The Hockey Illuminati
Listen to Hockey Illuminati creator Frank Crupi shoot the shit with notable figures from the hockey world. Our interviews are authentic and boast a beautiful blend of intelligent but blunt conversation. We don't sugar coat ANYTHING do not listen if you are easily offended. Subscribe and write us a review to receive good karma from the hockey gods!
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Ep 43 ft. Jesse Pollock
03/31/2022
Ep 43 ft. Jesse Pollock
TSN Bardown BEAUTY Jesse Pollock joins the podcast for some bustling banter. Hockey Illuminati host Frank Crupi and Jesse discover they share a similar passion, an annoyance of Habs fans. Jesse walks us through the journey of his career at TSN, how it all started, the ups and downs of working in media and where the Bardown future lies. Great advice is shared for anybody trying to make noise in the content creation / social game. The boys also discuss their love of burgers, Frank reveals the best burger joint in Toronto. Frank and Jesse also talked about their high school hockey careers, Leafs vs Jets rivalry, Stanley Cup finals predictions and so much more. Enjoy and subscribe!
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Ep 42 ft. Paul Bissonnette
03/24/2022
Ep 42 ft. Paul Bissonnette
Hockey folk hero Paul Bissonnette joins the Hockey Illuminati podcast. Frank and Biz play tummy sticks and discuss the state of Maple Leafs nation including if the team could actually be cursed. We also discussed if the NHL is in trouble with its fanbase and the whirlwind wind success of Spittin Chiclets. Biz also reveals who his dream Chiclets guest who's never been on their pod, how the universe has worked in mysterious ways for Biz and some of his interests outside of hockey. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe! Note - You can watch the full video interview on the Hockey Illuminati YouTube channel.
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Ep 41 ft. Marty Turco
01/25/2022
Ep 41 ft. Marty Turco
Marty Turco is one of the greatest goalies of his generation and an all-time Dallas Stars fan favourite. Marty joins the podcast and receives the honour of being the 1st goalie to ever join the show. What a strange Illuminati coincidence that we break our podcast goaltender "shutout streak" on Ep 41 by welcoming in a man who recorded 41 career NHL shutouts...Enjoy this classic Hockey Illuminati interview and don't forget to subscribe!
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Episode 40 ft. Rick Rowley
01/18/2022
Episode 40 ft. Rick Rowley
Comedian and die-hard Maple Leafs Rick Rowley joins the podcast and of course hilarity ensues. We discussed the adrenaline packed ups and downs comedians experience, what the Maple Leafs playoff chances actually are this year and his trip to Brazil in which Jesus Christ himself appeared before Ricky in a Leafs jersey. We also discussed our top-10 things the NHL should implement to make the league better and so much more. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe! (fist bump)
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Episode 39 ft. Kris Versteeg
01/11/2022
Episode 39 ft. Kris Versteeg
2 time Stanley Cup champion and All-Time BEAUTY Kris Versteeg joins us for an outstanding interview. Episode highlights include: Why NHL playoffs are different from all other sports playoffs His Gordie Howe hatty while with Toronto From 5th round afterthought to 640+ NHL games Kanes OT Cup winner from his perspective, how the Hawks celebrated that night and reflecting back Whats happening in Canada with our Covid response? Free agents may avoid signing in Canada this summer How to make the sport less expensive for families His new sports tech app Klevr (available in app store) Phil Kessel impression, great Kessel story and discussion around if he'll be going to the HOF Kris Versteeg rapid fire questions from audience Subscribe to our podcast! And be sure to follow Versteeg on Instagram at stigalicious. Enjoy the episode (fist bump)
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Episode 38 ft. Theo Fleury
11/25/2021
Episode 38 ft. Theo Fleury
Calgary Flames legend Theo Fleury joins the podcast for a special interview. Frank & Sean discuss Fleurys career, his roller-coaster life away from the rink and what he thinks of todays NHL. Fleury is one of the most outspoken retired NHL players on social media and is a tremendous advocate for mental health. Fleury shared some hilarious stories as well as valuable advice for anyone dealing with any type of addiction and or mental health issues.
