Crank up the radio and open a Ham’s—the Hockey Guys are back with a high-stakes Saturday morning breakdown. This week, Jeff "The Wise One," Dr. Phil Johnson, and Coach Dean Wilson are joined by "Baywatch Eddie" Christian to navigate a college hockey landscape that was just rocked by a coaching earthquake in the Twin Cities. From the sudden departures at the University of Minnesota to the golden dominance of USA Sledge Hockey, this episode is a masterclass in the "new math" of the postseason and the old-school value of loyalty.
The episode features heavy-hitting interviews with two of the most respected names in the sport: five-time consecutive gold medalist Coach David Hoff and the "hottest coach in college hockey," Augustana’s Garrett Raboine. Whether they are debating the coaching carousel or celebrating a fifth straight gold medal, the guys prove once again why they are the nation’s definitive voice for college hockey.
Key Moments
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The Gopher Coaching Shakeup The studio reacts to the shocking news that Coach Bob Motzko and Coach Frost are out at the University of Minnesota. Doc Phil and the crew dive into the "new direction" of Gopher hockey, questioning who is truly in charge—the athletic director, the boosters, or a restless fan base that demands immediate wins.
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David Hoff’s Golden Drive Coach David Hoff joins the show fresh off winning his fifth consecutive gold medal with the USA Men’s Sledge Hockey team. Hoff discusses the incredible athleticism of stars like Declan Farmer and Josh Pauls, explaining why "people with a disability" are often the strongest and most focused athletes on the planet.
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Garrett Raboine on Loyalty With his name being "banted around" for the Minnesota opening, Augustana Head Coach Garrett Raboine joins the show for an extended sit-down. In a powerful moment, Raboine highlights his "old school" commitment to loyalty, his family’s love for Sioux Falls, and why he’s more interested in building a long-term future at Augustana than chasing prestige in Minneapolis.
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The Sledge Hockey Tradition The guys pay tribute to the late Jeff Sauer, the legendary coach who lent worldwide credibility to the sledge hockey program. David Hoff reflects on the bond within his team, noting that whether players were injured in war or born with a disability, they are united by a shared passion for the ice.
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Richter Finalist: Josh Izekotai Coach Raboine shares the "planes, trains, and automobiles" story of how he recruited Josh Izekotai in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. Now a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, Izekotai is described as the MVP who defined Augustana's rising program.
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The "New Math" of the Top 16 Jeff and the crew break down the razor-thin margins of the RPI as the playoffs heat up. They analyze critical matchups like Denver vs. Western Michigan and Ohio State vs. Michigan, warning that any slip-up now could knock a team right out of the national tournament.
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The First Family of Hockey The crew continues their campaign to have the Christian family recognized by USA Hockey as the "First Family" of the sport, tracing their lineage through generations of Olympic medals and NHL careers.