The Hockey Guys

Grab a cold beverage and settle in with The Hockey Guys as hosts Jeff, Coach Dean Wilson, "Crazy" Eddie Christian, and Dr. Phil Johnson break down another thrilling weekend across college hockey. Broadcasting across the Upper Midwest and into Grand Rapids, Minnesota on KOZY, the crew opens with a rapid-fire recap of an upset-heavy slate, including Augustana's offensive explosion, Army's continued surge, and North Dakota's hard-fought 2–2 battle against high-scoring Western Michigan. The highlight of the broadcast is an in-depth conversation with University of Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings. Fresh off an undefeated start, Hastings opens up about his evolving coaching philosophy, explaining why player-coach relationships matter more than ever in today's college athletics. He highlights the indispensable recruiting and leadership role of associate head coach Todd Knott, shares the development story of Croatian forward Bruno Idžan, reflects on the profound impact of mentors like Frank Serratore, and explains why programs must recruit the "entire human being" rather than just chasing pure talent. Key Moments Early-Season Parity & Scoreboard Surprises: The crew breaks down eye-opening results across the NCHC and Big Ten, debating whether CHL eligibility rules are leveling the national playing field. North Dakota's Process: A deep dive into UND holding Western Michigan's nation-leading offense to just 17 shots in a 2–2 draw, with the panel emphasizing patience as Dane Jackson blends 13 newcomers into the lineup. Deer Stand Architectural Antics: Longtime friend Jeff checks in from the Twin Lakes Deer Camp near Karlstad, Minnesota, sharing laughs and teasing Coach Wilson about his hunting prowess and deer-stand architecture. Better Coaches Need Better Players: Mike Hastings shares a candid truth from his career path, pointing out that great players make coaches look smart, while explaining how his shift toward investing in athletes as whole people unlocked his programs' success. The Value of Todd Knott: Hastings offers high praise for longtime associate head coach Todd Knott, calling him the best talent evaluator and culture-builder in college hockey. Bruno Idžan’s Breakthrough: Coach Hastings details forward Bruno Idžan's commitment to personal growth, explaining how buying into off-season development transformed him into an impactful top-six contributor on the power play. Frank Serratore’s Lasting Imprint: Hastings reflects warmly on his former coach and mentor Frank Serratore, recalling how Serratore taught him to defend one-on-ones as an undersized blue-liner and shaped him as a leader. Recruiting the Whole Person: With NCAA transfer and eligibility rules shifting,…

It’s a lively Halloween edition of The Hockey Guys as hosts Jeff, Coach Dean Wilson, "Crazy" Eddie Christian, and Dr. Phil Johnson welcome listeners from their brand-new Grand Rapids affiliate, KOZY. The crew sips Hamms and cracks jokes while breaking down a wild slate of early-season college hockey scores. Topics include Dave Hakstol and Matt Green quickly turning around Arizona State with an upset over St. Cloud State, Augustana putting up a staggering 12–0 blowout, and early-season PairWise/NPI rankings creating unexpected top-tier matchups. The main event of the show features an extended two-period visit with Michigan State University head coach Adam Nightingale live from Austin, Texas. Ahead of the marquee USA Hockey Hall of Fame Game matchup between the Spartans and the University of North Dakota, Nightingale pulls back the curtain on how he manages today’s athlete amid NIL and the transfer portal. He details the necessity of running a "work-based, not talent-based" locker room, establishing transparency with NHL agents, and building a culture where nothing is handed to incoming recruits. Key Moments New Affiliate Launch & Costume Shenanigans: The crew celebrates expanding their broadcast footprint to Grand Rapids, Coleraine, and the Iron Range on KOZY, while poking fun at Halloween outfits, Uber drivers, and old rink stories. Hakstol’s Arizona State Spark: The panel analyzes Dave Hakstol’s immediate impact at Arizona State alongside Matt Green, highlighting Hakstol’s press conference quip about modern college hockey budgets ("when he was allowed to buy bagels, he wasn't allowed to buy the cream cheese") and his squad's immediate buy-in. Hall of Fame Game in Austin: Coach Adam Nightingale joins the program from Austin, Texas, previewing the long-scheduled Hall of Fame showdown against North Dakota and discussing how early-season tests in packed arenas build team character. Work-Based vs. Talent-Based Identity: Nightingale explains the Spartan roster philosophy, stating that regardless of NHL draft pedigree, success is anchored by hardworking veteran leaders like Matt Basgall, Tiernan Shoudy, and Daniel Russell. The No-Promises Recruiting Rule: Nightingale details how Michigan State weeds out players and families during recruitment, refusing to guarantee power-play minutes or top-line spots, emphasizing that only a scholarship is promised and everything else must be earned. Navigating Agents and NIL: Addressing questions from Dr. Phil and Coach Wilson on modern player management, Nightingale stresses honest communication with advisors and agents, arguing that making team decisions out of fear of the transfer portal does student-athletes a disservice.…