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Episode 37: Hockey Hall of Fame Heist
11/16/2021
Episode 37: Hockey Hall of Fame Heist
Hockey Illuminati creator Frank Crupi and his d-partner Papa Bonsie break down 8 storylines from the world of hockey. This episodes banter includes... Holy shit the parades back on in Toronto Overall HHOF induction thoughts Players that should have gone in before Hossa & Lowe Would you rather be a Send or Sabres fan? NHL is having attendance issues Yikes the Canucks are a train wreck The Habs really suck who's happy about it? Anaheim looks unreal who saw that coming? Be sure to subscribe! If you enjoyed the pod leave us a review and you'll be reciprocated with good karma from the hockey gods...
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Episode 36: Moms Espresso
11/09/2021
Episode 36: Moms Espresso
The 10 storylines Frank Crupi & Sean Bowen discuss... The Maple Leafs turned their season around! Tavares playing with a purpose Eichel trade thoughts The Oilers look unstoppable Is McDavid the BEST ever? Colorado early struggles Proper punishment for Chicago Blackhawks Marion Gaborik's legacy Calgary Saddledome experience What happened to our fantasy team this week?
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Episode 35: Law & Order
11/02/2021
Episode 35: Law & Order
This episode is a re-release of my most favourite interview I've ever done. A few years ago we interviewed 23 year NHL referee vet Don Van Massenhoven. The interview is chalked full of incredible stories of 90s and 2000s hockey from a refs perspective. Originally released Jan 2019, this episode has been re-formatted to bring the BEST content from the original interview. Highlights include - A famous fight with Mark Messier, Pat Quinn's best one liners, a special moment with Sid Crosby, a Powerplay that almost ended Dons life (literally) why Don owes Rob Ray money and which goalies talked back the most. Enjoy! (We'll be back to our new format with my co-host Bonsie breaking down 10 burning NHL topics next week!)
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Episode 34: The Sky is Falling
10/26/2021
Episode 34: The Sky is Falling
Hockey Illuminati creator Frank Crupi and his co-host Sean Bowen break down 10 hot topics in the NHL. This episodes countdown sees the fellas discuss... 1) Whats wrong with the Maple Leafs? 2) Marner has LOST his confidence 3) Could Zach Hyman make the Olympic team? 4) Steve Stamkos chances of making the Olympic team? 5)Will Freddy Anderson challenge for the Vezina trophy? 6) Chicago and Vegas piss poor start 7) Habs fans are delusional 8)The Panthers will win the Stanley Cup 9)Seattle Kraken inaugural home game ceremony Is there a number NOT retired by Toronto that should be? Enjoy!
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Episode 33: The Hockey Illuminati Returns
10/19/2021
Episode 33: The Hockey Illuminati Returns
Our podcast IS BACK and Hockey Illuminati creator Frank Crupi has a new co-host. Leafs TV on-air personality and die-hard Maple Leafs fan Sean Bowen joins the podcast as Franks winger moving forward. Every episode Frank & Sean will break down 10 topics in the hockey world and share their raw, unapologetic opinions. This weeks 10-topic countdown includes.... The Maple Leafs start Maple Leafs potentially "relaxing dress code" Should the NHL soften its cap constraint rules Our favourite part from Stamkos Stanley Cup party Can Tampa Bay actually 3-peat? Jack Eichel landing predictions Is Erik Karlsson is delusional? Will the Seattle Kraken make playoffs? Thoughts on tightened up stick infraction penalties Favorite fictional character from a hockey movie Enjoy!! (fist bump)
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Episode 32: Hockey Illuminati on Sirius radio
06/12/2021
Episode 32: Hockey Illuminati on Sirius radio
Hockey Illuminati host Frank Crupi joins Andrew Krystal's "Krystal Nation" on Sirius XM channel 167 for a special segment. Frank and Andrew discuss what happened with the Maple Leafs 1st round playoff exit and where the team goes from here. They also touch on their mutual hatred for the Habs and poke fun at their playoff run. Enjoy!
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Episode 31: Maple Leafs Playoff Preview
05/19/2021
Episode 31: Maple Leafs Playoff Preview
Hockey Illuminati host Frank Crupi is joined by two of his lifelong buddies and die hard Leafs fans Sean Bowen and Dylan Cowman. The boys break down the Maple Leafs round 1 series vs the Habs and have a blast doing so. WARNING this episode is for Leafs fans only - Enjoy!
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Episode 30: ft Anthony Stewart
05/05/2021
Episode 30: ft Anthony Stewart
Some notable highlights include... Sacrifices his family made so he could reach the show How he helped his brother Chris become an NHL player Playing on the gold medal winning 2005 world junior team locker room stories from Crosby, Florida Panthers and KHL Behind the scenes of Hockey Night in Canada Advice for his younger self about money and work ethic
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Episode 29 ft: Jason Podollan
10/29/2020
Episode 29 ft: Jason Podollan
Jason Podollan was considered a naturally gifted hockey player at a very early age. Jason dominated at every level of his minor hockey career, highlighted by the Pee Wee AAA Provincial Championship he helped lead Vernon to in 1990. Podollan ended the season with 223 points in 44 games and was considered one of the top prospects in all of Canada. On his 13th birthday Jason was listed by the Spokane Chiefs and he went to score 36 goals as a 16 year old in the WHL After his amazing rookie season Jason was projected as a top 5 pick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. At that point, a 1000 game NHL career was no longer just a dream for Jason, it was an expectation. After a season with many ups and downs and a crazy draft day story, Jason was drafted 31st overall to the Florida Panthers. Jason joins our podcast to share his journey. Jason also runs his own podcast Up My Hockey which educates players on the mental mindset of the game check out his website at
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Episode 28 ft: Steve Lund
09/17/2020
Episode 28 ft: Steve Lund
Steve Lund was drafted 5th overall in the QMJHL and played at the U17 World Hockey Championships BUT at age 19 he flushed his hockey career away. While playing with the Halifax Mooseheads Steve gave up hockey to chase what he believed was his true calling, becoming an actor. Now at age 31 Steve Lund has played a lead role on the CBC show Street Legal and plays a fan favourite character on the Emmy nominated show Shitts Creek. Steve joins us to share his story. Episode highlights include; 3:05 stale personality of NHL players in interviews – 5:25 realizing hockey was not his path – 8:30 being a Habs fan and crazy hockey parents – 11:00 CHL pressure, taking advantage of him, becoming depressed and falling out of love with hockey 20:15 crazy beer league concussion story – 27:55 playing with Vorachek (hilarious story) and Marchand – 31:45 should Halifax have an NHL team? – 35:00 transitioning to acting and a great story about his 1st audition – 43:00 amazing Eugene Levy impersonation and parallels between acting and hockey - 47:20 the grass it not always greener - ENJOY !!
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Episode 27 ft: Steven Stamkos
04/21/2020
Episode 27 ft: Steven Stamkos
Steven Stamkos calls into the show from his home in Tampa, Florida. The world is an odd place for everyone right now as we deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. We discussed what life is like for the Lighting captain right now and some silver linings that have come out of this situation for him. Some episode highlights include; life with his 9 month old son Carter, fantasy football, Tom Brady's arrival in Tampa, how his core injury has progressed, the Ovi / Stammer saga, which show he's been binge watching, a great story involving him and Anthony Cirelli, his all-time favourite roommate on the road and so much more! Note: this interview was recorded via zoom conference so you can also watch the entire interview with video on our Instagram story (Hockey Illuminati) Enjoy!
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Episode 26: ft Georges Laraque
04/09/2020
Episode 26: ft Georges Laraque
NHL fan favourite Georges Laraque joins the podcast to break down his amazing career on and off the ice. Laraque recorded 131 fights in his NHL career and was known as the heavy weight champ for many years. Yet there is so much more to Georges than just being one of the toughest players of his generation...Episode highlight include; his difficult childhood, magical moments in Edmonton, losing in the cup finals twice, controversy in Arizona with Wayne Gretzky and Ryan Whitney, the 1st fight he remembers when the league "took notice" of him but why he also hated fighting, his unique training regimen, converting to a vegan lifestyle, a gentle moment in Vegas with his former NHL enforcers, why pro athletes should be doing more to give back, his "Mount Rushmore" of NHL fighters, thoughts on the NHL drug testing policy and so much more!
