Overview of Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 656
Episode 656 is a wide-ranging hockey-heavy show centered on the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup celebration, with guest appearances from Taylor Hall, Jordan Martinook, and Jaccob Slavin. The crew also touched on offseason NHL rumors, coaching changes, the end of Hockey Night in Canada on CBC, World Cup buzz, and a moving tribute to former NHLer Kyle Calder.
Key Guests and Main Conversation
Taylor Hall and Jordan Martinook
- Joined from the team bus during Carolina’s post-Cup golf trip and celebration.
- Reflected on the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup win, the tight-knit locker room, and how special it felt to finally get over the hump.
- Martinook, one of the longest-tenured Canes, talked about staying with the organization through the rough years and how meaningful it was to share the title with the city and his family.
- Hall discussed how much better this title felt than expected, especially after his difficult stretch before joining Carolina.
Jaccob Slavin
- Slavin opened up at length about faith, identity, and life outside hockey.
- He explained how his relationship with Christ helps him stay grounded regardless of performance, emphasizing that hockey success does not define his worth.
- Shared that he and his wife adopted their daughter and spoke about supporting charities like International Justice Mission and Compassion International.
- Also discussed how much he values playing in Carolina’s supportive, faith-friendly environment.
Carolina Hurricanes: Why They Won
Team Culture and Rod Brind’Amour
- The guests repeatedly praised Rod Brind’Amour as the engine of the organization.
- Hall and Slavin highlighted the team’s commitment to structure, conditioning, and accountability.
- A memorable detail: the team lifted a cinder block in workouts, and Brind’Amour later revealed it was the same weight as the Stanley Cup.
Unsung Heroes and Depth
- Slavin singled out Sean Walker as an underrated but huge contributor.
- Both players praised the Hurricanes’ depth, defensive commitment, and how many different players stepped up at different points.
- The conversation reinforced the idea that Carolina won because of its system, buy-in, and team-first mentality.
Personal Highlights
- Slavin said the Cup was his first real championship at any level, and Hall noted how the run felt like the perfect cap to a special season.
- Martinook described the emotional moment of lifting the Cup with family and seeing his son on the ice afterward.
Off-Ice Stories and Community Moments
Biz at the Gretzky Hockey School
- Biz told a long story about coaching at Wayne Gretzky’s hockey camp in Vail.
- He brought up a friend, Chris Hilliard, who is battling cancer and still undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic.
- The show encouraged listeners to donate to Chris’s GoFundMe / charity and mentioned support from the Yak and Barstool crew.
Coaching Kids
- Biz broke down how younger kids need constant structure and engagement.
- He joked that girls at that age often listen better than boys and were easier to coach.
- He emphasized small-area games, being demanding, and making kids feel like they’re playing for something meaningful.
Sandbagger Shot Talk
- The crew revisited Biz’s dunked fairway shot from the last Sandbagger match.
- They joked about the online reaction, Twitter criticism, and how much online hate has become part of the job.
NHL Offseason Talk and Rumors
Coaching and Front-Office Moves
- The panel discussed Mike Babcock and the report that the Oilers were moving toward hiring him after the league investigation cleared him.
- They debated whether Edmonton’s leadership group and Connor McDavid would be able to live with that decision if things went sideways.
- They also reacted to Toronto’s coaching hire of Jim Hiller, calling it somewhat underwhelming and more of an old-school recycle than a splashy hire.
Bruce Cassidy / Other Coaching Notes
- There was chatter about Bruce Cassidy potentially being available for another job, and discussion of what kinds of teams might pursue him.
- The panel also argued for more young, former-player coaches getting opportunities instead of constant recycling of veteran names.
Trade and Roster Rumors
- A lot of time was spent on summer trade buzz:
- Elias Pettersson and whether a new home could unlock his game.
- Darnell Nurse and the possibility of a reset elsewhere.
- Bowen Byram and whether Buffalo might move him.
- Vincent Trocheck, Ross Colton, and Michael Kesselring getting moved around in separate deals.
- Speculation around the Devils, Leafs, and other teams looking to reshape their rosters.
Devils Fan Segment
- A delusional Devils fan came on briefly and argued for a fresh coach and a major roster shake-up.
- The crew riffed on how many fans want stars without giving up meaningful assets in trades.
Hockey Night in Canada / CBC Change
- RA explained that CBC will no longer carry Hockey Night in Canada in the same way, marking the end of an era.
- He clarified the broadcast and rights situation, noting that the tradition is continuing in a different form, but the shift away from CBC is still a major cultural change.
- The hosts reflected on how iconic that broadcast has been for generations of Canadian hockey fans.
World Cup and Broader Sports Talk
- The crew briefly got into the World Cup, including:
- Big upset-type performances and goalkeeper heroics.
- Messi, Ronaldo, and the global appeal of the tournament.
- The atmosphere in host cities and how international fans are taking over downtowns.
- They also touched on how global events and media narratives shape how people view the U.S. and Canada.
Recommendations and Pop Culture Picks
RA’s Viewing Suggestions
- The Big Lebowski
- Office Romance
- Something About Mary
- Chef
- Tootsie
He framed them as worth revisiting or checking out if you want classic comedy or a good streaming watch.
Closing Tribute
- The episode ended on a somber note with a tribute to Kyle Calder (“Grease”), who passed away young after battling illness.
- The crew shared memories of him, called him beloved by teammates, and offered condolences to his family.
- They closed by thanking fans and the production team for supporting the live playoff shows, noting the podcast will return to its normal Tuesday release schedule in the offseason.