Eddie and Dean Wilson take the studio on a stormy Saturday morning with Doc Phil checking in from Montana for The Hockey Guys. The crew dissects the bitter aftermath of North Dakota's weekend sweep against Minnesota at Mariucci Arena, debating whether the blame falls on goaltender TJ Semptimphelter or defensive breakdowns in front of him. UND insider and former player Jeff Bowen joins the discussion to evaluate the team's defensive zone turnovers, the controversial Thursday-Friday TV scheduling driven by the Big Ten, and how NIL money is rapidly reshaping college hockey recruitment. Plus, the guys run through a chaotic slate of national upsets, Moorhead alumni lighting up the scoresheet, and old-school WCHA-style officiating. Key Moments The Mariucci Sweep Reality Check: The crew breaks down North Dakota dropping both games to Minnesota, urging fans to stay calm despite allowing ten goals across the series. Goaltending & Defense Under the Microscope: Jeff Bowen examines North Dakota sticking with veteran goaltender TJ Semptimphelter over rotating in young talent, noting that defensive zone turnovers and odd-man rushes from forwards and defensemen contributed heavily to the goals allowed. Thursday-Friday TV Scheduling Frustration: The panel discusses how Big Ten television rights and college football conflicts forced the rivalry into an unconventional Thursday and Friday slot, sparking a debate on interlocking non-conference scheduling. NIL and the New College Recruiting Landscape: The hosts and Jeff Bowen explore how massive NIL compensation packages at Big Ten schools and changes in the CHL are dramatically altering roster building and player retention across college hockey. Moorhead Connection Shines: A look at local Moorhead ties making an impact in the rivalry, including Wyatt Kaiser putting up a hat trick for the Gophers and multiple Spud alumni finding the back of the net. National Upsets Shake the PairWise: The guys recap a wild weekend across the country, featuring Augustana taking down Ohio State in overtime, Harvard handling Northeastern, and Army shocking Quinnipiac. Old-School WCHA Officiating: Callers and hosts weigh in on the physical, let-them-play officiating style that allowed tempers to flare and scrums to brew in true classic rivalry fashion.

It’s a rowdy, beer-pouring Saturday morning on The Hockey Guys as hosts Jeff, Coach Dean Wilson, and "Crazy" Eddie Christian take over the studio alongside interim co-host and coaching legend Dave Morinville. Between Hamms pours and jokes about Uber rides, the crew recaps an action-packed weekend of college hockey. Highlights include North Dakota’s tight 3–2 victory over Bemidji State, Michigan Tech knocking off St. Cloud, and Augustana’s stunning overtime upset over 5th-ranked Minnesota Duluth. The highlight of the episode is an exclusive, extended interview with Air Force Academy head coach Frank Serratore. Announcing his 30th and final season at Air Force (and 46th year of coaching overall), Frank looks back on his iconic career, his deep Minnesota roots, and his Mount Rushmore of coaching mentors. He also opens up about why naming Joe Doyle as "head coach-in-waiting" was essential for protecting Air Force from transfer portal chaos. Key Moments Early-Season Trap Games: The hosts analyze how early out-of-conference upsets—like Augustana topping Minnesota Duluth and Holy Cross shocking Arizona State—can haunt top teams' PairWise rankings come tournament time. The "Head Coach-in-Waiting" Strategy: Frank Serratore details the decision to name associate coach Joe Doyle as his successor, warning that programs without clear succession plans get their rosters decimated by the transfer portal during coaching searches. The "Marshmallow" Service Academies: Frank jokes about Navy not having a hockey team, quipping that he tells Navy grads they can have a program as soon as they "figure out how to freeze water". Garth Brooks vs. Johnny Cash: In a hilarious throwback story, Frank recalls when Garth Brooks called looking for ice time while hitting it big, only for coach Chad Johnson to deadpan: "Is Johnny Cash in town?" Two Near-Misses in Fargo: Frank reveals how fate intervened twice to keep him from living in Fargo—first when the junior Sugarcane team folded overnight following a legendary brawl with the St. Paul Vulcans, and later when he chose the USHL's Austin Mavericks over an assistant job at Fargo North under Dave Morinville. Developing Hasty: Coach Serratore and Dave Morinville reminisce about recruiting a young Mike Hastings (now head coach at Wisconsin) out of Crookston as an undersized, offensive-minded 7th defenseman who "couldn't stop a one-on-one". The Undefeated ECHL Stat: The crew laughs over Frank's short stint as an ECHL goaltender, noting he technically holds a career $0.00$ goals against average after filling in for one shutout period.…

