Episode 16 - Cory Melkert

In the final episode of Down South, SPHL Commissioner Doug Price joins the show to discuss the season that was and share information and insight into the impending offseason. Brian and Andrew also recap the President's Cup Final and discuss the year-end awards.

Brian and Andrew preview the President's Cup Final between the Macon Mayhem and Pensacola Ice Flyers by interviewing Pensacola Head Coach Rod Aldoff and Macon Head Coach Kevin Kerr.

Brian and Andrew preview the 2021 President's Cup Playoffs. The guys are then joined by Hockey Hall of Famer and legendary play-by-play voice Doc Emrick for a discussion on his appreciation of the minor leagues, his career, his wife and more.

Mason Baptista of the William B. Coffey Trophy-winning Macon Mayhem joins the show to discuss his career, his role as a player/coach, playing in Germany, and travel difficulties on the bus. Brian and Andrew talk about the playoff field being set and times they've taken a wrong turn.

Birmingham Bulls forward Mike Davis discusses his career with the Bulls, playing for startup teams and spending his hockey career in southern markets. The guys the tell stories from various promotional nights in the SPHL.

Brian and Andrew discuss a pair of debuts - former Peoria and Knoxville goaltender Jeremy Brodeur making his AHL debut for the Binghamton Devils and former Peoria broadcaster Alan Fuehring becoming the first former SPHL voice to call an NHL game. The guys then bring on Fayetteville Marksmen head coach Cory Melkert for a discussion on getting his start in coaching and how a first-time head coach is spending his idle season. Finally the guys talk about the best post-game meals in the league.

Brian and Andrew welcome the freshly minted winningest goaltender in SPHL history, Peter Di Salvo, for a discussion on setting that mark, his career, and potential future plans. The guys also discuss the emerging playoff picture, what a championship in a COVID-affected season would mean and share stories of being uncomfortable on the team bus.

Brian and Andrew discuss Knoxville's 10-game winning streak - and Macon bringing it to a halt, talk about a scoring rule that you only find in the SPHL and the recent call-up of Austyn Roudebush. The guys then welcome Jacob Benson of the Ice Bears to talk about the team's hot streak, his play and his brief stint in France. 

Brian and Andrew discuss the recent hot streak of the Knoxville Ice Bears and the stellar play of goaltender Austyn Roudebush. The guys then welcome the owner of the SPHL's newest franchise, Ellen Tully of the Vermilion County Bobcats for a conversation about her expansion franchise. Finally, Andrew and Brian share stories about being left behind by the team bus.

Pensacola Ice Flyers winger stops by to discuss his season so far, playing in France and his shootout heroics from late January. Andrew and Brian talk about Brian getting to call a game for the first time in nearly a year and the guys tell the story of the most impressive goals they've ever been on the call for.