InsideEdge

The Instigator |Episode 12 Humboldt Prayers On Friday, April 6, 2018 the hockey world changed. It changed forever. A horrific bus accident that left 16 people dead rocked the hockey world. The Humboldt Broncos SJHL junior hockey team has been devastated. The tragedy has weighed heavily on the hockey community, but to their credit the support for Humboldt has been amazing. Humboldt you are in our prayers. We are there for you. PODCAST

INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 8 Canucks Legends Retire and Humboldt Broncos Tragedy Brad Burud is joined with guest Blake Friars to discuss Vancouver Canucks legends Daniel and Henrik Sedin. The Sedins announced their retirement two weeks prior to the end of the regular season, and the final games were very exciting and the tribute was amazing. We also discuss the horrific tragedy that the Humboldt Broncos suffered. Sixteen members of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team lost their lives in a horrible bus accident. We discuss the hockey communities response and support. LISTEN - PODCAST

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 23 2018 Stanley Cup Preview and Predictions Debate 1 |2017-2018 Regular Season Prediction Recap Debate 2 |2018 Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoff Preview/Predictions Debate 3 |2018 Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff Preview/Predictions Brad Burud and Blake Friars are pumped and ready to get the Stanley Cup Playoffs underway. First off we review the NHL regular season and discuss our predictions from opening night. We nailed some and we look like fools on some other picks. Then we dive into the Western Conference and Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff matchups. We breakdown and argue each matchup, and most importantly tell you who will win and why. PODCAST - LISTEN

The Instigator |Episode 11 GOAL! Are you Kidding Me! Cam Ward allowed one of the weirdest goals ever last week. The puck was rung around the boards by Arizona Coyotes Alex Goligoski. Ward exited his net to stop the puck. The puck stuck in his skate, and Ward (not knowing where the puck was) slid to the front of the net in order to defend his foot slid into the net. The whistle sounded and the officials counted it as a good goal. I have a big problem with this one counting. LISTEN PODCAST

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 22 Hart Trophy Race, Burning ELC Contracts, and In or Out of Playoffs? Debate 1 | The race for the Hart Trophy. Debate 2 | Should teams burn a year on an entry level contract by having players play games after their college season ends. Debate 3 | In or Out? The Playoff Race is on. Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss the race for the Hart Trophy. Is McDavid the leader or does another player deserve it. Should teams burn up a year of players entry level contracts this late in the year? Or, should they save that player and contract year by waiting until next season. The NHL regular season is coming to an end. Who will be in and who will be out of the playoffs? LISTEN PODCAST

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 21 Rule Controversy, Serious Cup Contenders, and Playoff Format Debate 1 | Offsides/Goalie Interference solutions – General Managers Meetings. Debate 2 |Serious Stanley Cup Contenders Debate 3 |NHL Stanley Cup Playoff formats – What system do you like? Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss offside controversy, and goalie interference. Who are the serious Stanley Cup contenders and what playoff format do you think is the best. It is the push for the playoffs and action in the NHL is heating up on and off the ice. Also a new segment to the show, 3 Questions. Brad fires three questions at Blake. High sticking, NHL problems, and billboards headline the questions. PODCAST

INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 7 Flames Fallout, New Taylor Hall, and Season Ticket Drives The Inside Edge Hockey News Brad Burud discusses the struggles this year in Calgary. Will the Flames make big off-season moves if they fail to make the playoffs. Why is Taylor Hall thriving in New Jersey? How would Regina do with a season ticket drive? PODCAST LISTEN

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 20 Carolina Chaos, NHL Player Poll, and No Playoff Surge Debate 1 | Carolina removes Ron Francis at General Manager Debate 2 | NHL Player Poll – Who are the players favorites Debate 3 | What teams are playing themselves out of the playoffs. Brad Burud and Blake Friars are ready to debate. What is going on in Carolina and will the removal of Ron Francis change this team dynamic. Who do the players think is the best. Analysis on the recent NHL players poll. Teams are stumbling down the playoff stretch, who will find themselves on the outside of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? PODCAST - LISTEN

The Instigator |Episode 10 Bench Doors Closed In the wake of young superstar Brock Boeser going down with an injury he suffered as he crashed into an open bench door. We ask the question, should there be a rule implemented that only allows bench doors to be open during stoppages in play? LISTEN NOW

