amazon prime broadcast for the hockey games. Okay, I, I think we did talk about it weeks and weeks back, but I want to make sure that I, that I did bring it up because I feel like they're doing a good job and I was sharing with this you, with you off air. I think that they've improved and that's just viewer experience. It could be app experience for me or just my TV or Internet, whatever it is. But I feel like they do a really good job of having Wendell and Dougie there yesterday for the Leaf Lightning game and at the day of recording, that's January 21st. So January 20th was a game between Toronto and Tampa. So Wendell Clark and Doug Gilmore were there and it was. It's great hearing from the Legends, but I think Amazon prime is doing a terrific job. [00:02:05] Speaker B: You know what the best part about it is? Is that they understand that a large fan base that's going to be watching their games are Leafs fans. So they treat it like a home broadcast most of the time. Where sportsnet and tsn, I mean, not even so much tsn. TSN is a little bit on the home side of Toronto, but Sportsnet especially that they tried to play it right down the middle. And at that point, it basically just biases against the Leafs. And guess what? It's a week night game. It's the Leafs sportsnet Ontario broadcast. I want you to be homers, okay? [00:02:35] Speaker A: This is. [00:02:36] Speaker B: This is your fan base watching. And. And Amazon recognizes that. If you go through their Twitter, they're really up on the Leafs, not so much on Tampa. And the broadcast does a really good job of saying, wow, this Leafs team is pretty good. And that's all it takes. I enjoy it, yes, I understand my biases. I'm sitting here in my Matt Sundin jersey, but that's what I want. That's what I want for my broadcast. [00:03:00] Speaker A: See? And I think it's a great experience. So Amazon, keep up the good work. And I know people are against the streaming for games and you rather cable. Look, it's. It's 2025, all right? There's going to be different options. Look, WWE is on Netflix now, okay? And loving the Netflix transition, by the way. We're not talking about WWE on this segment, but it's definitely going to be the way of the future. So having these applications, when you think about it, par. It's actually cheaper to own Netflix. [00:03:28] Speaker B: An Undertaker comic. I bought it for three bucks for a buddy. Look, look at this. If you guys are watching on video, look how disgruntled that guy looks. Like he has the worst hangover of his life. [00:03:37] Speaker A: Oh, he probably did. He probably did 100%. But I think this is going to be the way of the future for a lot of things that cable is expensive, right? I'm not gonna say you're talking cable and all that stuff, but the app streaming is the. Is going to be the norm going forward. [00:03:50] Speaker B: You know what's so nice about it too? It's like when I turned on Raw, I was like, oh, I missed the opener. Darn it. Oh, wait a minute. It's Netflix. I'm just gonna rewind it. That's the same for the Hockey game. If you want to replay something, you can just do it. [00:04:05] Speaker A: It's skip the commercials. [00:04:08] Speaker B: Not if you're watching it live. Not if you're watching it. [00:04:10] Speaker A: No, if you're, if you have to go back, you can skip the commercials where before you'd have to. You'd have to watch the commercials again. If you can't, then you can't skip when you started over again with Bell 5. If I restart a live program, I can't skip forward. I don't know how that is for sure. Or other programs. Yeah, I don't know how it is for if I start restart a program, I can't fast forward it. [00:04:29] Speaker B: That's brutal. But like you're saying, like, this is just the new way of doing it. I don't think, for me, I'm upset about the streaming aspect. I like that. I just hate that my product is spread so thin across so many different applications. And to me, that just doesn't make any sense. Like, we gotta, we gotta figure this out. The time the next CBA needs to be renewed. Something about distribution of media rights needs to be figured out. And maybe it's not even the cba, but you know what I mean, when those talks happen, we need to centralize this a little bit better. [00:04:58] Speaker A: And there's going to be something that we're going to bring up on this, on this, on this podcast, because Four nations is doing it with the overtime format. 5 minutes, 10 for 5, 3 on 3 for 10 minutes. Just saying. How long have I been talking about that on the show? I think I brought up numerous times, but we'll hold that for a minute. Obviously, the Four nations face off is just around the corner, which is very exciting. It's first time you're Gonna see Crosby, McDavid and McKinnon all on the same team. Okay. And you got. Yes. They're missing Russia. Okay. I know people are saying, well, there's a lot of players that are missing, sure. But this is still going to be some very good hockey. And we'll talk more about the Four nations as we, as we get closer to it. But besides that part, Connor McDavid, speaking of Connor McDavid. And I don't want to speak to this too much because I don't want to be dated in any which way as I'm speaking in general about his incident. He got three game suspension as a Tyler Myers, basically a mirror. I was watching that game briefly on the couch as I was owning in and out of reality. Tired on a Saturday night. And you see, Connor McDavid, after everything going with Connor Garland, there was. There was blood boiling. Okay. And then something went over Connor McDavid. He's bigger than Conor, than Connor Garland is too. So there was a lot there. Tyler Myers just seems like he didn't give a crap and just did his old 6 foot 7, which on skates near 610 knockout, tried to knock out Evan Bouchard basically simultaneously. Like, it happened back to back. Like, it's pretty much like Conor did it, then 15 seconds later, Myers did it to Bouchard. And I think it was a fair suspension. But Connor McDavid is like. When I look back, I think of Morgan Riley, what he did to Ridley. Craig, you were there live for that game. [00:06:38] Speaker B: That was so. That was so sick. [00:06:40] Speaker A: What was. What was dirtier, Riley's or McDavid? S.L. meyers? I think McDavid. You think? Oh, you think Riley. Okay. Because it was the back of the head. Is that why? Because it was the back of the head or more. [00:06:52] Speaker B: And it wasn't during a play either. I'm pretty sure McDavid's was at least during the play, right? Like. Well, McDavid's was a little retaliatory as well. Because Connor Garland, after the game even said, like, yeah, well, I just figured I just attack the best player in the world. There's not really a lot of time left, so what are they going to do? And I mean, Morgan Ry was completely retaliatory. Nothing was going on. The play was over, the game was over, and he just. [00:07:15] Speaker A: Boom. [00:07:16] Speaker B: Right in the head. [00:07:17] Speaker A: You were there for that game. That's great. That's. That's so crazy. [00:07:20] Speaker B: It was crazy. That was the most hostile crowd I've ever seen in my life. [00:07:24] Speaker A: Life. [00:07:25] Speaker B: Like guys like Senators fans, like, trying to block my way out of the arena and stuff like that. I was like, holy, guys. You guys just jumped from 28th to 27th in the standings, and now you're parading down the street here. Like, let's pump the brakes a little bit. Let's. Let's talk about making the playoffs first. [00:07:40] Speaker A: And I just think the department of player safety. Do you think this is a consistent suspension is the point of the topic. Do you think this is consistent with what they've been doing? [00:07:50] Speaker B: 3 seemed like a lot for me. I was thinking he should really only get one. A lot of people have been moving the discussion on how the league doesn't protect its stars, and now you're seeing the results of that where they have to take matters into their own hands and protect themselves. And now we're suspending them and we're taking the top star of the entire game out. [00:08:10] Speaker A: So that's number one. Number one. [00:08:11] Speaker B: Number one. That's three games now that people might not buy those last minute tickets for or might not tune into television because that's who they want to watch. But what other option, other than the one that Conor took McDavid, that is, did you give him? He had to do something. He had to stand up for himself. Did he do it in the wrong way? [00:08:29] Speaker C: Sure. [00:08:30] Speaker B: But the way the league's officiated, you didn't have any other option. So you either change how you officiate or these things are going to continue to happen. And when you remove the stars from the game, you will see the decline in viewership like it's very, very easy to see. So I, it is, I don't know. [00:08:47] Speaker A: And Kevin Baxa said it very well. Par, to be honest with you. He said at the end of the broadcast, he said this is what will happen if you take fighting out of the game. Yeah, I'm not, I'm not going to take Biaxa's quote, but I got to quote him. I love Kevin Biaxa. I think he's great, the perfect personality. He really makes that panel on Sportsnet, I really feel. And so does Kelly Rudy, friend of the show, by the way, and Luke Gazdik, friend of the show. There's some good game sports podcast representation on there for sure. But Kevin B. Exa, besides his very good looks that he could mix and matches his suits from the closet that they picked from the, from the broadcast. He brings up very good points. This was a very good defenseman in his day, but also didn't get afraid with getting into the dirty areas of the ice and dropping the mitts when he had to. So he understands playing that both sides of the game. And I think he's correct about taking away fighting in the NHL. I understand there's major junior action that's getting all that right now happening. But if that does bleed over to the National Hockey League, that's what's going to cause a lot of this. You can't fight. They're just going to, they're just going to use whatever they