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Episode 25: ft Paul Titanic
03/19/2020
Episode 25: ft Paul Titanic
Paul Titanic coached what is believed to be one of the greatest minor hockey programs in history, the 1990 Markham Waxer Minor Midget age group. The team won just about every major award and championship imaginable in minor hockey, had undefeated seasons and saw 5 players reach the NHL level. Paul Titanic was a successful hockey player himself. Before beginning his coaching career he made it to the NCAA D1 level as captain of Bowling Green. Titanic then began working alongside some HOF coaches. In this episode Titanic shares his journey though hockey, coaching tips and insight into the legendary Markham Waxer team he coached in the mid 2000's - Enjoy!
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Episode 24: ft Pavel Barber
03/05/2020
Episode 24: ft Pavel Barber
Pavel Barber, one of hockey's biggest social media influencers, joins The Hockey Illuminati podcast for Ep. 24. Pavel has over 200k YouTube subscribers and is known for creating some of the best hockey content in the biz through his stick handling skills videos. Episode highlights include; What type of player was Barber as a teenager? How and why he started making YoutTube videos? Importance of stick handling and why it gets overlooked. Is there still room left for stickhandling creativity in the game? Thoughts on the "Michigan move" and what his "go-to move" is. How to overcome hesitation in a game, working with Jonathan Toews and looking up to Pavel Datsyuk, what NHL rule change Pavel would implement, will Ovi break Gretzky's goal record? Building the NHL's "all-hands line", Stanley Cup predictions and Pavel's favourite book he highly recommends - All this and much more on Ep. 24 Enjoy !
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Episode 23: ft . Anton Thun
02/27/2020
Episode 23: ft . Anton Thun
Anton Thun has nearly 35 years experience working as an NHL agent. He started his own NHL player agency in the 80s and is currently a consultant with the Quartexx Management Group who manages players such as Taylor Hall, Kris Letang and Mitch Marner. On episode 23 Anton calls into the show to discuss some of the most trending topics in Maple Leafs land this season.
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Episode 22: Hunks of Hockey
01/22/2020
Episode 22: Hunks of Hockey
Episode 22 offers a different style of episode rather than our traditional interviews as we welcomed special guests Jason Withee and Breezy Berdrow to the podcast. Jason is the co-founder of Pacific Rink which is a hockey apparel and bag company based out of California. Breezy operates a popular instagram page called Hunks of Hockey. The two friends joined us in studio during their trip to Toronto trip and we had some fun. On the episode The Hockey Illuminati conducted a hilarious contest to determine who the Hunkiest player of the 2020 NHL All-Star game is. Contest starts at the 19:45 - enjoy! ("Happy Hour Game Show Music" courtesy of the Kevin Mcleoad Archive -
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Episode 21: ft. Cory Woron
01/15/2020
Episode 21: ft. Cory Woron
TSN’s Cory Woron joins the podcast in studio for Episode 21. Cory has been on-air with TSN for 20 years and currently hosts Sportscenter on weekends. Episode highlights include; Working with NHL players from a journalistic perspective Hockey lingo in the media and “TSN perks” Dallas stars studying “overuse” injuries Incredible Mats Sundin and Gretzky locker room stories Cory’s appearance in Trailer Park Boys and “f-bombs” on air Cory's top 3 "witnessed live" amazing hockey moments Hilarious Danny Heatley story from 2010 Olympic games Are NHL players going to the 2022 Olympics? How raising two very different sons puts life in perspective
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Episode 20: ft. Renata Fast
12/11/2019
Episode 20: ft. Renata Fast
Hockey Illuminati host Frank Crupi welcomes Canadian Olympian Renata Fast in studio for a behind the scenes interview ahead of the Canada-US Rivalry Series. Renata won a National Championship with Clarkson University in 2014, debuted with the Canadian National program in 2015, was drafted 2nd overall into the CWHL in 2016, played in the 2017 World Championships and the 2018 Olympics. Episode highlights include; Participating in the 2019 NHL All-Star game The deep rooted Canada-US rivalry Winning an NCAA D1 National Championship Some tough decisions she had to make as a teenager Scoring the fastest goal in NCAA tournament history A little dating advice How she mentally prepares for big games Possibility of seeing a woman in the NHL one day Next steps with women's hockey and the PWHPA
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Episode 19: ft. Hal Gill
11/27/2019
Episode 19: ft. Hal Gill
Stanley Cup Champion and veteran of 1100 NHL games Hal Gill joins the podcast for Episode 19. The Boston Bruins drafted Hal in 1993 where he would play half his career before moving on to play with Toronto, Pittsburgh, Montreal, Nashville and Philadelphia. Episode highlights include; Where his nickname "Skillsy" came from Ray Bourque and Joe Thornton stories from his rookie year Which HOF forward he loved to battle with and why Locker room tales from his time in Toronto Details of the Penguins 2009 Stanley cup afterparty Why he wanted to avoid getting pegged as a "fighter" A legendary Sid Crosby story from his first Pens practice Helping tame PK Subban during his rookie year in Montreal The "bag-chucker" concept and why he was the NHL's last Life after hockey in the Nashville broadcast booth Enjoy!!
