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Published on:

17th Jun 2024

Special Series Ep 5 Reflection

Neil Smith and Vic Morren present the fifth and final episode of the '1990 Forever' series, commemorating the 1994 New York Rangers' Stanley Cup victory, along with special guest Barry Meisel.

Featuring perspectives from  players, team personnel, media, and fans, the episode reflects on the emotional impact and lasting significance of the championship that ended a 54-year championship drought. Contributions include stories from players and key figures from the '94 team, insights from journalists, and personal anecdotes from die-hard fans, emphasizing the profound effect this triumph had on their lives and the Rangers' organization.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [00:36] The 1994 Stanley Cup Victory
  • [01:52] Personal Reflections and Memories
  • [06:08] Impact on Fans and Media
  • [15:22] Game 7 Group and Team Dynamics
  • [26:27] Media and Personal Stories
  • [34:59] Memories of June 14th
  • [36:21] Personal Stories and Superstitions
  • [37:37] Fan Experiences and Reflections
  • [39:43] The Emotional Impact of 1994
  • [43:28] Tributes to Lost Members
  • [46:15] Fan Clips and Testimonials
  • [57:08] Ranger Organization Memories
  • [01:05:17] Final Reflections and Gratitude

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The 1994 Stanley Cup win was monumental for the New York Rangers, ending a 54-year championship drought. It brought immense joy and relief to fans who had waited for decades, marking a significant emotional milestone in the franchise's history.
  • The championship had a profound impact not only on the players and management but also on the fans and media. It unified the city and left lasting memories for those who experienced it, demonstrating the deep emotional connection between the team and its supporters.
  • Figures like Neil Smith, Mark Messier, and the entire team played crucial roles in achieving the championship. Their leadership, dedication, and performance were pivotal in the team's success, highlighting the importance of strong leadership and teamwork.
  • The 1994 victory created lifelong memories for everyone involved. It left an enduring legacy that continues to be celebrated and remembered, illustrating how significant sports achievements can leave lasting impressions on individuals and communities.

RESOURCE LINKS 

Loosing the Edge - Barry Meisel 

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

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/

NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

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

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Bio: BARRY MEISEL is a former award-winning investigative sports reporter for the New York Daily News. In the 1980s he wrote a column for the Hockey News, where he covered Bernie Saunders.

#NHLWraparoundPodcast #NeilSmith #VicMorren #54YearDrought #HockeyFans #MarkMessier #BrianLeetch #MSGMemories #HockeyLegacy #NewYorkRangers #HockeyPodcast #StanleyCupWinners #1994NHLPlayoffs #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.