can. They're not going to learn how to fight. They're not going to learn that aspect of hitting. If you, if you start calling more hitting calls. There's a lot of things, if you take one away, it's going to affect something else. That's not his quote exactly, but he did mention, quote, unquote, that if you take fighting away from hockey, this is the kind of stuff that will happen. There's obviously more to that quote, but I think he said he worded it perfectly, perfectly well there. So obviously, protecting your stars, Par, is a very good point. And honestly, if. If you take out fighting or you take out that physical aspect in the game, these are going to happen more and more. And I'll just say, I think the department of player safety needs to start getting more consistent. This is better than some stuff that they've done, but there's still work to be done. And as Par has said, what is a call? That is another. [00:10:34] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, what is a call? [00:10:36] Speaker A: What is a call? What is it called? [00:10:37] Speaker B: Suspension. What's. [00:10:39] Speaker D: Holy experience. [00:10:40] Speaker B: What's anything like. [00:10:42] Speaker A: Me and Par work in environments outside of podcasting that have rules, that have union guidelines, that have set rules, and if you. If you don't know those. Those rules. Oh, yeah, 100. Okay. If you don't follow them, there's. Hey, what are you doing? Okay. Sometimes people are wondering if they don't understand those rules, what do you. What are we doing? Or. Or what is this? They ask questions, what is it? Hey, as we're the people on the outside looking in, wondering what is supposed to be consistent. But it always goes back to human element. And I understand that. But at the same time, there needs to be more consistency. And I see refs doing things different than different refs and being right in front of the play. And it's not getting called. Just what is a call? Okay, what is. What is a call? Our last thing we'll bring up before we get into our redraft is obviously, as we sit here today, Alex Ovechkin, not Alex Barr. Alex Ovechkin. As of this day, January, basically the same guy. Basically is 21. January 21st, we're recording this. He's 21 goals away from hitting Ovechkin, and he's got pretty near 30, mid-30s of games to go. And if he didn't get hurts, I think he would have for sure passed it this year. But given his pace, Par, are we gonna see it this year? [00:11:57] Speaker B: I said no originally, but me too. He is lights out. If he. If he wants it as bad as it seems like he does this season, he's going to do it. When I looked at the Sens game, I was curious because Ovechkin was in town and it was a one nothing game in overtime, and Ovechkin Scored the only goal of that game. I was like, all right, that's it. I'm convinced he's gonna do it this season. It's gonna be so cool. [00:12:22] Speaker A: He's the best goal scorer of all time. Even if he doesn't do that, let's say he has a catastrophic injury, knock on wood to him, he is still the best goal scorer of all time. That aside, in my honest opinion part I I know if he doesn't pass the record, people may differ and because he's Russian, not Canadian. Look, I'll say it how it is, but he is the best goalie of all time. You put him back in the day, he's going to be scoring a lot. [00:12:41] Speaker B: Of give it 10 more years and it's going to be an American at the top of the goal scoring leader. So it won't really matter too too much. [00:12:47] Speaker A: Yeah, he's a Toronto Maple Leaf right now I think is what Alex is putting down there. Alex, we don't run out of time. Let's do the 1998 redraft. We know Brennan isn't here to really get into this segment, but we promised this last week and we didn't do it. So we're not going to miss it this week because we did promise it. So we've done drafts all the way up to 1997 and now we're going to do 1998. Just reminder NHL redraft or me and part to redraft the top five of that current year ago going back in our time machine. Par from five to one or one to five, whatever you want. [00:13:14] Speaker B: Go take a size five to one. Number five, Alex Tongue, number four, Mike Fisher, number three. I really wanted him to come to the Leafs. Brad Richards, number two. Dave, I'm so sorry that I got to put your boy here. Vinny Le Cavalier, number two. Because Datsuk the Magic Man's got to be number one for me. [00:13:33] Speaker A: Love it. Fairly similar last time we did a redraft we actually had the same pick. So par and I save same same wavelength but I'm gonna go usually my usual way that I do it. The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are proud to select fifth overall Robin Regier with the fourth overall pick. Vancouver Canucks are proud to select Alex Tangaya with the third overall pick. The San Jose Sharks are proud to select Brad Richards. Agree with the trauma leaf comment there. The second overall pick. The Nashville Predators are proud to select Vincent La Cavalier and with the first overall pick. Could not agree more. Tampa Bay Lightning. The Magic man and no, not Mitch Marner. The. The original Magic Man, Pavel Datsuk. And I know that's not original nicknames. I'm just saying how it is. Pavel Datsuk, number one overall, 1998. [00:14:18] Speaker B: I'm too much of a homer. I would have put my favorite player number one for sure. [00:14:22] Speaker A: So I'm sure Vinnie will understand. [00:14:25] Speaker B: I hope he forgives me. [00:14:26] Speaker A: I hope so, too. And hopefully one day he's a guest on this podcast. But nonetheless, nonetheless, par. We're hitting the end here. We are going to the end. We have to take a quick break. Thanks for taking the time. Of course. See you next week. [00:14:38] Speaker B: I'll hold you to it. Yeah, I'll be here. [00:14:40] Speaker A: We'll be right back here on the Game Sports Podcast. A lot more to come. You don't want to miss it. Welcome back to the Game Sports Podcast. Dave McKay continuing to host you. This is segment two, and I am joined by Jordan Trudeau, co host with yours truly for the Chukkapuck segment. Trude's another week at Chuk a Puck. How you doing, my friend? [00:14:57] Speaker C: Pretty good, Dave. How are you doing? [00:14:58] Speaker A: You know what? I am doing great. And I almost forgot. If you're on video, you just saw me stand up, okay? You just saw me stand up. If you're not on video, you. You got. I got the puck ready right here. The Chukkapak is here, the official Sioux Greyhounds game puck. Okay. And I'm gonna chuck it. Okay. I heard the little thud. I threw it on the floor, not the wall. It's a new floor and a new wall. I decided to throw it on the floor. Vinyl plank. Okay. It's great quality. [00:15:26] Speaker D: Okay. [00:15:27] Speaker A: That aside, Chuck a Puck segment, another week, Trudes. And what a week it was for those two Saint Marie Greyhounds. Just to remind everyone here on Chuck a Puck, obviously the heart and the full core of the segment is about the Sioux Greyhounds, but we also talk about other teams in the whole Ontario Hockey League as a hole, just so you're aware of that. But obviously we are focusing on Sue Gr, where the Game Sports Podcast is located in Sioux St. Marie, Ontario. And for those on the Sue Greyhounds fan Facebook page, obviously we didn't have any clips uploaded last week. We'll get you all caught up with that. But besides, that Trudes, what a week. As I said, for the Hounds on a very, like, lengthy road trip that we talked about last week, that's a very big challenge. But we know Chase Reed was up to the challenge, but in particular, goaltender of the week, Nolan. Nolan Lalonde. Who they got in the Shankel trade. 2, 02 shutouts, 60 saves. Talk about it. My man. [00:16:24] Speaker C: Yeah, you. I mean you pretty much said it. You, you, you summed it up. You summed the weekend up pretty good. One two lost one on the weekend. Nolan Alon, he stopped all 60 shots he faced in six periods. [00:16:38] Speaker A: He is that good. Can you get any better? I don't know if you can get any better. [00:16:42] Speaker C: I don't think you can get better. Yeah. 7 Nothing in Kingston on Thursday night. That was, we just saw the offense just pour it on. I think it was five nothing in the second period like before, halfway through the second period. So actually Thursday was. I did listen to John Dean on the pregame, on Jerry's pre game Thursday was the first time I think all year he said that he actually had a full healthy lineup to choose from to put on the ice. So I think with all of that and the, the product finally is healthy, that goes out there, that's the result. That's more of a result that we're used to seeing right. In Sault Ste. Marie. So. And you look at it like, you look at the difference in the lineup too. Like, I mean your first line is Mignosa, Nord and Allard. And then you roll out Martin, Hayes, Cloutier Brown in there a little bit. That's your second line. So obviously the, the top six finally getting healthy really, really helped the team this weekend. Not a bad showing in Kingston. 