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Published on:

31st May 2024

SPECIAL SERIES: EPISODE 1 – The Road Begins with Glenn Healy & John Davidson | Behind the 1994 Rangers’ Cup Run

In this premiere episode of the NHL Wraparound special series, hosts Neil Smith—President and GM of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers—and veteran broadcaster Vic Morren are joined by two legendary voices and teammates: Glenn Healy and John Davidson.

Together, they take listeners on a compelling journey back to one of the most iconic seasons in NHL history. With emotional depth and behind-the-scenes access, the episode revisits the 1993–94 Rangers season and the Stanley Cup victory that ended a 54-year drought.

From trade deadline strategies to the leadership of Mark Messier, from Mike Richter’s brilliance to the acceptance of every player’s role, the episode captures the defining moments that shaped a team of champions.

It’s not just about winning—it’s about the bond, sacrifice, and pride that forged the soul of the '94 Rangers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:34] The road begins: Honoring the 1994 Stanley Cup team

[02:01] Inside the locker room: Stories of the '94 Rangers

[20:27] What it takes to build a champion

[44:18] Early struggles and crucial turning points

[50:08] Brotherhood and bonding off the ice

[51:25] A rollercoaster of games and chemistry

[58:52] Deadline day: The trades that changed it all

[01:09:09] Playoff pressure and resilience

[01:23:08] Final victory and the emotional parade

[01:33:04] Looking back, looking forward

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Mark Messier’s leadership was the emotional and strategic anchor of the Cup-winning season.
  • Neil Smith’s calculated roster moves, especially at the deadline, played a critical role in shaping the final lineup.
  • The team’s resilience, unity, and accountability were the secret weapons behind their championship run.
  • The legacy of 1994 lives on in Rangers history and in the memories of fans and players alike.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787

SPONSORS & OFFERS:

🏒 MeiGray: Own a piece of NHL history with game-worn jerseys. Use code WRAP10 at MeiGray.com for 10% off.

🎯 Game Seven Group: Build championship-caliber culture in your organization. Explore programs at Game Seven Group

ABOUT GLENN HEALY:

Glenn Healy is a former NHL goaltender who played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and was a pivotal member of the 1994 Stanley Cup-winning Rangers. Known for his leadership and clutch performances, Healy transitioned into broadcasting and served with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and later as the NHLPA’s Director of Player Affairs. He’s an outspoken advocate for player development and community-driven hockey programs.

ABOUT JOHN DAVIDSON:

John Davidson (JD) is one of the most respected figures in hockey. A former goaltender for the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues, he later became a beloved broadcaster, then transitioned into hockey operations, serving as President of Hockey Ops for the Blues, Blue Jackets, and Rangers. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Davidson’s legacy includes excellence on the ice, behind the mic, and in the front office.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #StanleyCup #1994Rangers #GlennHealy #JohnDavidson #NeilSmith #VicMorren #BroadwayBlueshirts #MarkMessier #MikeRichter #RangersHistory #MSG #GameSevenMindset #NHLWraparound #HockeyLegends

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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Breadth and depth.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.

Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.

With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.


Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.

Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.

Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.

A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.

His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.