Chirping Zebras

GREG SHEPHERD is one of the most experienced and respected ice hockey officials and supervisors in college hockey. He has been with the WCHA for over 40 years, 29 as the Director of Officials. The longest-tenured officials' supervisor in college hockey, Shepherd began in the role with the WCHA Men's League in 1992 and has served in that capacity since the inception of the WCHA Women's League in 1999.After beginning as a youth hockey official, he worked his way up to the collegiate level and debuted with the WCHA in 1978. Shepherd spent 14 years as an on-ice official with the league, working in 10 NCAA Men's Frozen Fours during that time. He is the real deal and is an expert in college hockey officiating. Shepherd served in the United States Navy from 1967-69. He also worked for Northern States Power Company for 35 years, while serving his community on the West Saint Paul City Council for four years. There are not too many nicer guys in the sport of hockey than Shep. Stories, insights and hockey talk are abundant in this episode. Sit back and crack a cold one (beer or soda, whichever you prefer) and enjoy a longtime hockey guy from Minnesota, Greg Shepherd🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.http://www.refcrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

The Zebras welcome longtime friend GREG SIMEONE to the show for a great discussion about his new book series that focuses on youth sports, including hockey. Greg grew up loving the game of hockey and had a long career including a New Jersey Devils NHL training camp and a three-year career in professional hockey. Greg also coached and mentored young athletes across multiple sports, including several who went on to play in the NCAA, ECHL, AHL, and NHL. He always had the same message: play for the love of it, and the rest takes care of itself.As a father, coach, businessman, and lifelong sports enthusiast, Greg saw how much pressure can take away from the joy kids should experience while playing youth sports. That realization inspired him to write children's books focused on friendship, confidence, laughter, and simply loving the game.I Just Want to Play is Greg's first children's book — and the start of a series built to help kids dream big, play hard, and never lose the magic of being a child. Greg has a great message and hopes all parents will stop and take a moment to remember sports should fun to play, not full of pressure to perform and win. Adults need to do better. Kids need to have fun. Get more information about the books at https://simmerbooks.com/A special thanks to the Lodge Bar and Grill in Randolph, MA for allowing us to tape in their awesome restaurant. A huge shout out to the owners Jimmy, Dave and Steve Rooney. Check them out at https://thelodgebarandgrill.com/🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.http://www.refcrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Whether you like pro hockey talk, youth hockey talk, or referee talk, this episode is for you. Brad Lukowich, a two time Stanley Cup Champion, joined us for an animated discussion on all things hockey. Winning a cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, Brad has a passion for the sport of hockey that is infectious and shows in his stories and opinions.Brad is also a highly accomplished hockey coach. He has been able to transition his on-ice success into a coaching approach rooted in accountability, structure, and progressive skill development. He coaches both boys and girls hockey for the Texas Warriors youth hockey program. This episode will entertain, educate and make you think. You will be fired up by Brad's enthusiasm for the sport he loves. Get ready to want to go out and get on the ice and wheel, snipe and celly.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.http://www.refcrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for some pro hockey talk, including a lot of NHL talk with long time NHL'er Mike Lalor. He spent 12 years in the NHL and played  with the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. In 1986 Mike won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens one year after winning the Calder Cup in the AHL with Sherbrooke.Mike talks about playing with many legends of hockey along with his fight with Steve Yzerman. Although a U.S. citizen by birth, Lalor spent his youth in Fort Erie, Ontario. Lalor represented the U.S. Hockey Team at the 1996 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.Mike is a complete beauty with endless stories and great insights into the world of professional hockey. Enjoy this one with a cold beverage of your choice.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.http://www.refcrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Youth hockey has gone mad lately. Twigs are being swung at an alarming rate. Match penalties are getting dealt on the reg. So we invivted long time coach Jonny Suporn to come on and talk about the state of hockey, especially at the youth level.Jonny is the founder and head skills coach of Heads Up Hockey. With nearly a decade of coaching experience, he has built HUH into a complete training experience focused on long-term growth, confidence and results. They offer private and group lessons and Jonny coaches many tournament teams in the spring and summer.Are you tired of all the nonsense in youth hockey, well we are too. Give a watch or listen to this one to get insight from coaches, referees and parents (Currently, Geno is all three). Hit the ice running boys and keep the sticks and elbows down. Lets talk some hockey.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.http://www.refcrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