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 19 Flameout in Calgary, Canadian Media, and Panthers Alive and Well PODCAST Debate 1 | The Calgary Flameout Debate 2 | Canadian Media Criticism Debate 3 | Florida Panthers Alive and Well Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown the Calgary Flames struggles and discuss the multitude of reasons for their drop in the standings. They will also dive into Canadian media and their treatment and pressure they put on Canadian professional hockey teams. The Florida Panthers are back in the playoff race. Why is this and will they continue this success and make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 18 2018 NHL Trade Deadline Trade Recap and Winners/Losers Debate 1 | NHL Trade Deadline trade recap and analysis. Debate 2 |Winners and Losers of NHL Trade Deadline. Debate 3 |3 Deadline Questions. The 2018 NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown all the deadline trades. Deadline day is a very exciting day for the fans and a very stressful day for the players and general managers. Who were this years winners and losers. Opinions fly on this episode of THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast. LISTEN - PODCAST

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 17 2018 NHL Trade Deadline Preview Debate 1 | Trade Reviews – A breakdown of all trades that have taken place leading up to NHL Trade Deadline. Debate 2 | Trade Targets – What players will be on the move, and what teams will they end up on. The NHL Trade Deadline is one day away. Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown all the trades that have taken place leading up to deadline day. They also discuss what will happen on NHL Trade Deadline day by breaking down where all the top trade candidates will end up. Trade deadline day is so exciting for the fans. LISTEN - EPISODE 17

INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 6 Trade Bait, Deadline Silence, and Marner for McDonagh Brad Burud discusses the NHL Trade Deadline. What players are top trade bait, and what teams want them. He also breakdowns what teams should not do anything at trade deadline. The question of the show is a trade scenario, Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs for New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Is it a posibility, and would this trade work for both teams. All this on another action packed podcast. PODCAST LISTEN

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 16 Mrazek Rescues Flyers, The Untouchables, and Trade Deadline Update Debate 1 | Mrazek traded to Philadelphia to rescue them from injuries. Debate 2 | Who are the NHL Untouchables? Debate 3 | NHL Trade Deadline update and predictions. Petr Mrazek was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers from the Detroit Red Wings when both of the Flyers goalies went down with injuries. Will Mrazek rescue the Flyers and lead them to the playoffs? Who are the untouchables in the NHL. What players will never be moved, and how many is their? NHL Trade Deadline is drawing near. Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown all speculation and projections for trade deadline. LISTEN - PODCAST

Why in todays hockey does a big/clean hit often result in a instant retaliation fight? Last week Chicago Blackhawks Ryan Hartman laid out Jakub Silfverberg on a clean shoulder to shoulder hit. Silfverberg had his head down, and it was a clean hit, but three Anaheim Ducks attacked Hartman. Why, it was a legal hit! THE INSTIGATOR - EPISODE 9 -

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 15 Olympic Hockey, Packed Pacific Division, and Trade Deadline Predictions LISTEN - THE DEBATE - Episode 15 Debate 1 | Olympic Hockey – No NHL players just may be a pleasant surprise. Debate 2 | Packed Pacific Division – 2nd through 5th separated by 2 points. Debate 3 | Trade Deadline – Talk and Predictions as the deadline approaches. The trade deadline is drawing near, Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss their deadline predictions. They also debate the Pacific Division and who will emerge into a playoff spot. The Olympics are on and the NHL is not present. Is it a blessing in surprise?

I agree with your evaluation on Talbot. Edmonton is in big trouble. Fans will not be happy.. Thanks for listening! Brad Burud Inside Edge Hockey News

THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 14 Debate 1 | Oilers Gameplan – How will Edmonton right the ship for next season? Debate 2 | Headshots – Is hockey trying to eliminate headshots? Debate 3 | Rangers Rebuild – Is it time for a rebuild in the Big Apple Brad Burud and Blake Frairs are back at debating current topics in the NHL. On this episode they discuss the Edmonton Oilers and what the future game plan is for this underachieving team. Headshots keep happening and is the NHL taking this seriously, and the New York Rangers are talking rebuild. What will that entail and how long will Rangers fans have to wait to raise the Stanley Cup again?

PODCAST - THE INSTIGATOR - Episode 8 Alex Burrows of the Ottawa Senators jumped New Jersey Devils star forward Taylor Hall after Hall laid Burrows out with a legal check. While on top of Hall, Burrows proceeded to knee Hall in the head multiple times. It is another black eye on the league, and I am not sure why the league or its players put up with cowards like Burrows.

THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 13 Goaltender Interference, Seattle Expansion, and Coaches Poll Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown and debate the recent goaltender interference epidemic. They have solutions… Seattle expansion is discussed and potential nicknames are debated. Then they dive into TSN’s Bob McKenzies coaches poll. Who are the leagues best? Debate 1 | Goaltender Interference Debate 2 | Seattle Expansion and Nicknames Debate 3 | TSN Coaches Poll LISTEN THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 13 Photo Credit - USAToday Sports Images

Arizona Stability? After years of low attendance, poor revenue, and controversy with the City of Glendale the Arizona Coyotes may be moving to a direction of stability. On Monday the Coyotes announced a proposal for a new hockey facility. The plans are for a 16,000 seat NHL arena and a 4,000 seat multi sport arena and practice facility. This complex will be shared with the Arizona Sun Devils. This is a strong step in the right direction. It is a proposal, not a solidified agreement. That will come if and when the Coyotes met all the requirements. Is this the beginning of positive things in Arizona or is this the final straw that sends the team packing. Lets hope this solves the poor attendance problems caused by a less than convenient location in Glendale. The Coyotes deserve a break, but they will need fan support and this proposal. Otherwise they will be gone. RINK REPORT - Steven Stamkos left Tuesday nights game against the Detroit Red Wings with a lower-body injury. The incident happened in the first period, and he did not return to the game. Details are unknown at this time. - The Winnipeg Jets are on the move. Tuesday nights shutout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks has moved the Jets into second place in the very difficult Central Division. - The Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday inducted three players (Eric Lindros, Sergei Makarov and Rogie Vachon) and one builder (Pat Quinn) – and also honored two media members (Sam Rosen and Bob Verdi) – as part of its class of 2016. - Michael Grabner scored twice to lead the Rangers to their seventh win in their past eight outings and to a 12-4-0 record overall (24 points), tied with the Blackhawks (11-3-2, 24 points) for second in the NHL behind the Canadiens (13-2-1, 27 points). This marks just the second time in New York’s 90-year history that they have won 12 of their first 16 games to start a season; the other instance came in 2015-16 when they began 12-2-2. Grabner, who shares second in the NHL in goals, has 10-3—13 through 16 games this season, eclipsing his goal total from 2015-16 (9-9—18 in 80 GP w/ TOR).