31 they were stopped by their former net miner, Charlie Shankel. He kind of got revenge a little bit, got the win and then three nothing win in Ottawa on Sunday afternoon, which is, which was a very well played game as well. I watched the whole game and I think what's starting to really, really improve this team is defense focused on their defensive end and taking care of their defensive end. They didn't give up 40, 50 shots per game like we saw in the fall. They gave up 24. You know, they gave up lower than 30 shots in the whole game. So. Well, 30 on the dot, right, because Lalonde had 60, 60 shots. So yeah, like, I think that's, that's a huge, huge difference that we're seeing in this club. [00:18:50] Speaker A: We do, we see that without the contribution of, of Gibson who's obviously moved on. Right. So this team is starting to step up, right? It's, you know, you have to play a little bit different of a system, a different structure. You have to get used to new line combos when after a trade deadline you get a little bit of a different look on your team to a degree. And the Hounds do have a different look based on subtraction and losing Gibson back their, their best defenseman. Just say how it is. Yeah, it's massive. [00:19:18] Speaker C: It's massive and it's awesome to see them getting that production now from you know, other players, younger players. Right. So yeah you're, you're spot on that departure of Gibson and get now finding success without him is huge for the future of this team as well. So with the great strong play obviously there were two players that were recognized individually. Nolan Lalon was the goaltender of the week as you mentioned, stopped all 60 shots he faced and Chase Reed was also the OHL rookie of the week. So he was this, he's 17 year old defenseman that joined the Greyhounds late in the fall and he's committed to Michigan State. So he actually is a late birthday so he's not eligible for this year's draft. It's next year's draft so. But he has, he had six assists in three games. That's why he got oh rookie of the week. So a lot like that's what you. [00:20:22] Speaker A: That'S what you want to see right for, for this type of season. What you want to see is the results of your young players stepping up and getting the recognition in the league. If that's a player of the week, if that is a specific star in the week, either way, if whatever you want to look at it but also putting up numbers, statistics showing that improvement, getting that experience and not hindering any development. But as a, as a team that's looking for those steps forward to see rookies and young players be recognized for their good play and play an over good on the ice. That's a positive outlook for fans. Okay. We're not going out there this year as a suit greyhound, as, as a team. I'm saying that as a suit greyhound's whole. When I use the word we there I want to make sure I emphasize that, that you the, the goal this year. You know, as much as everyone says oh you want to win, you want to win every game that you're in, you want to, that that's important. And everyone's going to tell you that you're not going to hear somebody too or too many people come out says yeah, you know losing that game is going to develop character. You know, like oh yeah, we meant to lose that game. No, we really meant to lose that game. We want, we want, really want to tank. We really want to get top three pick. No, you don't hear that right. So as fans this year of the team, if you're a spec spectator of the Sioux Greyhounds, even as an organization, the goals were not to win a championship. The goals were to be competitive on the ice, put out the best product that you can to try to ensure that you have the community backing and support to want to come to the games but also see these young players and most importantly these young players grow and be and develop chemistry together for years to come, next year, year after. And that second year that I mentioned is probably that pivotal year that I would say that you want to be not only just contending but you want to be a top team in the OHL looking at Memorial cup. You want to be looking at and potentially if you're Sault Ste. Marie, you want to be trying to host that Memorial Cup. Right. And that was something I want to bring up this week. Truths and if we have time and if I know following time constraints we'll get to that maybe in a few moments, if not this week, next week. But I think as I said this year it's a growth year. So just seeing these accolades especially for Chase Reed that shows, you know, future. So the future's bright overall for the organization. [00:22:32] Speaker C: Very bright. And very bright for him too. Like 19 points in 15 games since joining the team as a rookie. Is that good playing top minutes? Yeah, playing. He basically just took Gibson's spot when Gibson left for Royal Juniors. [00:22:46] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:22:47] Speaker C: So yeah, huge props to him and he's. He sounds like a very smart defenseman too. I just read his quote from the article that he had over the weekend talking about. He was talking about not over complicating things in the D zone and that's come from a 17 year old that's. That's pretty mature. So yeah props to the, the individual accolades and the group back like successful weekend as a group. So you know I think that was probably a very enjoyable bus ride home from Ottawa. Long one I'm sure. [00:23:21] Speaker A: Long bus ride. Enjoyable. The movies are probably just going on that bus. You know, one of the others, 100 either way and even some board games going on. Look, I heard that's back in style. If anyone in the dressing room with the Hounds or if any billet family members want to comment, do you know if the players play board game still there. Okay, I know I can't remember the game now. It was the board with the ticks that you put into the holes. While people are gonna be like Dave, what are you trying to say? So I'M not gonna. It's got colors and you try to put it into the. Is it cribbage? Is that what it is? I know that. [00:24:00] Speaker C: That's a game, too, though. Okay, so either way, games. [00:24:05] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, either way. You got that. You also got people. You got apps. You could do a whole lot of things. But the board game feature was always something to look forward to in cards. Right. Cards were play. So I'd love to know what they do on the bus now. Okay. For games, if any player, bill of family wants to share what is played on the bus besides movies and sleeping and eating Subway and pizza or McDonald's or whatever they're eating, I want to know. Okay. What the games are. All right? That's what I want to know. What's on the docket this week for the Hounds? Trudes, what are we looking at from a schedule perspective? The day that we're recording just January 21st? There are some games this week if you're in Sault Ste. Marie to get your buttocks to the GFL to watch. What games are those? [00:24:44] Speaker C: They're going to be some good games, too. [00:24:46] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:24:47] Speaker C: There's this Friday against Flint and Sunday London comes to town. So they're always fun to watch. Top of the west, actually, it's a potential playoff matchup as well because they're at the very top. The Hounds are fighting for a playoff spot right now, so, you know, that's always fun when London comes to town. But the added excitement of a potential playoff matchup between the two teams, even if it does heavily favor London, is cool because I. It hasn't happened in a while. And then. So those are the two games this weekend, next Wednesday and Friday, when they take on Kitchener and Branford, respectively, respectively. So four solid opponents coming up. They are two points trailing Sarnia for the seventh playoff spot in the Western Conference, and they are in the eighth spot by six points. So there's just. There's two months left of the season now. There's no easy games left. They played Peterborough twice. Either your opponent is chasing you or they're ahead of you in the standings for now. So a lot on the line for sure. [00:26:07] Speaker A: Lots. Right. And I think it's very vital that this team, you know, has this playoff race despite if you're bottom top. We know that this is. [00:26:14] Speaker D: We've. [00:26:14] Speaker A: I talked with us about 5 minutes ago now that there's a thing that we got to make sure that this is important. I think it's very important for this young team to get that playoff Taste despite if you played London, whoever. The. Whoever, whoever is at the top because it's experience. Four games, five games, six, seven games. If you take them the limiter, if you, if you're a Cinderella team and you go further, that's even more impressive. But getting that playoff experience is so important to these young guys on this team. And I think it would be very good to get your butts down to the GFL to not only watch this game, but you're going to see probably that playoff matchup that we're going to see in the first round here in Sault Ste. Marie. And it's going to be a matchup that yeah, heavily favors London, but I'm sure the Hounds, given that they're. They're competitive team that doesn't like to be count out of games, they're going to make it enjoyable for us to watch. If the lawnd is going to be stopping the puck like he is, you know, Landon Miller, if he can be that potential guy to, you know, stop the puck like he can, they can steal games and that could come handy in the playoffs. [00:27:09] Speaker C: Well, yeah, I mean a goalie can win you a playoff series. Right. So if a goalie gets hot. Yeah, it's. It's not like they're in eighth place right now. I'm just looking at the standings. It's not impossible. Like they're nine points away from Erie, who holds the fourth spot. So if you go on a run like it's were. I'm not expect like don't get the wrong idea. I'm not expecting the Greyhounds to finish top four in the conference here, but they could move like they have the opportunity to move up. And if you're beating teams that are ahead of you, you're. You're just gaining that much more like advantage. [00:27:45] Speaker A: Right. [00:27:45] Speaker C: Because you're getting the confidence. [00:27:46] Speaker A: Yep. [00:27:47] Speaker C: And you're also, you're kind of moving up four points because you, you cost them two points and you gain two yourself. [00:27:53] Speaker A: Exactly. [00:27:53] Speaker C: So I mean, yeah, like you're probably gonna see Windsor or London in the first round. Even Kitchener, like if you end up six, like Kitchener's gonna, like they're gonna be tough to beat in the first round. So yeah, you're looking at a first round exit if the Greyhounds make the playoffs. But like you're saying it's, it's going to mean that much more down the road just to get, get some of the guys in a playoff game, like getting the Chase, Reed, Jordan, Sharon, Brady. [00:28:23] Speaker A: T. Meaningful game that meaningful game. [00:28:26] Speaker C: Getting These the Brady Bunch. [00:28:28] Speaker A: The Brady Bunch. [00:28:30] Speaker C: Brady Bunch. G given them just that