The Zebras switch it up a little and are joined by country music stars Chris Tyler Lucas and Preston Samuel Brust of LoCash. Riles went down to the LoCash Golf Bash in Hilton Head and did some chirping with Tony V and invited to boys to come on and talk music, sports, touring and teven the band's tour bus encountering some chicken protestors. Yeah its hilarious. The band's hit song "I Love This Life" is Riles' favorite song and they told the story of that song originally being written for Garth Brooks. This is an episode that has something for everyone. Sports fans. Music fans. Entertainment fans. Do yourself a favor and give this one a watch or listen. Huge thanks to band manager and hockey player John Lessard, who Marked coached way back in the day at Sandwich High School for setting this all up. And as LoCash would say, aint life one big country song.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.http://www.refcrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for some serious hockey talk with our guest JON LOUNSBURY, owner of Eleven Hockey. Jon has over two decades of experience as a player, coach, and mentor to the game of hockey. At Eleven Hockey he works closely with players at every level—from youth hockey to the NHL—providing on-ice skill development, video coaching, and mentorship. Jon has worked with many NHL players including Jack Eichel, Trent Frederic, Pat Maroon and many others. He works with players during the season and off season. He also coaches his daughters youth hockey teams and is very well known in the hockey community.Sit back and enjoy stories, insights and comments on youth hockey, pro hockey and everything in between. You might even learn a thing or two.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.http://www.refcrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for copious amounts of laughter with one of the nation's top comedians, TONY V. Tony V started his stand-up comedy career in 1982 after attending several shows at Boston’s prestigious Comedy Connection. In 1986 Tony V was named “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” by Showtime television. He followed this achievement with several performances on HBO, the Arts and Entertainment Network, Comedy Central, and MTV. From 1987 through 1992 Tony V became the “spokesperson” for American Tourister Luggage. Remember the suitcase-smashing gorilla? It was Tony who gave the ape its distinct voice and temperament.Network television was next on the list for this Boston native. Spending time in New York and L. A. paid off with multiple highly acclaimed appearances on Late Night w/ Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd w/ Colin Quinn, and several sit-coms including Seinfeld, Boston Common, The Single Guy, and Dr. Katz Professional Therapist. Having proven himself a solid comic actor Tony then tackled dramatic roles on television working with such notable actors as Eric Roberts, Ice T, and James McDaniels from NYPD Blue.Tony’s big screen outings include State and Main, Celtic Pride, Housesitter, One Crazy Summer, and Shakes the Clown as well as the independently produced By the Sea and Abracadabra. Tony has also produced and written on several shows for network and production companies.Grab a cold beverage and enjoy this one because it's a killer episode.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.www.refscrease.com🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for a real barn burner because the one and only John Buccigross joins the boys for an epic episode. Bucci and the Zebras talk about everything from college hockey, his career path to ESPN, EA Sports' NHL 27, and of course chicken parm. They also have an in-depth discussion about NHL officiating and where it is headed.If you have ever wondered how the #BucciOvertimeChallenge came about you will get the full story here. This episode is one for the ages so kick back like you're watching Sports Center and enjoy.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

The boys switch it up to baseball being joined by Major Leaguer John Valentin. John played with the Boston Red Sox from 1992-2001 and finished his career with the New York Mets in 2002. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 1995, is a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame and holds the distinction of being the only major-league player to have (in different games) executed an unassisted triple play, hit for the cycle, and hit three home runs in one game.John not only talks about that triple play and hitting for the cycle, but shares his thoughts on the current Red Sox team, the MLB playoff picture, and instant replay in baseball. John played on some great teams in the 90's and had some legendary teammates like Pedro Martinez and Mo Vaughn (who he played with in college at Seton Hall). Sit back, bust open a bag of peanuts or Cracker Jacks, and enjoy some baseball talk with a great Red Sox player and all around awesome guy, John Valentin.🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSORCouldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.🦓 Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.If you wear stripes — you belong here.🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA StudiosFor rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCHLook good. Chirp better.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRASEpisodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip