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Slapshot Utah
49. Crossing Enemy Lines ft:: Matty J and BigDVader
The Vegas Golden Knights may have changed coaches, but the real debate is bigger than a new bench boss—are they actually built to win another Cup, or are they sliding into a retool year? Big D Vader and Matty J join Slapshot Utah for a heated cross-fan showdown that turns into a full-blown offseason war room.
From Ryan Craig replacing John Tortorella to the never-ending Connor Hellebuyck debate, this episode goes straight into the questions every Golden Knights and Mammoth fan is asking right now. Should Vegas swing big for a goalie? Can Utah afford to cash in top prospects for an immediate upgrade? And what does the Pacific Division look like if Vegas takes a step back, Anaheim keeps rising, and San Jose keeps closing the gap?
We break down:
--Why Vegas did so little this offseason and what that says about their long game
--Whether Hellebuyck is the answer in net or a cap-space trap
--Why Tortorella’s stubbornness may have cost the Knights in the playoffs
--How Ryan Craig changes the locker room, especially for younger players
--Why Utah’s future hinges on whether its top prospects are truly untouchable
Then the conversation takes a wild turn into the stuff only hockey fans could love—the hilariously broken NHL video game player likenesses, franchise mode addiction, fantasy hockey streaming strategy, and what it actually means to build a contender in a salary-cap league.
If you like passionate hockey talk, sharp takes, and the kind of rivalry banter that only gets better when the gloves come off, this one is essential listening. Perfect for Golden Knights fans, Utah Mammoth diehards, and anyone who wants the real story behind the early-season expectations.
Guests:
Matty J ( @MJJBayBay )-- hockey voice and Vegas fan, bringing the Golden Knights perspective, bad ass US Marine (OOOORAHHHHH), and offseason skepticism.
Big D Vader ( @BigDVader )-- host of the Golden Tusks Podcast, known for his hard-edged Vegas analysis, hockey obsession, and no-filter opinions.
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50. 50. Season 1 FINALE
31:14||Ep. 50Season one ends with a raw, funny, heartfelt sendoff, and the best part is this show was never really about the hosts at all. Jahn and Leroy look back on the moments that turned Slapshot Utah into a real community, from the first hotline calls and wild watch parties to the friends, fans, and guests who helped build a new hockey voice in Utah.They also break down the season's biggest memories on and off the ice, including Mackenzie Weegar's first playoff goal, Logan Cooley's four-goal outburst, Dylan Guenther's New Year's Day hat trick, and the kind of emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moment that made the entire year feel bigger than sports. Along the way, they talk about tailgates, the Heber Creeper, awkward online shopping for big guys, and why college football chaos somehow feels right at the start of hockey season.You'll also hear them revisit the guests and voices that shaped the show, including Julian aka 996 The Howl and Coach Mike, plus the bigger mission behind the podcast: creating a place for fans who want to belong, speak up, and be part of something local. If you've been listening all season, this is the episode that reminds you why.Jahn and Leroy are the voices behind Slapshot Utah, a fan-first Utah sports podcast built for the people who love the team, the market, and the community around it.Perfect for anyone who has followed the rise of Utah hockey, loves unfiltered fan reaction, or wants the emotional payoff of a season finale that actually means something. Season two starts with a fan cast, but first, this one closes the book on a first season nobody will forget.Stay Connected• 🌐 Website: slapshotutah.com• 🏒 Facebook: facebook.com/slapshotutah• 📸 Instagram: @slapshotutah• 🐦 Twitter/X: @slapshotutah
48. 48. FINALLY, HOCKEY TALK
29:50||Ep. 48Don't forget to vote for us in the Best of Utah, City Weekly contest by clicking here :https://cityweekly.revfluent.com/bestof/portal/8d29fdb3-3542-4e50-be48-947a3e7988d7#/group/87A trade request from Connor Hellebuyck could shake up the whole NHL, and Jahn and Leroy are here to break down what it means for Utah, Winnipeg, and the goalie market everyone is about to overpay for.With summer hockey news finally heating up, the guys dissect the Hellebuyck situation, the kind of package it would take to land a former Vezina winner, and whether Utah would ever make a move this massive. They also connect the dots between Hellebuyck, Quinn Hughes trade rumors, and the exploding value of NHL contracts as the salary cap climbs toward a new era.Jahn and Leroy share:Why an elite goalie like Hellebuyck suddenly feels availableWhat Utah would actually have to give up in a blockbuster dealWhy the next few years of NHL contracts could look wildly differentHow Bill Armstrong’s team-friendly extensions are shaping Utah’s futureWhy homegrown depth matters more than chasing retreadsThen the conversation pivots from hockey to the frustration of modern sports viewing, from blacked-out "national" games to the death of easy, local TV access. If you miss the days when you could flip on a game, hear your hometown crew, and actually feel connected to your team, this part will hit home.The episode also goes off the rails in the best way possible with a run through Utah sports culture, including Real Salt Lake on Apple TV, old-school channel-surfing memories, and the bizarre world of local teams most fans barely hear about until after they win. It’s sharp, funny, and very Utah.Perfect for hockey fans, Utah sports diehards, and anyone who wants smart offseason speculation with a side of local-rant energy.
47. 47. Superstitious Thoughts
30:48||Ep. 47The fastest way to ruin a sports superstition is to call it stupid. The fastest way to understand it is to listen to two die-hard fans explain why a jersey change, a seat swap, or a dirty shirt can feel like the difference between a win and a collapse.Jahn and Leroy are back with a hilarious, highly specific tour through the rituals, taboos, and full-on hockey madness that fans and players swear by. From Patrick Roy talking to goalposts to Wayne Gretzky’s pregame baby powder, from Sidney Crosby’s stick-tape obsession to Ray Bourque’s relentless skate-lace routine, this episode turns “crazy” into “maybe there’s something to it.”You’ll discover:Why some fans refuse to move an inch when their team is on a runThe bizarre Gretzky habits that became part of his legendThe superstitions Crosby, Roy, Bourque, and Eddie Belfour reportedly lived byHow the Detroit Red Wings’ octopus tradition actually beganWhy the Florida Panthers’ “rat trick” became one of hockey’s strangest ritualsWhat Whistlegate says about culture, fandom, and Utah hockey identityJahn brings the true believer energy, sharing exactly how deep superstition runs in his own sports life, while Leroy keeps the conversation moving with story after story of iconic hockey rituals, oddball logic, and the kind of fan psychology that only makes sense if you’ve ever refused to wash a lucky shirt.This is more than a list of weird traditions. It’s an argument for why sports are fun when you feel like you’re actually part of the outcome, even if that means sitting in the same seat, wearing the same jersey, and trusting the universe to reward your commitment.Perfect for anyone who loves hockey, fan culture, or the irrational little habits that make sports feel personal. If you’ve ever said “don’t touch that, we’re winning right now,” this one is for you.