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Episode 18: Top 25 Most Outrageous Don Cherry Quotes & Rants
11/20/2019
Episode 18: Top 25 Most Outrageous Don Cherry Quotes & Rants
On Episode 18 of The Hockey Illuminati podcast your host Frank Crupi briefly shares his thoughts on the Don Cherry CBC fall out from all angles. Frank then reveals the top 25 most outrageous quotes and rants of Don Cherry's 38 year CBC career. Is there a moment we missed? Let us know in the review section!
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Episode 17: ft. Bernie Nicholls
11/06/2019
Episode 17: ft. Bernie Nicholls
Bernie Nicholls scored over 1200 points in his NHL career and is one of only 8 players to score 70 goals in a single season. We welcome him into the Hockey Illuminati as he calls into the show from his home in Haliburton, Ontario for Episode 17. Bernie played the first 8 years of his career in LA where he was a fan favourite. He was also Wayne Gretzky's best friend for a few years they were together 24/7. Episode highlights include; His relationship with Wayne Gretzky, What was it like construction a power play with the great one? Hilarious Wayne Gretzky cab story and his favourite fast food The "Miracle on Manchester" which was the greatest single game playoff comeback in NHL history What celebrities frequented the LA dressing room in the 80's. Working out with Chris Chelios How hard it is mentally for athletes to go far in the playoffs so many years but never reach the pinnacle How he beat Tiger Woods in a Golf match A unique NHL record he holds that's impossible to break Enjoy !
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Episode 16: Overrated NHL Coaches
10/30/2019
Episode 16: Overrated NHL Coaches
In Episode 16 we reveal who we believe the two most overrated head coaches in NHL history are; Jacques Lemaire and Mike Babcock. The Hockey Illuminati will take you on a detailed journey though each of their head coaching careers and expose the little known truths about their perceived greatness. The more layers that get peeled back on Lemaire and Babcock, the more you may think their not the royalty the hockey universe has framed them up to be...
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Episode 15: Ft. Nik Antropov
10/23/2019
Episode 15: Ft. Nik Antropov
Nik Antropov was drafted 10th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1999. He joins the Hockey Illuminati for Episode 15. After growing up in Kazakhstan and playing his junior hockey in Russia Nik moved to North America to begin his NHL career. It was not an easy transition, knowing very little English, becoming a dad at age 20 and dealing with two serious knee injuries all while playing under the bright lights of Toronto was not easy. Yet Nik persevered and went on to play nearly 800 NHL games and record 465 points, mostly with Toronto. Episode highlights include; The hilarity leading up to his NHL draft Overcoming some tough years in Toronto The best Leaf team from his era What was it like playing against Scott Stevens in a playoff game His relationship with Pat Quinn and Mats Sundin His thoughts on Borat and Trailer Park Boys Thoughts on the fans right to boo their team on home ice A special bond with the late Igor Korolev and other Russians Playing with Ilya Kovalchuck in his prime Scoring the most epic goal in Winnipeg Jets history
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Episode 14: Searching for Stanley in the Stars
10/16/2019
Episode 14: Searching for Stanley in the Stars
We hired an astrologer who used to work for an MLB team, to do astrology readings on Auston Matthews, Jon Tavares and Mitch Marner. We reveal the results and also talk about a story thats not getting enough attention right now involving a dual sport ice hockey goalie. Our callers include Ryan from Kitchener, who shares with us the two types of hockey fans that exist and which one you should be. Papa Wentz calls in from Vancouver for a Canucks hot take and superfan Manny from Toronto wants to know how much physical pain you would endure to bring a cup home to your favourite team. We also tee up next weeks interviewee who played 9 season for the Maple Leafs...enjoy!
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