Episode 85

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Published on:

24th Dec 2025

Episode 85 - Frozen Moments - Inside the Lens of Legendary Photographer Bruce Bennett

Chances are, if you have seen a memorable hockey photo over the past half century, it can through the lens of Bruce Bennett.

The legendary photographer and recent inductee to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame stopped by to join Neil and Vic sharing memories, his preparation and the inside scoop on getting the perfect shot.

In Three Things You Need to Pay Attention to, it's an upside-down world heading into the break, three teams put up five-goal periods on Tuesday and what's going on with the Kings at home?

Also, there's been a coaching dismissal in Toronto, some ornery play between rivals, an infamous anniversary and some encouraging numbers for the show as 2025 comes to a close.

IN THIS EPISODE

[02:14] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To

[17:01] - Bruce Bennett joins the show and a light-hearted response to the questions he's been asked during the course of a half century of covering hockey.

[18:31] - Bennett's love of hockey and desire to become a photographer had roots close to home.

[19:43] - Bennett shares thoughts on photos which capture the essence of what he looks for in a shot: The contrast in emotion.

[22:22] - A typical day from set-up to break down at the arena.

[25:18] - The Alexander Ovechkin goal to become the all-time NHL goal-scoring king.

[26:27] - After all these years with his status, does Bennett need to call ahead to get a spot to shoot a game?

[27:44] - The evolution in the development of photos and the role improved lighting has played.

[30:23] -Other hockey photographers who influenced Bennett's career.

[31:58] - Possible to go to a game without thinking about shooting it? Bennett shares a story from his past and how he still has angst in the present.

[33:40] - The remaining bucket list is...short and to the point.

[35:19] - Pointers for aspiring photographers. Vic shares a story from 1992 that proved he was not cut out for shooting live events.

[37:17] - Having shot so many games - a large number in the New York area - does Bruce have a team he cheers for?

[39:30] - Dovetailing off his previous answer, Neil queries whether Bennett has ever been emotionally affected by seeing a player get injured close up.

[40:52] - Finally getting around to the all-time best photo.

[44:38] - Wrapping up the discussion with Bruce Bennett.

[47:08] - The Toronto Maple Leafs can't fire their power play unit, so you know who takes the fall.

[50:15] - Rivals get into it before the break on an infamous anniversary for the Bruins.

[56:31] - Personnel update.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

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

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

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

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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.