It’s a rowdy, beer-pouring Saturday morning on The Hockey Guys as hosts Jeff, Coach Dean Wilson, and "Crazy" Eddie Christian take over the studio alongside interim co-host and coaching legend Dave Morinville. Between Hamms pours and jokes about Uber rides, the crew recaps an action-packed weekend of college hockey. Highlights include North Dakota’s tight 3–2 victory over Bemidji State, Michigan Tech knocking off St. Cloud, and Augustana’s stunning overtime upset over 5th-ranked Minnesota Duluth. The highlight of the episode is an exclusive, extended interview with Air Force Academy head coach Frank Serratore. Announcing his 30th and final season at Air Force (and 46th year of coaching overall), Frank looks back on his iconic career, his deep Minnesota roots, and his Mount Rushmore of coaching mentors. He also opens up about why naming Joe Doyle as "head coach-in-waiting" was essential for protecting Air Force from transfer portal chaos. Key Moments Early-Season Trap Games: The hosts analyze how early out-of-conference upsets—like Augustana topping Minnesota Duluth and Holy Cross shocking Arizona State—can haunt top teams' PairWise rankings come tournament time. The "Head Coach-in-Waiting" Strategy: Frank Serratore details the decision to name associate coach Joe Doyle as his successor, warning that programs without clear succession plans get their rosters decimated by the transfer portal during coaching searches. The "Marshmallow" Service Academies: Frank jokes about Navy not having a hockey team, quipping that he tells Navy grads they can have a program as soon as they "figure out how to freeze water". Garth Brooks vs. Johnny Cash: In a hilarious throwback story, Frank recalls when Garth Brooks called looking for ice time while hitting it big, only for coach Chad Johnson to deadpan: "Is Johnny Cash in town?" Two Near-Misses in Fargo: Frank reveals how fate intervened twice to keep him from living in Fargo—first when the junior Sugarcane team folded overnight following a legendary brawl with the St. Paul Vulcans, and later when he chose the USHL's Austin Mavericks over an assistant job at Fargo North under Dave Morinville. Developing Hasty: Coach Serratore and Dave Morinville reminisce about recruiting a young Mike Hastings (now head coach at Wisconsin) out of Crookston as an undersized, offensive-minded 7th defenseman who "couldn't stop a one-on-one". The Undefeated ECHL Stat: The crew laughs over Frank's short stint as an ECHL goaltender, noting he technically holds a career $0.00$ goals against average after filling in for one shutout period.…

The 2026–2027 college hockey season kicks off on The Hockey Guys with a packed show covering the changing landscape of the NCAA. Host Jeff, alongside Coach Dean Wilson and "The Legend" Dave Moranville, reflects on the upcoming retirement of coaching icons Frank and Tom Serratore. The crew also explores the major shift in player development as Canadian Hockey League (CHL) talent mixes with traditional college rosters. Joining the show for an extended interview, North Dakota hockey color commentator Mike Lemoine drops in to break down UND's roster ahead of their season opener against Augustana. Lemoine analyzes North Dakota's blue-line depth, the rise of sophomore captain Cole Spicer/Kole Resheny, and the new NCAA trapezoid rule. Finally, the panel pays tribute to legendary play-by-play announcer Tim Hennessy as he enters his 46th and final season as the voice of North Dakota hockey. Key Moments End of a Serratore Era: Dave Moranville and Dean Wilson honor brothers Frank and Tom Serratore following the announcement of their final coaching seasons at Air Force and Bemidji State, celebrating Frank's 69 years of life and his standing among the winningest coaches in college hockey. The CHL & NIL Paradigm Shift: Mike Lemoine and the crew debate the impact of younger CHL draft picks entering college hockey, contrasting 17- and 18-year-old talent against veteran 23- and 24-year-old rosters. General Manager Precision: Lemoine praises UND head coach Dane Jackson for hiring a dedicated General Manager (Brent Chyzowski), emphasizing how precise recruiting has become in the modern collegiate landscape. UND's Stacked Blue Line: The panel examines North Dakota's defensive group, featuring top NHL draft picks and transfers like EJ Emery, Keaton Verhoeff, Braesen Bozer, Bauer Ziemer/Dymanski, and Sam Laurila. Goaltending & The Trapezoid Rule: Mike Lemoine discusses returning goaltender TJ Shattuck/TJ Semptimphelter/Jan/Juan Spooner coming off a two-loss season, alongside the NCAA's adoption of the NHL trapezoid rule to restrict behind-the-net puck handling. Sophomore C: The panel highlights Kole Resheny wearing the "C" as the youngest captain in University of North Dakota history following his return from the World Juniors. A Tribute to Tim Hennessy: The hosts and Mike Lemoine honor legendary broadcaster Tim Hennessy as he begins his 46th and final year as the play-by-play voice painting the picture for UND fans.

