[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign.
[00:00:03] Speaker B: The following program is brought to you in living color on Dell gazette.com or wherever you get your podcast.
The Daily Gazette Company presents the parting Shots Podcast. Now here's your host, Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shot. Thank you Scott Kesey, and welcome to the Parting Shots Podcast, available wherever you get your podcast. Subscribe today. Thanks for joining me from the Parting Shots Podcast Studio in Schenectady, New York. Our final podcast of February is really going by fast. We have a great show for you. But before I get into the lineup of today's podcast, I have to explain one person I was hoping to have on this podcast. That was Dave Sims, the new radio voice of the New York Yankees. We had been exchanging messages on Facebook and Dave was looking forward to doing the podcast. But after I put last week's podcast to bed, he had messaged me saying something had come up, a meeting he had to attend at the time we were supposed to tape. So we're going to reschedule Dave and hopefully get him on and we'll talk Yankees and taking over for John Sterling. We'll also talk about our Philadelphia roots in our favorite football team, the Eagles winning Super Bowl 59. No, I still have not gotten come down from that yet.
So I hope you understand what's going on with Dave and we'll get them on. Don't worry about that.
By the way, we have a jam packed podcast.
I talked with Matt Dubre. The TV voice of Union men's hockey on ESPN has been a long time play by play voice back when they were doing radio, especially during their national championship run in 2014. Earlier this season he announced that he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. He's been getting treatment and he's getting better. He attended the Princeton game a couple of Saturdays.
He was hoping maybe to do one of the games this weekend with Cornell Colgate coming in, but he's looking forward to doing an ECA hockey tournament game. I spoke with him. He doesn't live too far from me in Rotterdam. So on Tuesday I went over to his house and we chatted and you'll get to hear that conversation here on the podcast. There's a story on DailyGazette.com and in the print edition in Thursday's print editions if you get a chance to look at that. And of course there's some questions that did not make the print edition and the and the web, but we got them on the here on the podcast and there's also a video attached to my
[email protected] Speaking of union hockey, the men wrap up regular season play at Mesa Rinka this weekend as Cornell and Colgate come to town. A lot on the line this weekend. Union needs just one win in these next two games to secure a first round five for the ECAC Hockey tournament. I spoke with the six seniors who'll be playing their final regular season home games on Saturday. They'll be honored after the Colegate game. Those seniors are Colin Ferguson, Josh Nixon, Kaden Villegas, Thomas Richter, Joe Sharab and Josh Phillips. So we'll hear from them in this podcast. On the women's side, the women did a great job last Saturday getting their first ever ECAC Hockey tournament victory, beating Brown to nothing on a pair of goals by Carrie Ann Engelbert and great goaltending from Sophie Matsukas and great defense in front of her, blocking 23 shots.
So we'll have interviews with Matsukas, Engelbert Marin Friday. I did a zoom interview with her later Tuesday and then a phone interview with Tony Macy, the head coach. So a lot of Union women's coverage coming up on this podcast. And then we're going to talk about the newest team in Schenectady. That's the New York Phoenix of the basketball league. I'll speak with head coach and general manager Travis Weiss about the new team coming here to Schenectady. They open play Friday at the Armory against Connecticut. So looking forward to talking with Travis about that and what he expects this season. So coming up, it's going to be Matt Dubre. We'll talk about his courageous battle and he's winning it right now against leukemia. So stay tuned here on the Parting Shots podcast.
If you really want to know what's going on in your community, you have to read the Daily Gazette. We don't take a side. We're right down the middle and we're going to get to the truth. Our reporters and photographers are out in the field bringing you updates every minute with trust, accuracy and integrity. From the first page to the last page. Independent, probing journalism. We're finding out what's going on in community where nobody else is covering. It's who we are. It's what we do. Hi, this is Colgate men's hockey coach Mike Harder. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:04:59] Speaker C: With Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Chott.
[00:05:02] Speaker B: Welcome back to the podcast. Early this season, Matt Dubre, the longtime voice of the Union hockey men's team, first on radio, now on espn.
He announced that he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Matt called the double header that Union had on the first Saturday in October, the exhibition game against Providence, followed by a women's game against rit, and he did not look good. He was thinking it was just a cold and there was just something not right about him. And then next day, Union opened its men, opened its regular season against Army West Point, and Matt did not attend the game. Andrew Santillo filled in. And it was like, a few days later that we found out what Matt was dealing with. And it's been a battle.
He lost his hair, lost his beard. But he's getting back, he's gaining his strength, he's getting the treatment, and he seems like he's getting better all the time. He attended the Princeton game a couple weeks ago at Mesa, Got a nice ovation from the fans when he was put on the video scoreboard. And Matt and I are neighbors in Rotterdam, and so it was a nice quick jaunt over to his house. And Stan Hootie, our photographer, our digital person as well, he came over, shot some pictures, and shot a video of my interview with Matt. So it was a great interview. We talked about, I guess, about 10, 15 minutes or so.
We hadn't talked about, you know, dealing with this disease and dealing with the mental issues and trying to get, you know, get through this. So it wasn't easy.
But he's. He's getting better, as I said, and hopefully he'll get a chance to call the final games at Mesa Rink when the Union plays in the ECKE Tournament coming up, either in the first round next weekend or the best of three quarterfinals the following weekend. Andrew Santillo's done a nice job filling in for Matt this season.
So here's my conversation with Matt Dubray.