sense, that idea of playoff hockey. And yeah, like you said, the moral cup bid coming back to the ohl when this current crop is in their prime year, their con, their 19 year old year, it's gonna be interesting to see what happens. [00:28:50] Speaker A: I like that. I like that segue because I know time we're obviously tight for time this week, so I like that. Here's what we'll do and we'll tell. I promise you this, listeners. Okay. When I have a promise, I don't forget. I promise you that on top of I won't. [00:29:04] Speaker E: So you have to remind we'll be. [00:29:06] Speaker A: Talking about the Memorial cup bid for the greyhounds. Kind of an overall view, but also important facts about the Memorial cup bid and views from Trudeau and I. We'll talk about that next week on on Shaka Puck. Okay. That I assure you when we can pretty much devote most of the time where next week we'll touch on this weekend that's coming up and also next week games give you a little preview and any news and a tidbit, but we'll make sure we devote most of the time to the Memorial cup bid. And on top of that, we'll see if we can get a guest to come chime in on that as well. But nonethele if we can't. You got me and Trudeau. You got me and Trudeau and we got you. Okay, we got you. And if you want to participate and come on the show and be a fan guest of the Chuck A. Puck segment, just comment, interact, we'll arrange that with you. Don't be shy. We're not. We don't bite. And plus we're on video. We can't bite you. Okay, we can't bite. Okay. We may debate with you, but that's all. The point is that's what the whole segment of this is. And that's the whole fun thing with Chuck a Puck. [00:30:06] Speaker C: I'm also wearing my Blue Jay shirt today. [00:30:09] Speaker A: Thank you. [00:30:12] Speaker C: I throw that in there too. Like. [00:30:15] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:30:16] Speaker C: Thank goodness. Lost the boss, you know, finally made a move. Pulling out some stops there. Yeah. [00:30:25] Speaker A: So he still has more to do. [00:30:27] Speaker C: If you're training again. [00:30:29] Speaker A: So we still have more to do. Intrudes. We're gonna have to get you in on a, on a, on a strike zone segment with Henderson. I think that'd be an absolute blast. We'll do that more as the season comes close. But yes, if you're a Blue Jay fan, I guess There's a little bit of, a little bit of happiness to see. A little bit of kind of a cool off given all the stuff that's happened. [00:30:51] Speaker C: Glimmer. [00:30:52] Speaker A: Just a glimmer. [00:30:53] Speaker C: Okay. We're. We're in this fight too, somewhat. [00:30:58] Speaker A: Which is so sad. I still have my vent and I'll get to that because that's going to be on the show with Connor. So got a lot to get to there. So Trudes, I know it was a quick segment this week. We dove in. There's a lot of points to touch on, a lot of accolades to touch on with Chase Reed and also with Nolan Lawn. Love to see that. Keep it up, boys. There's a lot of games, so there's a lot of games coming up, especially at home. Enjoy it. Get out and cheer on your hounds. Right shoes. Get out there and support the lads. They love to see it. And that rank can get loud. I remembered as a kid. It still can be the same. Get out there and cheer no matter what the degree of the game is. Right? [00:31:34] Speaker C: Yeah. Keep coming. There's actually been really good at attendance the past few years. [00:31:39] Speaker A: So y. [00:31:40] Speaker C: Keep the support, keep it coming and that'll only help our hopeful Memorial cup bid down the road. [00:31:47] Speaker A: Perfect segue again. T.R. you're on fire with these segways today. I love it. Trudo, my friend, thank you. Yet another great week of Chuck a Puck. We'll be back next week. Thanks again, Truth. [00:32:00] Speaker C: Thank you, Dave. We'll see you next week. [00:32:02] Speaker A: We'll be right back here on the Game Sports podcast. We've got two segments still coming your way here. Yeah, there's a lot of content coming from the game this week and it's fire. Don't go anywhere. Welcome back to the Game Sports podcast and oh, baby, am I pumped for this segment for a lot of reasons. But we don't have the usual time that we have for it, so there's a lot to get to. So let me introduce the co host joining for our strike zone segment. Yes, you heard it. Our strike zone segment in the off season for baseball. The one, the only, the rookie of the year if you know. You know Connor Henderson, my friend. Great to talk to you. Great to see you. Great having this segment with you early and congratulations to you and all around a great year in 2025 coming for the Game sports podcast family here. [00:32:46] Speaker E: Thanks very much, Dave. It's. It's good to that you snuck me in here in the off season. I'm glad we've got really cool topics to Talk about, we've got the hall of Fame. We've got the Roki Sasaki signing with the Dodgers and some very special Jays news that we can get to today. [00:33:00] Speaker A: Wow. [00:33:01] Speaker E: Congratulations to you as well. [00:33:02] Speaker A: Yeah, there's, there's definitely a lot. And you're wearing a heated blanket right now. And if those for the day of this recording. It is freezing everywhere. Okay. It's cold. Stay warm, stay inside and most importantly, take care of your pets. Okay. If that's too, don't put them outside and leave them out there. Okay. Let them out for a quick little whiz and let them back in the house. Okay. Like take care of your pets. Sorry. Random point to bring here on the game on strike zone. I don't think I've ever talked about a pet on this segment. First time for everything. All right, Connor, so we got the three topics we want to talk about. First, I want to dive into the hall of Fame first. Quiz before I we talk about the inductees this year. Do you know the year that the hall of Fame did its first inductees ever? I'm putting you on the spot. 1936 was the first ever hall of Fame inductions. The names Ty Cobb, Walter. Walter Johnson, Christy Mason, Babe Ruth. Now that name. And Honus Wagner, another big name. So that was the first hall of Fame inductees in the MLB. The first five. 1936. Look, we drop facts here on the show. Okay? Now Fast forward to 2025. We have our new five that are going to be getting inducted into the MLB into the hall of Fame inductees. May I say Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, first Japanese born player to be put into the hall of Fame. Won't be the only. And Billy Wagner. Now Connor, take it away with the hall of Fame inductees. Great names to this list this year. [00:34:28] Speaker E: Yeah, Dave, I've got one grape to pick and it's that Ichiro Suzuki was one voter away from getting the unanimous vote on his. [00:34:35] Speaker A: Who is this guy? Who is this guy? Where is this guy? Girl person who is. [00:34:40] Speaker E: Where is just, just so, so frustrating and pathetic. I, I, My understanding is that Mariano Rivera is the only 100% first ballot hall of Famer. [00:34:51] Speaker A: Fact. That's Yep. Fact. I believe that's true. Yes. I was reading that fact too. Read my mind. [00:34:57] Speaker E: And, and Jeter was very close, but he got, he got nailed a bit as well by a couple of votes. Ichiro, one vote off it like it's inexcusable. This guy was short Surefire first ballot hall of Famer. I don't know who could leave him off the list. The only thing that was weak in his career was his, was his power. Like he wasn't a home run hitter but every other, every, every other facet of the game, especially in the era where he played where now currently, today, okay, power is more important. But during Ichiro's, you know, career lifespan, the guy was a 3, 310 career hitter. Age 45. He. So it's not like he was padding his numbers by retiring early. Like he, he played until he could not play first ballot hall of Famer in my book. Dave, I don't know about you, but good defensively. [00:35:53] Speaker A: He was a top of the top of the line, a pitter which back in the day that was so coveted. That leadoff hitter is now we don't see that type of leadoff hitter anymore that it's not as much. Right. We don't see that over 300 speedster that's going to steal bases. There are some teams that still have that. I'm a fan of that, but the game has moved away from that. But he did that, like I said, defensively good numbers. He represented Japan so successfully. He was such an icon, both the MLB but also where he was from in Japan. And he made an impact in the world of baseball. So this, that one person. Take a lap, dude. Take a lap and get your, get your facts in and, and look, if you listen to this show, you can unfollow if you want almost. That's how I almost feel like. Because you are crazy for thinking that he does not have to be unanimous just like Jeter. I feel like he should have been too just because of who he is. Derek Jeter. All right, so Icho Suzuki getting in. That's great. I was kind of not surprised because he deserves to be there. I totally just forgot about Billy Wagner. It's not that I don't think he should have been there. It's just like I feel like after he retired it's like see ya. But now we see Billy Wagner while his son. Right there's obviously affiliation on the Toronto side of things, but nonetheless, Billy Wagner. You're just like, oh yeah, that guy. I forgot about that guy for a second. And then he deserves, he deserved to be there too. But one name that's not on that list, Connor, without going into it too much, is Pete Rose. Okay. And you and I talked about this during the season that we hope that he wouldn't have been on this List because of what his recent passing. We hope that just don't put him on there after he passes because he's been waiting his whole life to be put on. If they would have did it this year, I would have been so frustrated. I do expect within the next couple years though, they maybe not next year, but 20, 27, 2028, something like that. I think it's time to bring in Pete Rose's name into this list of five for the MLB inductees. Okay. Now maybe that's not a hot topic or a favorable topic for everybody, but guess what? It is