In this season finale, the Hockey Guys dive deep into the chaotic world of the NCAA transfer portal during the most critical week of the off-season. With approximately 250 players currently in the portal, the crew explores the "dog-eat-dog" reality of modern recruiting. The episode features back-to-back interviews with the newly appointed head coach of the University of Minnesota, Brett Larson, and the University of North Dakota’s head coach, Dane Jackson. The discussion centers on the shifting dynamics of college hockey, from the legalities of "extra" coaching staff to the emotional toll of man-to-man exit interviews. As the coaches prepare to head to Florida for the NCAA convention, they pull back the curtain on proposed roster caps and the potential for "one-and-done" transfer rules that could change the game forever. Key Moments The Portal Explosion: The hosts discuss the staggering volume of transfers, noting that 183 players entered the portal on opening day alone, creating a "car sick" environment for fans and coaches trying to keep track. Brett Larson’s Gopher Blueprint: The new Minnesota head coach discusses the challenge of stepping into a storied program, emphasizing his immediate priority to fix the "D core" to get the puck to talented snipers more efficiently. The Matt Cullen "Loophole": Coach Larson explains the specific duties of Matt Cullen in player development, noting that while Cullen can't technically "run" a practice, he can "train the coaches" on how to train the players. Dane Jackson on the "Business" of Hockey: Coach Jackson reflects on a Final Four season and explains that players leaving for the portal are often NHL draft picks seeking more ice time, a move sometimes influenced by their professional parent clubs. Recruiting "Great Humans": UND’s staff details their philosophy of looking beyond "sexy" stats to find high-character players like Minot native Brayson Bozer and transfers from Bemidji State and Arizona State. Roster Cap Conflicts: A major topic for the upcoming Florida convention is the new 26-player roster limit, which coaches argue is too low to handle season-ending injuries. The "One-and-Done" Debate: The panel and guests weigh in on a proposal to limit athletes to a single transfer during their five-year window to prevent "free agency" every year. Wilson’s Wisdom: Coach Dean Wilson offers a blunt take on the portal, comparing it to leaving a "pretty girl"—once a player decides to leave, they shouldn't expect the door to stay open if they…

Crack open a Hamm’s and pour a glass of Belfour Distillery bourbon! In this high-octane episode of The Hockey Guys, the crew are joined by two absolute legends to break down the hottest topics in the sport. From the "secret sauce" propelling Wisconsin through the NCAA tournament to a deep dive into North Dakota’s season with the voice of the team, Mike Lemoine, this episode covers it all. The highlight of the morning is an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with NHL Hall of Famer Ed Belfour. "Eddie the Eagle" shares incredible stories from his undrafted roots in southern Manitoba to winning an NCAA title, Olympic Gold, and the Stanley Cup. He also sounds off on the modern state of goaltending, his love-hate relationship with "Iron Mike" Keenan, and the smooth science behind his new Belfour Distillery small-batch bourbon. Key Moments The Secret Sauce: Tthe guys debate whether Wisconsin coach Mike Hastings has found the "extra dab of Tabasco" needed to shut down high-powered offenses and claim the national title. North Dakota Season Recap: Analyst Mike Lemoine joins the show to discuss the deep bond of the current North Dakota roster and the "fast and furious" nature of the transfer portal, which opens this Monday. Replacing a Legend: The crew discusses the massive void left by two-time All-American Jake Livanavage as he signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Eddie the Eagle Joins the Program: Ed Belfour opens up about the emotional high of winning the Stanley Cup in triple overtime and why he believes the Cup remains the ultimate prize in sports. The Evolution of the Goalie: Belfour critiques the modern NHL obsession with "blocking style" goaltenders over 6'3", arguing that athleticism and the ability to read the play are being undervalued. Keenan, Tretiak, and Intimidation: Ed shares a classic story about Mike Keenan kicking him in the ribs on the bench to tell him he was going in for his big break, and how Vladislav Tretiak’s coaching took his game to a Hall of Fame level. Frozen Four Predictions: The guys give their final picks for the national championship battle between the NCHC and the Big Ten.

