Jeff and Elliotte discuss Matt Duchene’s comments about a return to play, potential playoff formats, possible hub cities, the draft, the lawsuit against the CHL, and play a little word association. Then they are joined by two guests.

Nate Thompson talks about staying mentally strong and surrounding himself with people who support him, playing in Canada versus a non-traditional U.S. market, the meaning of toughness, his time in Seattle with the Thunderbirds, and his thoughts on handshakes, scrums and kissing the Cup. 

Then Shane Doan joins the show to talk about his career, being drafted, almost playing with Jarome Iginla, fighting to keep the Coyotes in Arizona and the growth of the game in the U.S., meeting Auston Matthews for the first time, how he is as a hockey parent and what’s next in his professional journey.

31 Thoughts: The Podcast is presented by GMC Sierra trucks, complete with the World’s-First Six-function Multi-Pro Tailgate. GMC — we are professional grade. www.gmccanada.ca.

Music Outro: Marcos Valle - Summer Samba

Listen to all our Season 3 music on Spotify.

This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman.

Audio Credits: CBC, Fox Sports Ohio, NBC Sports and Sportsnet 590 The FAN.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Jeff and Elliotte kick things off discussing something of a newsy week.

Leagues are planning their return or beginning to trickle back, but where is the NHL in all of this? Free agency will happen at some point, and Canucks director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett might be the most sought-after name on the market. Paul McFarland is leaving the Maple Leafs, which means there’s an opening on the bench for an assistant coach. And ECHL players are finally getting paid thanks to some strong support.

As well, UFC 249 went off over the weekend, what does it mean for the type of experience fans should expect when hockey returns?

Then they are joined by three guests. Bernie Nicholls once scored 70 goals for the L.A. Kings, he talks about finding his scoring touch in junior, playing with Marcel Dionne, where he was when Wayne Gretzky got traded to Los Angeles and why he took his hockey stick everywhere he went.

Former Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson takes over as president and CEO of the AHL in July. He discusses the messaging the league is sending its owners, if a more regionalized schedule is on the horizon, Dave Andrews’ legacy, digital initiatives and playing junior with Bernie Nicholls.

Lastly, Lightning play-by-play man Rick Peckham talks about his broadcast journey, his plans for retirement, being around Gordie Howe, covering John Tortorella and what Dave Andreychuk means to the community in Tampa Bay.

31 Thoughts: The Podcast is presented by GMC Sierra trucks, complete with the World’s-First Six-function Multi-Pro Tailgate. GMC — we are professional grade. www.gmccanada.ca.

Outro Music: The Budos Band - T.I.B.W.F.

This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman.

Audio Credits: Fox Sports SUN, NBC, Sportsnet and The FAN 590.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate. 

Jeff and Elliotte kick things off with the return of Word Association, discuss the latest on plans to get back on the ice and the draft, and Jaroslav Halak’s one-year extension with the Bruins. Then are joined by three guests.

Brenden Dillon talks about the evolution of his career, playing alongside superstars like Joe Thornton and Alex Ovechkin and his involvement with the Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS).

Speaking of heroes, Yusuf Ahmed of Conquer COVID-19 talks about how he got involved with the organization, why it’s so important and his love for hockey.

And two-time Stanley Cup champ Mike Vernon joins the pod to reminisce about the Battle of Alberta, Patrick Roy’s last game, goalie fights and how the game has changed since he played.

31 Thoughts: The Podcast is presented by GMC Sierra trucks, complete with the World’s-First Six-function Multi-Pro Tailgate. GMC — we are professional grade. www.gmccanada.ca.

Music Outro: Shorty Long - Night Fo’ Last

Listen to all our Season 3 music on Spotify.

This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman.

Audio Credits: 630 CHED, CBC, NBC Sports, Pro-Am Sports Systems, Prime Sports Northwest, Sportsnet, WKBD

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate. 

After overseeing a renaissance in Chicago, John McDonough is out as Blackhawks president, so who could take his place? Jeff and Elliotte discuss that, plans for the NHL’s return to play and more before getting to a trio of guests.

Jake Muzzin talks about signing long-term in Toronto, being a veteran on a young Maple Leafs team, Auston Matthews, missing Drew Doughty and more. Joey Hishon discusses going back to his alma mater in Owen Sound as an assistant coach and GM with the Attack, training Justin Bieber and selecting skills coaches. And John-Michael Liles on COVID-19 in Colorado, online shopping, Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and more.

31 Thoughts: The Podcast is presented by GMC Sierra trucks, complete with the World’s-First Six-function Multi-Pro Tailgate. GMC — we are professional grade. www.gmccanada.ca.

This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Jeff Marek and Ellliotte Friedman.

Audio Credits: CBC, CityNews, Global TV, NBC Sports Washington and Sportsnet. 

Listen to all our Season music 3 on Spotify and subscribe to the podcast while you’re there.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Jeff and Elliotte discuss a whole bunch of things, including the NHL Draft, the 2020-21 AHL season, the 2021 Memorial Cup, Kris Versteeg’s career, Dustin Byfuglien and a new hire by the Senators. 

Then they are joined by a trio of guests. Jason Spezza discusses how the Maple Leafs were playing when the season was paused, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, and what people misunderstood about Dany Heatley. Adam Oates talks hockey superstitions and pet peeves, and his work as a skills coach. And Terry Crisp tells some stories from his decades in the game as a player and coach.

31 Thoughts: The Podcast is presented by GMC Sierra trucks, complete with the World’s-First Six-function Multi-Pro Tailgate. GMC — we are professional grade. www.gmccanada.ca.

Music Outro: Clear Light - How Many Days Have Passed

Listen to all our Season 3 music on Spotify.

This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman.

 Audio Credits: CBC, Global, Sportsnet and WBZ Radio.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.