what it is, Connor. That name has to be there soon. But we're talking the five that they get inducted. Ichiro is a big part of that. Dick Allen big name too, but all these names, obviously they're big names. But the one that surprised me in a good way was definitely Billy Wagner. [00:37:58] Speaker E: Yeah, he got that, that 10 year bump that you sometimes see. I understand that he was maybe on his last year of eligibility and he, and he snuck in. Yeah, and CC Sabathia, you know, all the props to him as well. Big left hander, six time all star. During our childhood he was, you know, the face of starting pitching in some respects alongside guys like Justin Verlander who are, who are also at the tail end of their career now. Props to cc. Good for him. [00:38:30] Speaker A: Great to see. And speaking of Justin Verlander, new San Francisco Giant, obviously there's been some free agent signings, there's been some moves and look, we don't have the time to vent as much as I wanted. We're going to talk Blue Jays when we get to that point, so I can save that piece. But there is a player, Roki Sasaki, who's been signed, went somewhere, to nobody's surprise, to a team called the LA Dodgers. Okay, not the Los Angeles Angels, not the San Diego Padres, not that the Angels were in it at all, but the Blue Jays, who apparently were in it, they're in for everybody. Feels like. And they. And the Dodgers just are getting everybody. Connor, like, when's enough enough here? Like I, I'm. I don't, it's. I, I wish. I know it's fair. They got, they got him. Fair. He wants to play with his friends. As Ohtani Yamamoto's there, the crew is there. But come on. Like, I really dislike the Dodgers just getting everybody, man. It's annoying. But Sazaki goes there and that team is just so scary, dude. If they don't win again, that's a problem. [00:39:34] Speaker E: Yeah, it's A definitely rich getting richer situation. What makes it even crazier is that since he's considered an international free agent, he gets paid rookie salary. He gets like a 6.5, I think million dollar signing bonus. But unlike Yamamoto who came over last year and signed an over $300 million 12 year contract, biggest guaranteed contract in the history of MLB pitching, Sasaki is coming in on the cheap because if he would have waited two more years in Japan, he would have been eligible to sign like a massive deal because he would have been over the age of 25. But since he's 23, he gets the rookie salary and they get six years of team control, so they've got him on the cheap. And for those who don't know, he was on par with Yamamoto when they pitched in Japan together. And he throws 100 miles an hour at 6 foot 2, 180 pounds, which is crazy. 100 miles an hour starting pitcher and has this insane splitter like this wipeout, wipeout splitter. It seems to be the thing from these Japanese pitchers, whether it's guys like Masahiro Tanaka, you Darvish, they seem to come over from Japan. And I don't know if it's just a more popular pitch, the split fingered fastball, but it's so deadly and you don't see it as much from the North American guys. Paul Skeen's would be one who is kind of championing that now. American arms, by the way. But it's like, it's such a, it's such a deadly pitch that it begs the question like, why aren't more like is it maybe a strain on the elbow thing? Maybe they're just, it's, it's not taught as much. But that, that split fingered fastball, fastball combo for, for Roki Sasaki is deadly. I've. Did you believe for a moment that the Jays were in on him? [00:41:29] Speaker A: Nope. No one did. No one truly did. No one truly did. As soon as after, well, I could say after Otani pretty much, but officially after Soto, it's like, nah, I don't. [00:41:41] Speaker E: Believe it's Charlie Brown with the football days. Like they just keep pulling it away from us, literally. [00:41:47] Speaker A: And I like the Tigers approach right now. It's like, oh, we don't go after these guys. They just get some sign. They do their thing. No one want us anyway. They don't even bother jumping in Toronto. I could say, well, at least they're trying. Nah, bro. Nah bro. Just not. I don't, I don't even want the. Just don't even tell me you're trying, especially if you're not going to get it. And like when you go up against the Dodgers, I or the Yankees, you're going against these guys. The Yankees I'm not as concerned about since as soon as I see a Japanese player and I hear the Dodgers, I'm like, I care. I. I'd leave the room. I'm out. I'm out. Otani's there. Yeah. I got Saki. You got guys that are going to want to go there now. LA is a very coveted place to play. It's a very attractive place to play, especially from Japan. So like there, there's a lot there that the Blue Jays can't contend with. And that's the world with baseball. Not just because they're a better team. Location, location, location, as you hear for everything. And it's unfortunate because I think that our fan base is unbelievable. It's sick. And, and I mean our. Because I'm speaking on behalf of Canada. Blue Jays do represent the all of Canada for a lot. I know a lot of people like the Tigers, where we're from a different American teams, but a big majority of Canada cheer for the Jays and we show that as fans at the Rogers Center a lot. And that's. I think. And when I heard that Boba Shet, Dalton Varsho and. And Chad Green were the guys that met with Azaki, I almost laughed my ass off. Sorry to swear I said what? Chad Green didn't move the needle. Like, are you kidding me right now, dude? Like, where's Vlad here? Like, Vlad, go sit down. Where's the Legends? Like, where's, where's anybody else? Delgado, I don't really care. Anybody. Joe Carter, like, get Legends in there or something to really pitch this. I don't want to be like, oh, this is Boba Shet. Oh, hi. Cool. Bichette's good. Virtual. Nice to meet you. Nice. K. Okay. Chad Green. [00:43:37] Speaker E: Was not what I expected today. [00:43:39] Speaker A: Oh, Chad. But it may. [00:43:40] Speaker E: But it makes, but it makes sense. Yeah. [00:43:43] Speaker A: Respect to Chad Green. Good ball player. Okay. I'm just saying that he's not the guy that's going to move the needle. Okay. Like if you put in a room with Chad Green or you put Mariano Rivera, which room are you going into? I'm sorry. Or you put a room with Otani or you put a room with Chad. What room are you going into? It's Otani every time. Don't me. It's Otani every time. I know we don't have. I don't want to go over time and anything. Saki to the Dodgers. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Congratulations, Dodger. You win another one. Dodgers, you win another one. Blue Jays sign Anthony Santander $92 million get five year contract, 44 homers last year he got. This is a guy who can hit bombs. He's done very well since 2022. Hidden bombs. He's definitely not a guy people say, well, he strikes out a lot. He's not good defensively. He's going to be playing DH is where his role is going to be for a majority. He might play a little time in the outfield once in a blue moon. But yeah, his forte is hitting bombs. And then when Vlad's on base, we won't be left stranded with him on there and or Vlad can, he'll get on base hits for Powers. It's a lot of doubles he's done. He gets a lot of extra base hits. Good signing by the Blue Jays. A good little rebound. But before I get into a little bit more. Connor, what is your take on the Anthony Santander going to the Blue Jays? [00:44:49] Speaker E: I like it. It's, it's good to see them finally get a win. I know he's 30 years old and some people are concerned about the age but at this point, like you know, they gotta, they gotta give Vladdy a reason to want to stick around and part of that is building a core around him of support who's somebody who can slot in behind Vlad in the lineup and hit dingers or protect him so that you know if he strikes out or if he gets out that there's somebody who's going to pick him up behind and, and, and drive in the runs. I like the signing. [00:45:21] Speaker A: Me too. [00:45:21] Speaker E: I, I, I get, I don't feel. [00:45:23] Speaker A: Happy about it though. I don't because so pissed off. Like if you're a Blue Jays fan, you're pissed off because of the Hope Atkins and Shapiro. Dude, I don't even want to get in. I've talked about it on the show a lot. Not, not there for me and it's. As a Blue Jay fan, enough's enough and you're just over it. You feel to win. Cool. Yay. But you just don't feel that because of what you could have had or you just, you just feel upset because not getting what they got. I don't think the Blue Jays should be done. They should be adding another bat. They definitely need to add another piece of that rotation and they definitely to add to the bullpen at least three more signings still need to happen to take it away as a. More as a maybe on the successful side this offseason. There. There's still a few players way to even look at getting back into the playoff pitcher, let alone contending because Boba Shet. They're relied on being healthy. Vlad. And what have I said for the last. Every podcast that we've done. Pay the. I'm gonna add a new word in there, man. Enough's enough. Give him. Give him the check. What does he want? 700. I don't care. Give it to him. [00:46:24] Speaker E: Yeah, it. You know what? Like three swears. [00:46:29] Speaker A: Three swears a segment. I'm sorry, we're gonna. [00:46:32] Speaker E: We're gonna put. Get a jar out for you, Dave. But there's. You know what? Like, there's no more goodwill from this Toronto Blue Jays management. They've burned through whatever goodwill that they have. So, yeah, it totally makes sense that you're not getting excited for the Santander trade where it's, you know, like, I mean, it's good. It's good, but. [00:46:50] Speaker A: Yep. [00:46:51] Speaker E: What's next? [00:46:52] Speaker A: You know, what are you gonna do next? What are they gonna do now, before I let you go, Connor, because we're right now close short on time, the Blue Jays, obviously. Well, we're gonna. Before we get it, when we do our season preview show, we'll do a grade for the off season officially then, because