46. 46. Hockey Idiot Quiz
30:06||Ep. 46Think you know hockey? This episode puts that confidence on the ice. Leroy and Jahn turn offseason chaos into a full-blown Hockey Idiot Quiz - and the results are way funnier, way messier, and way more revealing than either of them expected.After opening with a quick check-in on the wild listener support behind their City Weekly best local podcast push, the guys jump straight into the kind of off-the-rails hockey conversation only this show can deliver. Jahn kicks things off by introducing BK Ice Wars, the bare-knuckle ice fighting spectacle that instantly hijacks the room, before Leroy unveils a Jeopardy-style test built to separate real fans from total hockey idiots.You'll hear them battle through five categories: team nicknames, legendary players, rules and refs, Stanley Cup stuff, and hockey lingo. Along the way, they break down the meaning behind terms like hat trick, icing, hooking, and empty-net goals, test each other on franchise nicknames like the Habs, Bolts, Cats, and Thrashers, and revisit legends including Wayne Gretzky, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Roy, and Gordie Howe.Jahn also shares his obsession with Ovechkin's influence on the next generation, while Leroy adds the kind of old-school hockey context that keeps the quiz from becoming pure chaos. And because no hockey episode is complete without a little trophy worship, the conversation lands on why the Stanley Cup remains the greatest championship prize in sports - plus the strange traditions and road-trip lore that make it feel larger than life.This episode is for anyone who loves hockey, loves being right about hockey, or loves watching someone else confidently guess their way through it. With the season only weeks away, Leroy and Jahn are making offseason content fun again and reminding listeners why this show feels like hanging out with two extremely opinionated local fans who never stop.Perfect for diehards, casual fans, and anyone who wants to see how much hockey knowledge survives under pressure. Hit play, score your own quiz at home, and see whether you're a hockey expert or just another idiot on Slapshot Utah.Stay Connected• 🌐 Website: slapshotutah.com• 🏒 Facebook: facebook.com/slapshotutah• 📸 Instagram: @slapshotutah• 🐦 Twitter/X: @slapshotutah
45. 45. No ice, No problem
30:01||Ep. 45Unlock the thrill of Utah’s rising softball stars and discover why women’s softball is taking the sports world by storm—so much more than just a game.While the summer heat reaches new heights and smoky skies dominate the horizon, our hosts Leroy and Jahn are fired up about Utah’s back-to-back champions, the Utah Talons, and the explosive talent transforming women's sports today. From Montana Fouts, dubbed the "Randy Johnson of softball," to the legendary Jenny Finch, they dive into how female athletes are revolutionizing the game—showcasing skills, passion, and athleticism that rival any professional league.You’ll discover why the Utah Talons’ recent championship isn’t just a win for Utah but a sign of growing momentum for women’s sports nationally. They break down:The rise of elite softball players like Bree Ellis and Montana Fouts and what that means for the sport’s futureWhy women’s softball is no longer a “less than” version of baseball but a craft-level sport attracting top talentThe cultural significance of the revived women's professional baseball league and its historical ties to "League of Their Own"How fans can support local teams and get ready for the Utah Talons’ upcoming season, including the home opener celebrationThe broader impact of female athletes on sport, community, and gender equity—plus, a hilarious tangent about the NFL, hockey, and concerts.If you believe women’s sports deserve the spotlight they’ve earned and crave insights into the future of baseball, softball, and beyond, this episode is your front-row seat. Whether you're a sports fanatic, a supporter of gender equity, or just love a good underdog story, Leroy and Jahn deliver a mix of passion, humor, and cutting-edge sports culture.Get ready to cheer, support, and dare to redefine what greatness looks like in the sports arena. Perfect for sports lovers, softball parents, and anyone who's excited to see women take center stage.Join the conversation—because this summer, softball is more than a sport; it’s a movement.Let’s go Utah Talons, and let’s keep celebrating women’s sports like never before.Supporting local teams, celebrating young talent, and embracing the spirit of competition—this episode scores big.Stay tuned, get inspired, and hit play now!Stay Connected• 🌐 Website: slapshotutah.com• 🏒 Facebook: facebook.com/slapshotutah• 📸 Instagram: @slapshotutah• 🐦 Twitter/X: @slapshotutah
44. 44. Building a Culture
30:44||Ep. 44Unlock the unexpected lessons from Utah's most surprising sports moments and community stories in this electrifying episode! Leroy and Jahn take you beyond the scoreboard, revealing how local passions, legendary signings, and heartwarming charity gestures are shaping Utah's sports landscape—and why you can't afford to miss it.Discover how the Utah Talons made history as the first nationally televised pro softball game in the US, and why this signals a new era of support for Utah's women athletes. We break down the latest in the Utah Mammoth’s star-studded roster—John Marino’s eight-year, $54 million contract—exploring how such long-term deals are shaping the future of sports in Utah. Plus, you'll hear about the Mammoth’s clever jersey trade-in program that turned fan participation into community support, donating jerseys to help local nonprofits—an inspiring reminder of sports' power to unite.We also dive into the wild world of rodeos, country concerts, and the intense energy of bull riding, sharing behind-the-scenes stories that showcase Utah’s diverse athletic culture. And stay tuned for some insider scoop on newly designed arena seating, upcoming road trips to Tucson, and exclusive fan experiences—plus our heartfelt tribute to Utah sports legend Jordan Devi and a poignant reminder about mental health.Perfect for die-hard sports fans, Utah locals, and anyone looking for stories that inspire, entertain, and connect on a deeper level. This episode isn't just about games—it's about community, resilience, and the adrenaline of pure Utah spirit. Hit play now and see why this is the episode everyone will be talking about!