It’s NOT The Blood ON The Ice…It’s The Blood IN The Ice HOCKEY…FAMILY…two words of six letters each, both ending in “y”. Many people would say “hockey” and “family” have little else in common, but I beg to differ…and strongly so. For me, hockey is all about family…in so many ways and at so many levels. There are those that see the “violence” of hockey and would swear up and down that hockey is not a family sport. To those of us that are members of the family of hockey – even adopted kids like me – there is no sport on Earth that is as much about FAMILY as HOCKEY. So many people see the “blood ON the ice”, while we see the blood IN the ice…in the pondwater coursing through the veins of every hockey player…at every level…the families that support(ed) them from “Mites” to “The Show” and the brothers and sisters we all see in the locker rooms and across the face-off dots. “The Room” is filled with far more than a wealth of talented individuals; it is teaming with brothers and (more recently) sisters who are not related by blood but bonded by the blood they have chosen to share by becoming a TEAM. To a degree, even the “enemies” checking us into the boards in the heat of on ice battle are brothers and sisters once we step off the pond (natural or man-made). True hockey players know not only where their teammates come from but the path they travelled to get to the level at which they are currently playing. My great friend, Mark Strobel, played against one of my all time favorite players…Ian Moran. Strobes could tell me where Ian played his high school hockey as well as juniors…though they never shared the same locker room. In fact, my wife had an interesting experience when she was in high school. Her [much] younger brother was already so well known in the local hockey community that the players on her high school varsity team asked her if she was related to him. When they discovered that she was his sister…she immediately became “part of the family” to them and not just a girl in their science class. It is a FAMILY in HOCKEY – brothers and sisters who have chosen to be so out of honour and respect for one another – TEAMmate and/or opponent. The handshake line says it all. As I prepared to pen this article, a number of these brothers and a sister welcomed me into the family of hockey by very graciously granting me not only their precious time but also a window into their history, their experiences, their philosophies, and their families. Being so grateful at being so graciously “adopted” into the FAMILY OF HOCKEY, I want to take this opportunity to thank my friends – whom I consider brothers and sister forevermore – for granting me such tremendous gifts. Thank you to (in no particular order) Mark Strobel, Bernie Nicholls, Jim Craig, Tatjana “Tiki” Tikhonov, Viktor Tikhonov, Tom Sagissor, and Ryan Walter for the gift of their time and the wealth of insight and information they offered to me…without which, this would be nothing but speculative opinion and puff. When I originally conceived this article, I expected to find many elements of the stories of my newfound brothers and sister to be identical in nature. While I did find a great number of similarities, I also discovered variances I did not – but perhaps should have – anticipated. The variances I discovered not only make perfect sense (as many of them can be attributed to geography), but the stories – and wealth of learning I achieved – also warmed my soul. I expected to find that ice time was always at a premium and difficult to come by. Growing up in the far west suburbs of Chicago – where that was certainly the norm – I, therefor, expected that to be universally true. While that did hold true for some, it was not as “universal” as I had expected. For Ryan Walter and Jim Craig, ice time came at such a premium that they often had to awaken in the “wee hours,” practicing anywhere from 3:30am to 5:30am. Growing up in the “Twin Cities” region of Minnesota, Mark Strobel and Tom Sagissor had the blessing of outdoor rinks every six or seven blocks. Of course, that meant they played on outdoor rinks from Mites through Bantams. Bernie Nicholls grew up in “small town” Canada. His father flooded the yard and built a rink right there at home. Viktor and Tiki Tikhonov had the tremendous benefit of having a father (the late Vasili Tikhonov) that worked for the San Jose Sharks. They could get on the ice at the “Shark Tank” whenever the team was in town – indoors and an NHL quality ice sheet to boot! In fact, Tiki told me she skipped school dances (including the prom) to spend more time on the ice. That is dedication and commitment…and a FAMILY tradition – handed down from grandfather (famed Olympic coach and, sadly, late) Viktor, to father, Vasili, to both Tiki and her brother Viktor. Hockey tradition -- no different than blood – in many ways life-blood itself, courses through their veins (and those of all in the FAMILY OF HOCKEY). Another commonality I expected to find throughout my interviews was the family commitment of the entire household when there was an aspiring hockey player (or more than one) at home. My expectations were borne out…and then some. Whenever possible, and almost entirely across the board, moms and dads were the chief drivers – shuttling sons and daughters to tryouts, practices, camps, games and tournaments (both in town and even hours away). Tyler Johnson of the Tampa Bay Lightning had the blessing of parents so dedicated to his aspirations and dreams that they drove him from Spokane, Washington to Calgary, Alberta just to increase the level of competition he would face. Those same moms and dads would often pack up the entire family for road trips to out of town tournaments – truly a “family affair.” In the case of Jim Craig, it is well-documented the influence his mother had on his Olympic aspirations and inspirational gold medal achievement. Bernie Nicholls’ cousin – Craig Stamp – talked Bernie’s father into allowing Bernie to go to Wichita (in Southern Ontario) to play junior hockey at 16 years old. FAMILY! Not just those “in the house” got involved…but the extended family as well. Tom Sagissor travelled from Hastings, Minnesota to Montreal, Quebec at the age of 17 to pursue his hockey dreams. It was Tom’s father that started the hockey program at home in Hastings. Hockey is in the bloodstream – not only through family heritage and bloodlines, but also through the sacrificial support that is necessary in order to build hockey people. Mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, cousins, coaches, teammates (who become brothers and sisters)…HOCKEY is such a FAMILY. The bonds that develop in “The Room” and on the ice are so powerful that I found – universally – that those bonds started on day one for all those I spoke with in conducting my research. In the words of Bernie Nicholls, “There are no cliques on successful teams. There is nothing better than watching your ‘brothers’ come up and develop.” Jim Craig went on to say that, “You don’t develop hockey players…you develop men”. As for Tom Sagissor, winning a National Championship in college at the University of Wisconsin in 1990, made the entire squad “brothers forever.” Strobes, another Badger alumnus, standout defenseman, team captain, and treasured friend (pronounced “brother”) told me that even those that “clashed” were still FAMILY from day one on. FAMILY! Even opponents were, and are, often considered to be “extended family” members. For example, Jim Craig spent ten years coaching alongside one of his Russian opponents from the “Miracle On Ice”. That shared history and bond of pondwater blood is that strong. Bernie Nicholls even told me that it was by no means unusual to go out for a beer with an opponent he had fought in a game earlier that same night! My friend Diane Bourne, who is a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning family, told me of a game between the Bolts and the Blackhawks – after which she was seen hanging out, carrying on, and even hugging Blackhawks fans and personnel. Some of her Lightning supporters were in shock and completely aghast. To Diane and to me, her behavior was all perfectly normal. While we may be enemies on the ice, we are all FAMILY the moment the contest is over. Diane’s anecdote (thank you, Diane) illustrates the entire point of this article perfectly. As Ryan Walter said to me, “That’s the hockey way.” From Bernie’s yard-rink and watching HNIC (Hockey Night In Canada) on the only channel they got as he was growing up (was any other channel needed?) to Viktor Tikhonov having to be dragged off the ice – and literally physically dragged home on a sled by his mother – at age 3…from the Strobel twins (Mark and Mike) playing boot hockey, high school hockey, and college hockey together (for “The Dean of College Hockey” – Jeff Sauer) to Tatjana Tikhonov skipping those school dances and prom itself in order to get more ice time. You just don’t find more dedicated athletes – and more committed families – than you do in the sport of hockey. From Strobes’ fantastic depiction of Duluth, Minnesota…”You can smell hockey in the air…” to the band of brothers formed by winning the National Championship for Tom Sagissor – The Stanley Cup for Ryan Walter. It is NOT the blood “on” the ice but the blood bonded within the ice that defines hockey to this adopted son and brother. Written by Steven Nels Fossedal INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS

10 Crazy Predictions for 2017 - Patrick Kane will fall out of the Top 10 in scoring. Sorry Chicago this year will be a little more difficult than you are used too. - Winnipeg Jets rookie Patrick Laine will dominate the rookie class. Laine along with Jets captain Blake Wheeler will lead the Jets to a wildcard spot. - Semyon Varlamov will not be the starter for the Colorado Avalanche come All-Star break, and it won’t be because of injury. - Suspensions will be on the increase again this year. Radko Gudas of the Philadelphia Flyers is currently suspended and big shocker it won’t be his last one this season. - Marc-Andre Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins will be the big fish come trade deadline day. The expansion draft for Las Vegas will create the most active trade deadline day in recent history. - Ben Bishop of the Tampa Bay Lightning will be the goalie for the Lightning all season and will lead them deep in the playoffs. He will be the expansion draft goalie that the Las Vegas team is looking for. Tampa Bay is looking at this season as Stanley Cup or bust. - Fighting will drop 20% and cheap shots will increase 20%. (you asked for it NHL). - John Tortorella will be the first coach fired as Columbus will stumble out of the gates. Jack Capuano (New York Islanders) and Darryl Sutter (Los Angeles Kings) are also on the hot seat. - College sensation Jimmy Vesey will be a failure. It never pays to play the “I don’t want to play for you card”…. look at history. - Conner Hellebuyck will solidify himself as the starting goalie in Winnipeg. This Jets team is full of young talent. INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS * Photo by USAToday Sports Images

Stalemate in Winnipeg The Winnipeg Jets opened the season with a victory over the Carolina Hurricanes and then dropped a heartbreaker against rival Minnesota. Not a terrible start for a team missing one of their key defenseman. Restricted free-agent Jacob Trouba is still out of the lineup due to a contract dispute. The young defenseman has requested a trade out of Winnipeg, but general manager Kevin Cheyeldayoff is digging his heals in and taking his time with the dilemma. The Jets are not willing to give up Trouba without a healthy return. A return that many teams are not willing to give up. The Jets are in a very strong position, and hold the cards on this one. They have until December 1 to sign the restricted free agent. If they do not, Trouba will not be eligible to play this season. Judgment day will be here before you know it. So who is this stalemate affecting more, the Jets or Trouba? My guess is Trouba. Hockey players want to play and truthfully sitting out is not helping his contract asking price at all, and who knows how a whole season away from the NHL would change his value. Darren Drager discribed the ramifications for Trouba, “Because the one thing that every player wants more than anything is playing and the ice time. And this isn’t necessarily out of his control. I mean, he put himself in this situation by deciding that he was going to withhold his services and demanding the trade, and it hasn’t worked out.” The heat is on young Trouba to figure this one out. All signs show that Cheveldayoff and the Jets are in no hurry fix this situation. The cards are in Trouba and his agent Kurt Overhardt’s hands. The Winnipeg Jets have always worried about players not wanting to play in a cold, small market city such as Winnipeg. I highly doubt that they will let him off the hook easy and outrage their fan base by throwing in the towel. This will be a message sender, so look out Jacob Trouba. It does not look like this one will be ending anytime soon. NHL: Trade Talk - The Los Angeles Kings have been kicking the tires on goalies around the league. Word is that they have been looking at Ondrej Pavalec in Winnipeg. Just don’t think they have to pay that big of a price tag for a fill in netminder. Jonathan Quick was injured in the first game of the season, and it looks to be a long term injury. - New York Rangers have been looking to make a move for defenseman Jacob Trouba or St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. With an early season injury to Dan Girardi the Rangers just may need to hit the hurry button on this one. - Everything looks very quiet on the Anaheim Ducks and Hampus Lindholm contract dispute.