Episode 32

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Published on:

15th Oct 2024

Episode 32 - All American with LaSonjia "LJ" Jack

Neil and Vic welcome LaSonjia "LJ" Jack who, along with her son, former NFL Star Myles Jack, are the only African American majority owners in professional hockey for the Allen Americans of the ECHL.

Prior to her their appearance on the show, the quick start of the Utah Hockey Club, the unlikely early fortunes for the two Alberta-based teams and potential goaltending issues in Colorado.

We'll talk potential expansion and whether the NHL would have enough top-level athletes to accommodate more teams plus Igor Shersterkin's contract stalemate with the Rangers.

The program concludes acknowledging the league-wide tributes to Johnny Gaudreau with the Blue Jackets home opener on the horizon.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [01:16] - The Impressive start by the Utah Hockey Club led by Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther
  • [02:12] - Unexpected starts in Alberta by the Flames and OIlers
  • [04:47] - Ugly start between the pipes for the Colorado Avalanche
  • [09:50] - LaSonjia "LJ" Jack shares how the very different careers of her and son Myles led to their majority ownership of the Allen Americans of the ECHL.
  • [16:47] - LJ talks about making the Americans work while competing with the NHL and AHL teams in nearby Dallas.
  • [19:35] - LJ speaks about what drew her to hockey.
  • [21:40] - The long-term plan for LJ's empire and possible future ownership in the NHL
  • [25:40] - Will there be enough NHL-level players to support expansion?
  • [32:40] - The Igor Shesterkin contract drama. After turning down an 8-year extension at $11 million per year, is he simply waiting for the salary cap to go up in order to get more from the Rangers?
  • [40:07] - The Human Side of the Story looks at tributes around NHL rinks during the first week of the season for the late Johnny Gaudreau.

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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.