43. schedule some wins!
23:58|The truth about ticket prices, scheduling nightmares, and what it really takes to turn a sports season around—this episode is a wake-up call for any sports fan tired of getting ripped off. Leroy and Jahn spill the raw, unfiltered truth on how team investments, schedule chaos, and ticket scalping are quietly killing the fan experience—and how you can fight back.Forget the fluff—these past weeks proved that outpricing loyal fans and overhyping high-priced seats is just business as usual. Leroy vents about the madness of $150 nosebleeds, the absurdity of inflated Winter Classic tickets, and the system that makes scalpers richer while true fans get priced out. Meanwhile, Jahn calls out the league’s failed attempts at accessibility and questions why the biggest games are turned into money pits. It’s a rally cry for fans who refuse to be sidelined by greed.You'll discover: the hidden flaws in our sports schedules that predict a rocky season ahead, the real reasons behind skyrocketing ticket prices, and the crucial signposts showing whether teams are built to win or just organized for profit. Plus, a bold blueprint for how fans can reclaim the stadium experience—because it’s not just a game, it’s your community, your passion, and your voice.This episode matters because, if we don’t stand up now, the love of the game gets replaced by corporate greed, squeezing out the soul of sports. But if you’re ready to challenge the system and champion true fan value, you’ll want to hear this.Join Leroy and Jahn as they blow the lid off the industry’s dirty secrets—and arm you with the knowledge to fight for affordable, accessible, and authentic sports. Don’t just watch from the sidelines—be part of the movement. Hit play now and get ready to see sports through a whole new lens.Stay Connected• 🌐 Website: slapshotutah.com• 🏒 Facebook: facebook.com/slapshotutah• 📸 Instagram: @slapshotutah• 🐦 Twitter/X: @slapshotutah
42. 42. Is Utah a Destination?!
40:56||Ep. 42Most Americans have no idea where the phrase "dog days of summer" actually comes from — and once you find out, it hits you right in the feels. It’s not just about the scorching heat; it’s about the shared fatigue, the relentless grind, and that burning desire to cool down and catch a break. But what if I told you these “dog days” are more than just a hot season? They’re a deeper metaphor for the struggles and the fierce hope that fuel our favorite sports stories, from hockey blockbusters to World Cup upsets.In this episode, we dive headfirst into the myth, history, and raw reality of summer’s hottest days. You’ll discover how the ancient Romans linked Sirius, the brightest star in Canis Major, to the brutal midsummer heat — and how that symbolism still shapes our sports culture today. We talk NHL offer sheet drama that’s borderline Shakespearean, and how Utah’s new hockey heroes are rewriting the playbook on local pride and global ambition.We break down:The wild contracts that make hockey fans’ jaws drop, like Leo Carlson’s $18 million annual salary — and what that means for the league’s future.Why veteran NHL stars like Trochek and Lee are choosing Utah — and what it signals about our city’s rise in the sports world.The messy, controversy-ridden reality of VAR in World Cup soccer and how it’s slowly killing the thrill of the game.The cultural crisis of instant replay and technological overreach threatening the authenticity of our favorite sports moments.This isn’t just about sports — it’s about the fire, the fierce longing for victory, and the quiet hope that our city, our teams, and even ourselves can rise from the heat and make history. If you're thirsty for raw, unfiltered truth about sports, culture, and the human spirit, this episode is your new summer essential.Perfect for sports fans craving fresh perspective, Utah supporters hungry for local pride, and anyone who’s ever felt the heat of the dog days but refuses to give up. We’re riding the wave of change — come get inspired.