the off season's like, really long in baseball and in terms of signings to happen last minute. So we'll make sure that we do an overall season reaction for some clickbait as well for all the listeners before we do our season preview show. But definitely three core topics for the talk about. But let me give you the floor for 20 seconds here. Detroit Tigers. Was that. Was that a little story that is going to burn out the season or are the Tigers here, baby? Are the Tigers here? [00:47:34] Speaker E: Oh, man, you know what? Like, I really hope that the ownership doesn't think, oh, look it, we. We did a great thing without paying anybody. [00:47:43] Speaker A: Let's. [00:47:44] Speaker E: Let's not do that anymore. Let's never. We never have to pay people now. It was a historic run. It was great to, to be there. I. I was at playoff game four in Detroit against Cleveland, where we had a chance to lock the series down and lost. But, yeah, no, I, you know, I, I hear that the contract negotiations with Bregman are still going on, but are at a standstill. So hopefully, you know, the dam breaks and there's something to cheer for on that front. But like, the Jays fans I'm not getting my hopes up either. [00:48:18] Speaker A: See and is it very bad to say I feel like it's just easy to pick a winner now Connor this year it's maybe that's the other fact to me it's just that I'm my the Dodgers are just so good. So good. But despite Sasaki going the Dodgers boo. Despite the Blue Jays signing Santa and Terry. [00:48:35] Speaker C: Yay. [00:48:35] Speaker A: But boo. Off season so far but the hall of Fame. Yeah, yeah. Ichiro Suzuki. Except the unanimous guy with the one that boo. There's a couple thumbs down to that but I love I think Suzuki is a great all them were great ads this year. Kudos to Billy Wagner. Thanks for coming back out of the sun and just never forgot totally about Billy Wagner overall. But nonetheless, Connor, this has been strike zone my man. And 15, 16 minutes now I've flown by and we just dove into multiple topics. There's definitely more we can dive into and getting ready man. Because the season is preseason is one month away, dude. One month away. Season is less than 6 around 60ish days away before first pitch. [00:49:23] Speaker E: I can't wait, Dave. We're gonna have a great year. [00:49:25] Speaker A: Oh, excited a lot of things this year coming especially for personal lives. Excited. All smiles here on the Game Sports podcast. Connor, thanks. Until next time, man. It might not be the next week's episode, but never know if more news happens until the preseason or until the season's done until we hit the spring training. I want to say thank you for taking the time, my friend. [00:49:44] Speaker E: Absolutely. Thanks for having me, Dave. [00:49:45] Speaker A: The one, the only, as I say for all my guests, but I have a different nickname for each one. The rookie of the Year. If you know, you know to search Google. Okay. The legend himself, Connor Henderson. This has been David McCaig with the game Sports podcast talking to you with Strike Zone. But we got more here on the Game. One more segment coming your way. In the Pocket. Got NCAA football championship to talk about and we got the final four going on in the NFL. Sorry Detroit Lions fans. Unfortunate for you for sure, but nonetheless we got more here coming on the Game, so don't go anywhere. Welcome back to the Game Sports Podcast. Your host, David McKay continuing to host you this evening. We're now in the Pocket, the In the Pocket segment. I'm joined by co hosts with yours truly for in the Pocket. Justin heel hike. My friend. Good to see you. How's everything? [00:50:33] Speaker D: Good to be here. Good to you know, it's not good to be talking about Lions for Lions fans. But yeah, that was an interesting week we just went through there and you know, it's honestly the college game too. Pretty interesting. I thought there was going to be a little more competition there, but yeah, we got quite a bit to talk about and a short football week. [00:50:57] Speaker A: Yeah, there's a good plate of food to dive into. And I gotta say that to all the listeners and viewers, E.J. russell says hi. Of course he'll be away until for the remainder of this in the Pocket season, but he'll be back for season nine next year for in the Pockets. I know people are definitely wondering the and noticing the absence of ej, the third member of our in the Pocket segment. But you know what, Justin? I got this on lockdown right now and we're nearing the end of the football season. It's already flown by my friend. It's near the end. We are hitting the final four in the National Football League. We are in the end talks now with college football and now looking into after next week. I remind listeners that when it comes to Pro bowl week, we don't do a In the Pocket segment for Pro bowl week. So just so everybody knows, there won't be in the pocket next week. So we won't have reaction about these four games, but we'll definitely preview the super bowl, of course, in a longer segment to make up for our absence next week. So just to remind you, and a last reminder, in the Pocket is sponsored by SportsCenter Bar and Grill. So St. Mary, Ontario's best sports bar over five years in a row. Best wings in town. Look, Sports Center Bar and Grill. If you're in Sault Ste. Marie, make sure that you're going there to enjoy the game, football, hockey, whatever it may be. And if you're from outside of Sault Ste. Marie tuning in, make sure that you're hitting like follow and subscribe either way on both ends. But if you come into Sault Ste. Marie, get on down to Wellington street west, go to Sports Center Bar and Grill and get in there to enjoy the sports atmosphere. It's that true atmosphere. It's got that vibe. You get that delicious food, that bar food and just a delicious, delicious food and then wash it down with a nice cold beverage. Not nonetheless, Sports Center Bar and Grill, the original home of the Game sports show at the time, now the Game Sports Podcast. Since 2016, they've been a part of the family and we appreciate all that Sports Center Bar and Grill does with us and has done for us and continues to work with us as being a part of the family with the game. So, Justin, football. Let's start with the ncaa. I think that's a good way to start. And then we can end with the NFL, of course. And if you're an Ohio State fan, look, congratulations. Justin and I both predicted this game to happen after Notre Dame. And if you're Joe Bowen, whose friend, who is a friend of the game sports podcast, been on the show a couple times, took his first time off in 43 years to watch Notre Dame or maybe 46. It's either 46 or 43 years that watched Notre Dame in that finals against Ohio State. And unfortunately, it wasn't the outcome that. That Notre Dame fans were hoping for. But even in that last couple quarters, even though Notre Dame got 16 in the last two quarters and not. And Ohio State only got 13, Ohio State came out gunning. And even in the first half or first quarter, Notre Dame was up 770 early. But that second quarter, 21 points by Ohio State, it's like they said, oh, yeah, I remember how we got here. Oh, yeah, right. This Ohio State team was just too much. And they came into this whole playoff run and it was impressive. Justin Ree, from start to finish, the biggest, I think statement was beaten Oregon how bad they did. Really like how, how convincing that W was. Like it wasn't even a win. Like, I've seen some ass kicking in my life and that was an ass kicking. That was an ass kicking. And Ohio State showed that this is a. They looked great the entire playoff run and that they deserve to get that championship this year. [00:54:25] Speaker D: Yeah. You know, I mean, quick shout out to Notre Dame for just battling that entire game, national championship game. So, I mean, you kind of expect quality teams. And Notre Dame was climbing back that entire entire second half of the game. You know, they had Ohio State pinned for a little bit. Just not enough that like you said, that second quarter was an absolute difference maker. And like, I just want to comment quickly, Ryan Day's beard. How is it as dark as it is running a college football program? I would imagine there's some stress there. There's no way that it is like naturally that pristine in color. [00:55:07] Speaker A: Pristine color. [00:55:10] Speaker D: Maybe I'm a little jealous, but I'm just for. I'm thinking there might be some just for man action going on. [00:55:16] Speaker A: And I don't. I want to know the type of just for men that was being used there. [00:55:21] Speaker D: Asphalt black, I think. [00:55:25] Speaker A: Or actual asphalt, like we don't know yet. [00:55:27] Speaker D: Or the new Ohio State black. [00:55:29] Speaker A: Oh, my goodness. My goodness. You know what? Honestly, Will Howard and why? And Riley Leonard played good games. A couple pair of touchdowns each. Almost identical in stats. Okay. Almost identical across the stat line. [00:55:42] Speaker D: There were a couple throws, both sides of the ball that was like, these guys are pros. Like, these are. [00:55:50] Speaker A: These guys can. Especially Will Howard. Impressive. And yeah, Quin. Sean Judkins really hit 100 yards. Couple touchdowns for Iowa State. That's massive. And Jamiah Smith, right. The. The kid's a stud. Everyone's a fan of, of Jeremiah. And honestly, I feel that Ohio State really, really proved themselves. And I think Sid agrees as well. Justin, I think your daughter. I think your daughter agrees as well. With our, with our take here on Ohio State. But with. With Ohio State winning that game, they. They were the better team. The better team did win that game. But kudos to Notre Dame sticking around. But Ohio State just looked to be too much and they were for that football game between Ohio and Notre dame. Final score 34, 23. Ohio State wins the national championship. The guess we'll see what next year brings when it comes to the college football season. I think this was a great overall year with college football and kudos to the NCAA and everything going into this year. I think this