In this high-energy episode of The Hockey Guys, the crew dives deep into the shifting landscape of college and junior hockey. From the surprising goal-scoring outbursts in the NCHC to the high-stakes preparation for the World Junior Championships, we cover it all. We sit down with dual-sport phenom Mason West to discuss his decision to choose the rink over the gridiron and his recent draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. Later, Team USA Head Coach Bob Motzko joins us to talk about the "pressure is a privilege" mindset heading into the international stage. Finally, we catch up with Brooks Cullen on his transition from a state-champion Moorhead Spud to a Fargo Force standout, reflecting on what it was like growing up in NHL locker rooms.
Key Moments
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The Augustana Scoring Explosion The guys break down Augustana’s stunning seven-goal performance against Omaha, debating whether a shift from defensive coaching to a more offensive mindset has finally "taken the reins off" the team.
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Mason West: Choosing the Ice Edina superstar Mason West opens up about his journey as a multi-sport athlete. He explains why he’s sticking with hockey despite being a state-champion quarterback and shares insights into his "best ever" interview with the Chicago Blackhawks at the NHL Combine.
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The Business of Hockey: Advisors and NIL The crew has a candid conversation about the changing environment for young players, discussing the necessity of family advisors and the emergence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in high school and college sports.
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Bob Motzko’s World Junior Outlook Team USA Head Coach Bob Motzko discusses the incredible depth of American hockey talent and the high expectations for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the World Junior Tournament. He highlights the impact of retired NHL players coaching the next generation and why "plowhorse" defensemen are just as vital as flashy scorers.
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The "Late Bloomer" Mentality with Brooks Cullen Brooks Cullen shares a refreshing perspective on being a late bloomer in a family of hockey standouts. He offers advice to high school players on the importance of patience, hard work in the shooting room, and focusing on one's own unique path.
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Life in the Penguins’ Locker Room Brooks reminisces about his childhood in Pittsburgh, where he and his brothers did their schoolwork at the rink and hopped on the ice immediately after Sidney Crosby and the Penguins finished practice.