The Hockey Guys sat down with a legendary lineup of guests to discuss the upcoming Frozen Four in Las Vegas and what it truly takes to hoist a national championship trophy. The panel, featuring Dr. Phil "Doc" Johnson, Crazy Eddie, and Coach Wills, explored the "secret sauce" of winning programs with former champions and current coaching elite. The "Secret Sauce" of National Champions The show kicked off with Mitch Vig, the hero of Bismarck and a 1997 National Champion with the University of North Dakota (UND), followed by Jeff Bowen, who achieved the rare feat of winning national titles at UND as both a player and an assistant coach. When asked about the "secret sauce" for winning at this level, both emphasized that talent alone isn't enough: Locker Room Chemistry: Vig noted that chemistry in the locker room is just as vital as chemistry on the ice. Role Identification: Every player must accept and excel in their specific role, rather than everyone trying to be a 25-goal scorer. A Touch of Luck: Vig admitted that in one-and-done formats, you often need a few lucky bounces to go your way. "Sioux Pride": Bowen credited the long-standing tradition of "Sioux Pride" and the institutional continuity at UND, which expects excellence regardless of who is behind the bench. Coaching Through the Chaos: Mike Hastings on the Frozen Four University of Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings joined the conversation to discuss the unique challenges of preparing for the Frozen Four. With a two-week layoff between the regionals and the finals, Hastings described the preparation as an "art rather than a science". Managing the Layoff: To keep players from getting out of their rhythm during the 13-day break, Hastings incorporated "skills days" and high-intensity practices to ensure they don't go to the "whip" too early or too late. The Goaltending "Wow" Factor: The panel agreed that goaltending is the ultimate X-factor. Coach Wills highlighted UND's Jakob Spunnar as a primary reason for their recent success, noting his performance as a "wow factor". Transfer Portal Dynamics: Hastings touched on the difficulty of building team bonds in the age of the transfer portal, where rosters can see 10–12 new players a year. He emphasized the need for honest, constant communication with players who might be considering their next move even during a playoff run. The Changing Landscape: Transfers and Officiating The episode took a serious turn discussing…

The "number one college hockey radio show in the nation" is firing on all cylinders this Saturday morning. Coach Dean Wilson and "Baywatch" Eddie Christian are joined by remote guests Dave Morinville and Doc Phil Johnson to break down a transformative week in the sport. From the intense "sense of urgency" in the NCAA Regionals to a coaching earthquake in the Twin Cities, the crew explores why the road to the Frozen Four is paved with grit and elite goaltending. The episode features a heavy-hitting interview with CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia, fresh off a flight from the regional action. The guys tackle the biggest headlines in the Midwest: the rapid hiring of Brett Larson at Minnesota, the search for a new leader at St. Cloud State, and a bold debate on whether local Fargo-Moorhead schools should finally launch a Division I hockey program. Key Moments Goalies: "Johnny on the Spot" The guys analyze the opening rounds of the tournament, agreeing that while skill is great, "you can’t win without great goaltending". Doc Phil and Dave break down Trey Augustine’s stellar 42-save performance for Michigan State , while Dave highlights how UND’s defensive discipline—limiting rebounds—is the secret to helping netminders shine. The Gophers' Quick Move: Brett Larson The studio reacts to the University of Minnesota’s swift hiring of Brett Larson following the departure of Bob Motzko. The guys discuss the immense pressure of the "fishbowl" jobs in Minnesota and North Dakota, questioning if Larson’s lack of alumni ties is an asset or a hurdle in the era of the transfer portal and NIL. Commissioner Don Lucia on Independent Vitality Fresh from Denver, Commissioner Lucia weighs in on the state of independent D1 programs. He suggests that with Tennessee State joining and others dropping, independent schools like Maryville, Lindenwood, and the Alaska schools should form their own six-team league to secure an automatic NCAA bid and remain viable. The $10 Million Facelift at St. Cloud With the St. Cloud State job open, the guys discuss the program’s massive $10 million facility upgrade. Dave Morinville looks at potential candidates like Nick Oliver and Jason Herter, noting that the school’s proximity to Minneapolis and strong business degree make it a premier recruiting hub. The NDSU/Moorhead Hockey Debate Doc Phil sparks a heated conversation about why Fargo-Moorhead still lacks a local D1 hockey program. While NDSU is focused on moving to Division 1A football ,…