was a good, good step getting all. A lot of engaged fans from outside. I feel like this was just a step forward this year for some reason. I feel like this was just an overall exciting year of college football. [00:57:02] Speaker D: I think the NCAA has done a good job now of presenting the college product as like a true feeder system to the NFL. And honestly, in some aspects of the. The presentation, it's better than what the NFL does. [00:57:18] Speaker A: Yep. [00:57:18] Speaker D: It's more engaging for the fans. Like it. It kind of hits its target market right on the head on a lot of aspects. And I mean, the College Football Playoff, there's probably going to be some changes to it, but I thought it was pretty solid this year. Like. [00:57:34] Speaker A: Yep. [00:57:34] Speaker D: Teams getting, getting home games, you know, through the holidays, like, that's pretty. [00:57:40] Speaker A: That's awesome. [00:57:41] Speaker D: That's some cool stuff for the fan base, for the alumni, for us watching at home. Like, there's just. There's a lot of good sports eaten on tv. There is late December, early January, and I mean, it's what we're the 22nd, 23rd of January now, and we're still talking college football. So, I mean, March Madness is going to fire up here in another couple weeks and we're still talking football. I don't even know what good teams there are in college basketball right now. [00:58:12] Speaker A: Who's the gm? Who's the GM Justin of the. [00:58:15] Speaker D: Absolutely no idea. Full disclosure. [00:58:19] Speaker A: That's great. Kudos to NCAA overall. It's just the teams this year. Ohio State, congratulations. Hard for me to say as an Oregon fan, but there's a lot of Ohio State and of course Michigan fans for Justin and I are located. So I know there's a few happy people out there with Ohio State, seeing them getting away and they were very impressive to watch. NFL. Justin, look in the pocket. Started with talking about NFL. And obviously we talk. We've talked and we talk ncaa. We've incorporated the local aspect, but obviously NFL has been the meat and potatoes of the show. Even that three and a half hour segment on Potomatic that I wonder if anyone has looked to try to find. [00:58:56] Speaker D: That's in the archive somewhere. [00:58:58] Speaker A: So my goodness. And a lot of beers were down the old hatchet, okay? Wings and beers that night. And I don't know what we're even talking about. [00:59:08] Speaker D: More beers than wings, for sure. [00:59:09] Speaker A: Three and a half hours of one segment. It's one segment, people. We couldn't do the other segments because we were three and a half hours deep. [00:59:19] Speaker D: Who paid the tab when we left? Because I don't remember. [00:59:22] Speaker A: I don't remember either. Maybe Frank had that one or maybe Dustin. Who knows? Somebody had that Bill. [00:59:27] Speaker B: But. [00:59:27] Speaker A: But NFL, Justin, what a good week of NFL as well. Okay. Like for watching sake. But I was heartbroken for the Lions, okay? Lions is a team that I picked since day one to win the Super Bowl. And I know there are a lot of other people's favorites. Justin and I had them winning this game and going all the way. This was the year to see Slim Shady cheering on his Lions in the finals. And all the Sioux friends that we have finally getting over that pitch pain. And they go against the Washington Commanders who came out of nowhere this season because of the impressive season by Jaden Daniels. And they went into Ford Field and in that second quarter took over that football game another set for 28 points. 28 points. They couldn't come back from it. And Goff decided to throw not one, not two, three interceptions in that game himself. Tough. Tough luck. Tough luck for Jerichoff. [01:00:26] Speaker D: Tough luck when you get your brain scrambled in the first half and there's no call on it. Good point. I mean, as a rule, if that. [01:00:38] Speaker C: Were. [01:00:40] Speaker D: Any teams in the afc. [01:00:43] Speaker A: Patrick Mahomes. [01:00:44] Speaker D: Yeah, that's probably a call. And the ball's coming back. So that's not a turnover. [01:00:50] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:00:51] Speaker D: You know what I mean? Like, and that's. That's a TSN Turning Point. I mean, your quarterback still got cranked, but. And I honestly believe. And maybe this isn't true, but I believe it, so I'm gonna say it. I don't think that the coaches should be all wrapped up in this. Hey, we want to interview you. Hey, we want to interview you. Hey, we want to interview you. I mean, naturally it's going to happen. These guys want to be head coaches somewhere. But it seemed to me like there were some play calls and there were some things that happened where the coach's heads weren't necessarily in the game. [01:01:34] Speaker A: I mean, that's a good point. [01:01:36] Speaker D: Maybe they were shell shocked because Washington was feeding them their lunch in the second half. [01:01:41] Speaker A: Feeding them. [01:01:42] Speaker D: But like 12 men on the field, on the goal line, when you. You could turn it over and again change the momentum of the game, it was still one score at that point. Pardon my fresh, but what the. It's not the CFL. Why do you got 12 guys in the field? Like, not one person on the sideline could have said, timeout, time out, or anything. [01:02:04] Speaker A: Yelled it, stopped the play. [01:02:06] Speaker D: Come on. Like, that's sloppy. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. And now the guy's the head coach of the jets, so. [01:02:17] Speaker A: Gets kicked out a handful of days ago. Seems like he's got a football job. [01:02:23] Speaker D: I don't know. [01:02:24] Speaker A: See, I'm not a fan of that either. Where in the. When they're in the playoffs, you don't talk to my play, you don't talk to my coach, you don't talk to when I'm eliminated or when I win the super bowl, whenever that is, or when my season's done. That's when you can maybe have permission to talk to my coach. And if my coach is under contract, you're not talking to him. You're not talking to him. Sorry. And if you want to get fired or you want to leave and quit, do that. But that just shows who you are as a person if you're going to quit under. Out of a contract in the National Football League. So I'm sorry, I don't like how that is a thing. And I'll tell you, as a Steelers fan hearing that the Steelers said absolutely not to the Bears. I don't think Tomlin would have entertained it just because of how Tomlin is. But, yeah, go yourself. Sorry. No, we have him under contract as a fan of the Steelers. Nah. He is a coach there for five years, and unless he gets fired, he is a Steeler coach. End of story. And that's why I am so happy that you said that because his mind, these Lions coaches that are getting, you know, that have opportunities to leave and have left, they have their minds elsewhere. The people say that there isn't. There is. They are. They know you're human beings. It's on their mind. [01:03:38] Speaker D: It's not like the team was gonna hire you anyways, you know. [01:03:45] Speaker A: And wouldn't it be better to win? [01:03:47] Speaker D: Well, like from, I don't know, from a negotiating your salary perspective. I would like to have a Super bowl win on my resume versus a first round loss, heartbreaking loss. Yeah. [01:04:01] Speaker A: The Lions are the better football team. They should have won that game. But that game they were not playing Lions football and the better team showed up. [01:04:07] Speaker D: It's playoff football and Washington is really the hot hand. [01:04:11] Speaker A: Cinderella story. [01:04:12] Speaker D: The Lions having that bye week and I think we talked about this previously, could have went one of two ways. Like the. I think the Lions key to success was momentum. Yeah, they were just a steamroller biting off kneecaps etc all season. Overcoming adversity with all these injuries. And then they had a week off and one pump. Now they're. Now they're in Cancun with the Vikings. [01:04:40] Speaker A: Campbell saw him in two weeks. Rams and the Eagles. Eagles get away with that win. Obviously given time we're not going to dive into each other game. [01:04:47] Speaker D: But Saquon and the offensive line. Kudos. [01:04:53] Speaker A: Yes. Saquon is just period this year. Just. That's it. He's that. He's that guy. He's that guy. Imagine hard cold ice in his veins. [01:05:01] Speaker D: Imagine being the GM of the Giants and you said on national TV that you didn't really need them. [01:05:09] Speaker A: You know, sometimes people got to learn to keep their actions and words to themselves. Especially when you're on a televised, you know, in media and you're got a spotlight on you. Just keep your mouth shut. Just like yeah, we lost it. We lost him. Unfortunately. It sucks. Sucks to lose a talented player like that. But we got to move on as an organization. Done. Textbook answer. Call it what it is. Be a textbook to answer or just shut your mouth. [01:05:29] Speaker D: That's all. If the Eagles win the super bowl, some Giants fan's gonna like pie face that guy in the middle of the street. [01:05:35] Speaker A: Oh, so hard. Yep, 100%. And of course the Chiefs get the win over Houston. It's look it's. We have we not a lot of people like seeing the Chiefs getting, you know where they are. But it was a closer game than maybe some anticipated. But Stroud played well mix and played well. Mahomes just Map. The guy that took it away at the 117 freaking yards. Top notch game. Yeah. That guy, Travis Kelsey, the guy who's showing up in that game, he's feeling good. [01:06:05] Speaker D: I was gonna say he's feeling 22 out there. [01:06:09] Speaker A: Leaving at that. Love it, Love it. Bill's. But in the Ravens game though. Oh, we'll say quick because this I wanted to say, you know, we're going a little extra but Andrews. Oh man. Like, I'm sorry on behalf of high feel for him. Okay. But this is a guy who's a big part of that offense along with Henry and Jackson and just that whole team is very good offense. [01:06:33] Speaker D: It's just a. It's a bad beat. That's what it is. [01:06:35] Speaker A: Weather, I feel like pressure a bit, but weather I just feel like overall there's just something there. There's no way 9 out of 10 times. Now I can't say 10 out of 10 times because I would have said 10 out of 10. If you ask me if Andrew's going to catch that in the end. [01:06:48] Speaker D: Well, he's not. He's not dropping it ever again. [01:06:51] Speaker A: No, he's not. And that game that, that score gets you tied in the football game, that changes the whole outlook of that game. That puts Josh Allen to really have to kick in his MVP shoes. And I feel like Jackson and Henry and I think that would have just been a different momentum swing for the Ravens. It would have been completely different for them. [01:07:09] Speaker D: And to touch on it a little bit, I would say that Lamar got cranked a couple times too, where there maybe should have been. [01:07:15] Speaker A: Yeah. A little inconsistent this week, this past week on the calls. 