Category: NHL

San Jose Sharks podcast with Troy Ewers: Sharks stand behind Barbanov and Svechinkov in Czech Republic Russian ban

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San Jose Sharks Alexander Barabanov is seen here skating against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks during last season’s pre season game on Sun Sep 26, 2021 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. NHL Russian players Barabonov, teammate Evegeny Svechinkov and the Nashville Predators Yakov Trenin are banned from playing in Prague for the Oct 7th and 8th games by the Czech Republic government. (AP News file photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Troy:

#1 With the Czech Republic letting NHL teams know don’t even think of bringing your Russian players to Prague San Jose Sharks team captain Logan Couture made it clear that if Russian teammates Alexander Barabonov and Evgeny Svechinkov are not welcome in Prague the team is not welcome in Prague. Couture said they will do everything as a team.

#2 The NHL never considered banning it’s Russian players. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that the NHL Russian players are there for their teams, the fans, and the league.

#3 From the Czech prospective because of their neighboring location near Russian and because the world has viewed the Russian military devastation on the Ukraine as unacceptable they have decided to ban Russian players but as the Couture has said that the Russian players didn’t do anything wrong they shouldn’t be punished.

#4 The two regular season games with the Nashville Predators are scheduled for Oct 7th and 8th in Prague and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said that after the NHL received letters from the Czech Government he was assured that things can get worked out to allow the three Russian players in question to be allowed to play.

#5 Troy, got to ask you your thoughts on Sharks general manager Mike Grier who said of the Russian ban in Prague “We are a team. Either we all play, or we don’t play.” 

Join Troy Ewers filled in for Matt Harrington for the SJ Sharks podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Cardinals score OT TD to defeat Raiders 29-23; Arizona’s Murphy returns 59 yard fumble

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams takes a leap of joy after scoring a first half touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 18, 2022 (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 The Arizona Cardinals (1-1) scored the game winning touchdown in overtime when linebacker Isaiah Simmons knocked the ball out of the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders (0-2) wide receiver Hunter Renfrow to be picked up by cornerback Bryon Murphy for a 59 yard return in overtime.

#2 There was even doubt if Murphy’s touchdown was legit officials checked to see if Murphy let go of the ball before he crossed the goal line. After further review the video officials ruled that Murphy did hold onto the ball long enough to score the game winning touchdown.

#3 The Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was credited for keeping them in the game throwing 31 for 49 for 277 yards, for one touchdown and one interception.

#4 The Cardinals were down at the half by 20 points but were able to come back and win the contest by six points in the end and it was Murray who just keep working his receivers, running backs and keeping the ball taking it to the Raiders.

#5 The loss was the Raiders second loss against no wins and the Raiders go back to the drawing board against the Tennessee Titans who lost a close game Sun Sep 11 to the New York Giants and are in Buffalo for Monday Night Football Sep 19th. The Raiders will make the trip to Tennessee Sun Sep 25th. How do you see the Raiders matching up with the Titans who have two games in less than seven days?

Rich Perez does the Raiders podcasts following all home and away games at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Quinn’s first task is to get chemistry going for a post season team

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San Jose Sharks David Quinn addresses the media at SAP Center in San Jose during the introductory press conference on Wed Jul 27, 2022 (photo by nhl.com)

On Headline Sports with Michael Roberson:

#1 Mary, this week San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier hired new head coach David Quinn who has experience as a head coach at Boston University and the New York Rangers bringing that experience to San Jose what are some of the expectations of Quinn going into the new job and the new season?

#2 Grier has made some big moves since taking over as general manager including moving Brent Burns. Grier will continue to work with Mark Eduard Vlasic who lost some speed and who was once being considered to go on the trade block.

#3 Mary, the Sharks are are going into camp with six goalies on the top of that list are Kaapo Kahkonen, James Reimer, and Aaron Dell with decent talent like this it presents a pretty good situation in goal for San Jose.

#4 One of the key factors for Quinn at the helm is to get the Sharks into post season they struggled to get a playoff birth but couldn’t get enough wins to get a playoff birth how much work do you see Quinn having in front of him to make it happen?

#5 Is it a question for Quinn to get the Sharks to be a faster team and to get them to score and outskate a lot of NHL teams that they had troubles with over the last few years?

Mary Lisa filled in for Michael Roberson who does Headline Sports Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Mike Grier hires David Quinn as new head coach of the San Jose Sharks

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Newly hired head coach David Quinn of the San Jose Sharks and general manager Mike Grier hold up Quinn’s jersey at his introductory press conference at the SAP Center on Tuesday JUL 26, 2022. (Sports Radio Service)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Today it became official, the San Jose Sharks have a new captain to steer the ship.

General manager Mike Greier introduced David Quinn as the team’s tenth head coach in franchise history at a press conference on Tuesday morning at SAP Center.

