Wranglers Watch - Episode 23

The 2001 Calder Cup celebration rolls on as Daniel Tkaczuk sits down with Sandra for a look back at the Saint John Flames’ unforgettable playoff run—complete with the stories, personalities, and moments that shaped that championship season. He also opens the door to his world today, sharing what it’s like working with the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres and the Canadian women’s national team.   (29:51) A closer look at this week’s Wranglers news and the current four-game homestand. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.  

Micki Dupont joins Sandra to revisit the Saint John Flames’ unforgettable 2001 Calder Cup run. With the 25th anniversary on the horizon — and celebrations soon coming to the Saddledome with the Calgary Wranglers — Micki shares stories, emotions, and behind the scenes moments from a championship season that still resonates all these years later. (20:47) Sandra dives into a very busy March for the Wranglers, both at home and on the road, and the progression of rookie Aydar Suniev. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

With the Abbotsford Canucks visiting Calgary this weekend, Sandra sits down with play-by-play voice Brandon Astle for an inside look at the team’s season. They dig into the strong work of goalie coach Justin Pogge, how head coach Manny Malhotra continues to elevate his group, and what’s driving Abbotsford’s momentum down the stretch. (26:34) As the Wranglers wrap up their season series against the San Jose Barracuda, Sandra connects with reporter Madison Montez to break down the Barracuda’s high-end young talent and the ongoing resurgence of goaltender Laurent Brossoit as he forges the next chapter in his hockey story. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Sandra kicks off part one of her in depth conversation with Wranglers blueliner Daniil Miromanov, who opens up about his path to hockey in our country. Daniil shares how his journey began long before major junior—moving to Canada as a teen, navigating school life in Ontario, and coming close to suiting up for the London Knights. He also reflects on the Hockey Hall of Famer who saw his potential as a d-man. (21:11) The conversation continues as Daniil looks back on the trade that brought him from Vegas to Calgary. He talks candidly about adjusting to a new organization, finding his voice in the Wranglers room, and why being a mentor to the team’s younger Russian players has become an essential part of his role. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Sandra kicks things off with Manitoba Moose play-by-play voice Daniel Fink for a deep dive into this weekend’s all-Canadian showdown in Winnipeg. Daniel breaks down the Moose rookies making noise early in their pro careers and highlights several familiar faces Wranglers fans will recognize(22:33) Producer Cameron Hughes joins Sandra for a fresh edition of Wranglers Rundown, taking stock of the biggest storylines as Calgary heads into the stretch run. They dig into which players could be knocking on the Flames’ door for a call-up and what trends are shaping the team’s push toward playoffs. Cam also lifts the curtain on his behind-the-scenes role at the Saddledome—specifically how he helps set the musical tone for AHL game nights.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

This week’s episode comes to you from the road in Bakersfield, where Sandra and Rees break down the biggest storylines surrounding the team over the past month. They dive into the Wranglers’ run of goalie injuries, Zayne Parekh’s conditioning stint, and how players and staff are working through a challenging stretch of games.(21:07) Sandra and Rees continue their on-the-road conversation, giving listeners a behind the scenes look at what unfolds around the team when a trade is finalized. They walk through the Wranglers’ recent acquisition of Gavin White from the Texas Stars in a one for one, defender for defender deal that sent Jérémie Poirier the other way.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

On this week's edition of Wranglers Watch, Sandra Prusina kicks off the show by chatting with Cory Berberian, Rapid City Rush Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations! Cory brings us a mid-season snapshot from South Dakota, breaking down how the Rush are navigating the grind of the schedule — including those relentless three games in three nights. We also dive into one of the team’s biggest storylines: the return of goaltender Connor Murphy between the pipes.  (26:33) Fresh off the AHL Outdoor Classic, Chris Peters from FloHockey shares what it was really like covering the event — including just how bone chilling the temperatures were. He also digs into the league’s expected return to Hamilton, offering insight on what that move could mean for fans, development, and the broader AHL landscape. And with the AHL All-Star festivities and Olympic break fast approaching, Chris walks us through what’s next for the FloHockey team and how they’re gearing up for one of the busiest portions of their calendar.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Ahead of Laval’s first-ever visit to Calgary to take on the Wranglers, Sandra sits down with Rocket commentator Cedrik Blondin for an inside look at the team’s strong season. They dig into Laval’s impressive play, their strategic approach to the Jacob Fowler–Kappo Kahkonen goaltending tandem, and how top prospect David Reinbacher is progressing on the blue line.(22:13) Sandra and AHL insider Patrick Williams take a full spin around the league, breaking down the latest storylines — from the upcoming All-Star festivities in Rockford to the chaotic swings of the Pacific Division, and the historic surge happening in Grand Rapids.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

On this week's episode of Wranglers Watch, Sandra and Logan dive into their monthly Wranglers Hot Topics, including Martin Pospisil’s conditioning stint, evaluating the team at the halfway mark, strategies to spark the power play, and share their all-time Wranglers starting lineups.(35:19) Sandra breaks down the biggest Wranglers storylines of the week, with the team back at the Saddledome for a four-game homestand.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

On this week's episode of Wranglers Watch, Sandra sits down with David Smith to discuss his journey from coaching in the NCAA to leading an ECHL team. He shares what it’s like balancing the dual roles of head coach and general manager in Rapid City.(19:50) In the second half of the conversation, David evaluates his team’s season so far, explains his approach to goaltending, and talks about collaborating with Calgary Wranglers’ brass.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.