100. [01:07:20] Speaker D: Good reffing crew though by the sounds of it for the. The Super Bowl. Big. Yeah. The big biceps Ron Torbert running it. [01:07:31] Speaker A: So yeah, you got to get the best. You got to get the best at all times. You got to get the best if. [01:07:35] Speaker D: You know, you know I'm gonna have. [01:07:38] Speaker A: To give that a Google later. [01:07:39] Speaker D: Yeah, he's out there wearing the extra medium ref shirts. [01:07:42] Speaker A: So the women's or the men's media? [01:07:45] Speaker D: Oh, the men's. But extra medium. Extra medium really tight on the sleeves. [01:07:50] Speaker A: Final four, Justin. We got a final four with the matches between the Commanders and the Eagles. Then you got the Bills and Chiefs, the matchup that people were waiting for on the other side and we got. Well, we don't get to state our pick them standings because Justin and I talked about this off air a little bit. But I gotta say it obviously because it's been a very successful year at a near 70% for me. And I know EJ had to back out after week 13 or 14 around that area to picking consistently. So it went down to me and Justin for the last few weeks, for the most part. But I got first in the pick them this year. I know people won't. Well, why aren't you excited? Why aren't you cheering or rubbing it in? You know, I wish EJ would have been able to play the whole season. Would have been a little bit better to officially dethrone the king. But you know what? The streak is officially over. Sorry to ej, but I am the new pickham champ and I am going to run in and run up all over at because I am happy that I. I won that pick him. I had enough of playing second fiddle to EJ or me and Justin battle it. No, I wanted the win this year and I got it. So I'm gonna brag about it and it's the only time I'm going to brag about it. [01:08:59] Speaker D: Asterisk here. [01:09:01] Speaker A: Yes. I. This was the bubble year. This was the bubble year. I got it. I got the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yeah, Hockey reference. I got the Tampa Bay Lightning Fever going on. Justin, why don't you kick us off with the matchups this week for. Well, I. I like. I always like to call it the final four, but it's the NFL conference championship, so. [01:09:21] Speaker D: The final Four. [01:09:22] Speaker A: The final Four. [01:09:22] Speaker D: Final Four. [01:09:23] Speaker A: Love that. [01:09:24] Speaker D: So I'm taking the Washington Commanders over the Eagles and the Buffalo Bills over the Chiefs and the refs. [01:09:34] Speaker A: And the refs. [01:09:35] Speaker D: But I think the Buffalo game is going to be tight. I think the Washington game is going to be tight. I think we got some good football this weekend. So I got Washington 31, Philly 28, Buffalo 28, KC 27. Gonna be taught again this week for Buffalo. Most points this week. Washington fewest points this week. Kc. [01:09:58] Speaker A: Wow. Okay. Love that. Love it. We do have different picks. At first we didn't, but I did change it for a few reasons. I kind of went with my guts. [01:10:08] Speaker D: Like mine too much. [01:10:11] Speaker A: Ah. I want. [01:10:12] Speaker D: I don't want to keep winning. [01:10:14] Speaker A: I didn't want to get hurt with the Eagles. Jalen hurts. I feel like he's gonna play. I think he's gonna out duel Daniels this week. I think the Cinderella story comes to an end and the Eagles are gonna get away with that win. I just say Quan Barkley. I just seen Barkley in this game. I just got something with that hurts Barkley fever. It's where my heart's lying. Bill's chief Sorry Taylor Swift. Sorry Travis Kelsey. Sorry Patrick Mahomes. This is it. The 3P dense three pit attempt ends here. Josh Allen is not going to let it slide this year. I feel like he's on a different planet. The Bills are on a different planet. This might be the year that the Bills, you know, after all those challenges in the 90s and playoff hurts the last few years, Bills are getting the win over the Chiefs. I have the Bills 32 to 28 over the Chiefs. Close game. Commanders losing 2821 to the Eagles. The most points this week. Well given the four the final four, the basic math there. I got the Bills of the most points and the least points this week. The Commanders so that is the picks for this week. Comment below on what you think the outcomes will be in the conference championships this week and for the NFL. Sunday 3:00 is Eagles and Commanders 6:30 night game. Sunday is the Bills and Chiefs. I know what I'm watching. I know if I have to miss that afternoon game it's got something going on. You know, I'm not gonna lie. I might. I'm not trying not to miss the games final four. But I do have some plans this weekend. I purposely had to make things around so I don't miss a Sunday night game because I didn't want to miss that Sunday night. [01:11:45] Speaker D: It's on. It starts at three. You can get stuff done by three. [01:11:49] Speaker A: That's true. Good point. It's not like you're starting at 1. [01:11:51] Speaker D: Or at least 4:30 to make it for halftime. [01:11:54] Speaker A: Halftime. Yep. Good point. [01:11:55] Speaker D: Like Nothing's open after 4:30 on what are you gonna do? [01:11:59] Speaker A: Nothing. That's a good point. There's no dinners. I just got some outs of stuff to do so I'll be home by halftime. [01:12:04] Speaker D: Yeah, I planned your day. [01:12:05] Speaker A: Love it. Love it. So if I don't answer, I'll answer the game sports podcast people. But if you're commenting, you might get some comments from the game sports podcast accounts by our social media person which isn't me people. Look, I gotta say to say that quick, it's not always me on social. On social media it's actually less than 25% me that's on that social media doing the uploads. Okay, there's a. I, there's a couple people that help with that which is great. So it's not just me. So if you're saying hey Dave, what are you talking about? Look, I can't. Don't Don't. The Game Sports podcast account will defend me. Okay. But if you got to get some be. You want to come talk to me, send me a message. Let's. Let's hit. Let's hit the talk here on the Game Sports podcast. But let us know who you think is going to win. I'm excited. Final. Final 4 NFL Conference Championships this year. And again, congratulations to Ohio State. Justin. A little bit extra, but in the pocket. There's some good stuff to get into this week. In the Pockets. Coming year and end, we got two more episodes, two more segments rather of in the Pocket left because we will not be here next week. I want to remind listeners they will not be in the pocket next week. We'll have a Super bowl preview show for you and we'll have a post super bowl show for you, as always, to conclude the in the Pocket segment for its eighth season. So two more segments to go of in the Pocket, Justin. But nonetheless, I want to say thank you to you, my friend, for yet another segment this week. And we'll be in touch. Dude, it's gonna be a good weekend of football. [01:13:29] Speaker D: Yeah, it's. It's gonna be a good one. Like, yeah, I don't, I think it's gonna be close. I think both games are going to be tight. I think if you're, if you're gambling, I would, I would. You know? You know what I mean? Everyone knows what I mean. [01:13:47] Speaker A: Get in there. FanDuel bet365. We encourage smart betting, though. [01:13:52] Speaker D: Smart betting over on the field. Goals. [01:13:55] Speaker A: Yes. Good call. Good call. And the super bowl reminder is February 9th at 6:30. And it's going to be one hell of a game no matter who goes there, but excited to see who that's going to be. We'll have to wait till after this week to see who that is, but you have to wait two weeks to hear from us about it. Justin, thank you again. I also want to say thank you to Alex Parr, I want to thank you to Jordan Trudeau, and I want to thank you to Connor Henderson. We had hockey, we had baseball talk, we had football talk. We gave it all to you here on the Game Sports podcast today. Four segments. And I got to say, these are four segments. It's the shortest show we ever done in four segments. So I, I want everyone to know that that. Is this the shortest that we've done in four segments. But we hope you enjoyed all action pack together and it's definitely been overall enjoyable to have this episode with you. And I want to thank you again. Make sure you hit like follow, subscribe, Instagram, Facebook, tick tock, look all over. I'm pointing another finger because I'm forgetting one spot. I'm forgetting somewhere. Spotify, YouTube on 91N on 91Network. You just search us on there. We're all over the place. Okay to search where you get your podcast, but if you're listening and following us, hit that. Like follow and subscribe and interact. It means a lot to us. And of course, I'm forgetting spaces. They said that's presented by Stude and Village Media. We're all over. You can't miss us on the game. So again, thank you, Justin. Thank you to everyone. And until next week, I'm here to remind you, keep your stick on the ice, swing your bats, catch your touchdowns, drain your threes and shoot your shots. Booyah.