Quinn replaces Bob Boughner, who was let go along with his staff on July 1st, as the new bench boss in charge of a team that has missed the playoffs for three consecutive years.

“David has successfully coached at several different levels in his hockey career, including with Team USA on the international stage at the Olympics and leading the team at the World Championships to the Bronze Medal game. His experience in developing young players as a head coach at Boston University and at the NHL level over the last few seasons has proven to be effective,” Grier said.

Quinn, 55, most recently served as head coach for Team USA at both the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and 2022 World Championship. Quinn guided Team USA to a fourth-place finish at the World Championship and helped lead the youngest team in the Olympics to a perfect preliminary round record before suffering a shootout loss in the quarterfinals.

“My coaching philosophy has always been relationship driven,” said Quinn. “I don’t care what you do in life, if you don’t have a connection to the people that you’re leading, whether you’re the manager of an office or coaching a hockey team, you’re not going to get the most out of people. It’s been the foundation of my coaching philosophy.”

Quinn’s last and first head coaching stint in the NHL was from 2018-2021 when he coached the New York Rangers where he compiled a 97-87-25 record and led the team in the qualification round of the playoffs in the 2019-20 campaign.

Quinn’s relationship with Grier goes back a long way as both are former alums of Boston University. Quinn coached BU from 2013-18 before being hired by New York and went 105-69-21 under his direction.

“I think it’s just the cherry on top, trying to get more (Boston University) Terriers out west,” Grier joked about whether the BU connection had any factor in the hiring of Quinn. “It came down to that David (Quinn) was the best candidate for the job.”

Quinn said he hasn’t picked out who his assistant coaches will be, but he hopes to make that decision soon as well as get to know his players in the next coming days.

San Jose has overhauled its roster by bringing in new players such as Nico Sturm and Oscar Lindblom as well as traded star defenseman Brent Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes since Grier has been in charge of the team the past three weeks.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks to name Quinn as head coach in Tuesday press conference

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David Quinn who will be named as head coach in a Tue Jul 26, 2022 press conference is pictured here when he was head coach of the New York Rangers in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Mar 21, 2021 (AP News file photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 The San Jose Sharks have all but announced that they’ll be hiring David Quinn as their new head coach as sources say Quinn has already signed with the Sharks and a press conference for his introduction is expected on Tuesday.

#2 The deal is expected to be a three year contract and Quinn is expected to play a big role in the development of new players, free agents, and draft picks.

#3 This will be the first time that Quinn will be head coach since the 2021 season when he was behind the bench for the New York Rangers where he went 96-87-25.

#4 When Sharks former head coach Todd McClellan was let go by the Sharks Quinn was reportedly deep into the interview process for the Sharks head coaching job but the Sharks settled on Peter DeBoer. Second times the charm for Quinn.

#5 Quinn’s background also includes being a head coach at the University of Boston and had success there before heading onto the NHL.

Len Shapiro is an NHL analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Grier wasting no time cleaning house in San Jose

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Former San Jose Shark Brent Burns traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange of two players on Wed Jul 13, 2022 was some of a few new moves that general manager Mike Grier has made since taking over (AP News file photo)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 New San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has definitely made his presence known with changing at head of scouting out with Doug Wilson Jr and in with Doug Weight and Wednesday with Brent Burns to Carolina for forwards Steven Lorentz and goaltender prospect Eetu Makinemi and a conditional 2023 third round pick.

#2 The Hurricanes will pick up 66% of Burns contract while the Sharks have 34% of the remaining contract.

#3 Grier said that he wants to go a little bit younger. Grier said Burns had a great career and wishes him good luck.

#4 Grier said at one time he was in Burn’s position and said Burns has a better chance to win a cup with Carolina.

#5 Burns waived his no trade clause saying it was sad leaving San Jose leaving teammates, the city, fans, and said it’s just exciting to go to Carolina.

Len is an analyst on NHL podcasts for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Marko Ukalovic: A look back on the life of Bryan Marchment

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The San Jose Sharks tribute to the late and former Sharks scout Bryan Marchment regarding his passing on Wed Jul 6, 2022 (@SanJoseSharks image)

On the Sharks podcast with Marko:

Former San Jose Sharks defenceman Bryan Marchment whose death on Wednesday shocked and stunned thousands of his fans, friends, media and the NHL. His cause of passing was not disclosed and he was 53.

Marchment was working as a San Jose Sharks scout on the NHL draft which started today in Montreal. Newly hired Sharks general manager Mike Grier said, “It’s sad day for our organization” Grier also shared a memory of the time that Marchment and he when they were with the Edmonton Oilers “If I ever needed anything, whether it was a home cooke dinner instead of eating out everyday, he and his wife (Kim) would have me over. So it’s a very difficult day.”

Marko shares his thoughts on the passing of Bryan Marchment on this special edition of the San Jose Sharks podcast. Marko is also a beat writer for the San Jose Barracuda the Sharks AHL affiliate and podcasts them on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks report by Mary Walsh: Sharks Hire Mike Grier as GM

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San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier addresses the news media at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue, Jul 5, 2022 (photo from nhl.com)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks announced on Tuesday that they have hired Mike Grier as the team’s fifth General Manager. Grier has the distinction of being the first African American to serve as a general manager in the NHL. Last season, he was a hockey operations advisor for the New York Rangers. His playing career spanned 1,060 games with the Oilers, the Capitals, the Sabres and the Sharks. He was an assistant coach at  St. Sebastian’s Prep School in Massachusetts, a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks, an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils, and a member of USA Hockey’s selection committee.

Grier has a lot to do before the start of the season. In two days, the Sharks will be at the NHL Draft. The Sharks also need a new coaching staff. The Sharks have missed the playoffs for three seasons in a row. Asked what his priorities were for improving the team, Grier said:

“I think we can improve in every facet, to be honest with you. There are some pieces on the roster that we like, that we would like to build around. But I think, overall, there’s not one spot in particular that I think needs work. The draft is No. 1, then we’ve got free agency coming up. We’ll have to dig into that, and Joe and I have already started on that a bit. Then development camp and a coach.”

While Grier did not have specific details to present on the draft or the coaching search, he did talk in detail about his goals for the team culture:

“To me it’s about people… Surrounding yourself with the right people, people who are passionate about their job, who love their job and are selfless, team-first people. That’s what culture means to me and as a general manager it’s for me to find those types of players on the ice and also surround myself with those type of hockey people in our hockey operations department.”

Sharks owner, Hasso Plattner, said in a press release: “Mike’s successful career on the ice speaks for itself, but what impressed me the most were his leadership qualities and his overwhelming desire to win. Mike is aware of the high standards of success that are expected in San Jose and is committed to help us quickly return to that level.”

Grier comes from a family of professional sports executives. His father, Bobby, worked in scouting, player personnel and as an advisor to the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans of the NFL. Grier’s brother, Chris, is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins. Grier described how his father prepared them for their future in the sports business:

“I think the main thing my father instilled in us was his work ethic. The time he put in, he’d often be off to work before we left for school. Sometimes he wouldn’t get home until after dinner or when we were ready to get in bed. So, just the time and effort it took, and his belief that you treat people the right way. If you want to have a winning franchise, it starts with how you treat people. His ability to never leave a stone unturned. Like he would stay up to all hours or go scout wherever it took, whatever he had to do to get the job done.”

Mary Lisa is a San Jose Sharks beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Mike Grier first black general manager in NHL history; Grier will start looking for a head coach

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From left to right San Jose Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will, general manager Mike Grier, and team president Jonathan Becher meets with the media on Tue Jul 5, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose (photo from CNN News)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast:

#1 The San Jose Sharks hired the NHL’s first black general coach Mike Grier, Grier makes history and Grier has been around the game as a player, coach, scout and executive.

#2 The Sharks say he will have overall authority regarding all aspects of hockey operations

#3 In his 14 years in the NHL and 1,000 games Grier played three years with the Sharks. He also was the team’s alternate captain during his time with the Sharks.

#4 In the three years with the Sharks Grier scored 78 points, 35 goals, and 43 assists proving his offensive prowess and ability.

#5 Grier said he will work hard to build up the club that has not made the playoffs in three years. Grier said he remembers Sharks fans for their passion and support of the team making SAP Center one of the most difficult buildings to play in.

Marko Ukalovic is a beat writer for the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate the San Jose Barracuda at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: NHL draft is days away who will guide the ship for SJ?

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San Jose Sharks defenceman Marc-Edouard Vlasic might have his contract bought out as the team feels his talents have declined . Vlasic feels he can help another team with more playing time. (file photo from USA Today)

On the Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Len, with former San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner, and assistants John McLean and John Madden all departed the Sharks have another task and that’s trying to fill their jobs with the NHL draft coming around the corner on July 7th.

#2 The Sharks had a number of games where they were struggling but not enough where the Sharks could have worked some off season deals that could have kept Boughner and his staff on board. Do you think the Sharks could have given Boughner another season to see if things would work out?

#3 Scott Mellanby was a finalist for the general manager’s job but dropped out and that leaves two top candidates Ray Whitney and Mike Grier two former NHL players and two former Sharks. Grier and Whitney looks like the finalists for the job which direction do you see the Sharks going and what are the strengths of Whitney and Grier if they step into the general manager’s role.

#4 There’s talk that the Sharks might buy out defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s contract saying that his talents have faded, that his value has declined and in a post game interview after the last game of the season Vlasic said “imagine if I could play more” does he have enough talent to stay in the NHL at this point.

#5 With the Sharks possibly about to make a general manager announcement they need to get a head coach in place with just a few days left before the draft that’s a short window to get that decided and see what is in front of them for the NHL draft.

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com