Well, Matt, can you give us how you're feeling at this point?
[00:07:15] Speaker A: Honestly, Ken, I'm feeling so much better than I was, obviously. You know, I'm still tired, I'm still recovering, and I experienced some side effects of the medication, you know, but I feel very lucky and blessed to be where I'm at. And, you know, things are. Are going, honestly as well as I could expect them to go. Avoided a lot of the negative side effects. And the treatment that I'm on is. Is literally something that wouldn't have been available a year ago, so. And it seems to be going very well, and I'm thankful for that because it's certainly a less impactful treatment and things are going great. So I'm starting to feel a little more like myself.
[00:07:50] Speaker B: Let's go back to October. And when the news broke, I know that, you know, you were at the double head of the Providence exhibition game for the men and the rit women's game, and you weren't feeling well, and you thought you just had a cold. When did you realize that it was something more than a cold?
[00:08:06] Speaker A: So I had actually been very sick for a month, if not longer, leading up to that game. And I had just been fighting through it. I'd been going to the doctors. I actually. They treated me for a possible tick bite disease, and I had antibiotics to test me for Covid. I had an antiviral. I had been going to doctors for about a month. I'd just been feeling terrible. It kind of kept getting worse. In the two weeks leading up to the game, I didn't even get out of bed all that much. And honestly, because of my weight and my age, I thought maybe I was having some sort of heart issues. And the week after that game, I was actually scheduled to have a stress test and some other stuff done because nothing else really seemed to be working. And I'd been going to my primary care physician, and, you know, they tested for pneumonia. They tested for everything under the sun. And I had actually pulled my kids aside about a week and a half before the game. And I. And I told them, I said, guys, I don't want to scare you. I said, but this isn't normal. You know, I don't want you to. Because I hadn't, you know, I wasn't moving. I wasn't doing much. I was just tired all the time. And I'm like, I don't want you to think this is normal. I don't want to scare you. The doctors are working on. They're going to try to figure it out, and, you know, we'll see what's what. So, you know, the hockey season started, and I'm like, all right, well, we'll see if I can.
You know, I'll try to work it. You know, obviously, I look forward to the start of the season every year, and I tried to work it. And that particular day, I ended up working a double header. There was a women's game and a men's game, and there was. And there was an exhibition game. There was supposed to be a game the next day. And you saw me that day. I was obviously not in good shape. I was. You know, I was at the point where even just walking up and down the steps to the broadcast booth just completely wiped me out. So the very. So I worked that Saturday, Sunday, I was supposed to do the game. I didn't do the game. And Monday I had to go back into the hospital for more blood work. And actually while I was there, I passed out while they were giving me the blood draw and they admitted me into the er and things are a little bit of a blur. But several doctors talked to me over the next couple of hours trying to figure out what was going on. And luckily the cancer specialist, Dr. Belomo actually thought I had something more serious. There's a certain type of leukemia that the blood cells actually kind of eat each other. Because my counts were so low, they were very concerned that I had this even more serious form of leukemia. But they eventually ruled that out and they told me they had the all.
And I got admitted to the hospital that day and you know, the rest is history.
[00:10:31] Speaker B: How shocking was that news?
[00:10:33] Speaker A: You know, it's funny, you know, in this day and age with WebMD and anytime you feel sick, you start googling and looking up symptoms.
Leukemia never really crossed my mind. I was thinking maybe heart problems or you know, even other forms of cancer. Of course you don't ever want to think worst case scenario, but leukemia never really crossed my mind. So I was very surprised. It's, you know, it's a non genetic thing. It's just something that kind of happens. So. And it's weird because on the one level, you know, it's obviously devastating news to hear you have cancer, but it could have been a much worse diagnosis. And it was just to finally know what was wrong with me because I had been feeling so bad for so long to know that it wasn't just I wasn't making it up, it wasn't anything at all. So to be diagnosed, it was a mixed bag. Obviously it's stunning news. You know, it's going to change your world and you've got a long road ahead of you. But the flip side was is it could have been a worse diagnosis and at least we had a path forward.
[00:11:32] Speaker B: Were you scared though?
[00:11:34] Speaker A: Honestly not. It's very funny. I, I, I wasn't really, you know, I didn't know much about it and you know, while I was in the hospital starting to feel, you know, I was obviously so wiped out and I eventually started to do research and reading on leukemia. You know, because of my age. The thing that I have all typically impacts either younger kids or older people. So people my age don't usually get it. The doctors were very optimistic that because of my age and my general health, you know, I don't drink, I don't smoke, in general, other than being overweight, I'm not in terrible shape.
You know, everybody was very optimistic. They made me feel comfortable, the more reading I did about it. The funny thing is the thing I was nervous about the most is with the treatment, you have to get a port put into your chest. And that was the thing that freaked me out the most because they, you know, actually put something in and there's like a little hole in your neck. And eventually when I actually did that, it was no big deal.
[00:12:25] Speaker B: But your age, by the way.
[00:12:26] Speaker A: I'm 47.
[00:12:27] Speaker B: Okay, you're, I mean, I know I visited the hospital the early stages here.
What was it like just, you know, being there and wondering what was going on.
[00:12:40] Speaker A: It's, you know, the hospital is a double edged sword. First of all, I want to give a huge shout out to everybody at Albany Med and they do a wonderful job trying to take care of you and keeping you healthy. And everybody in the, you know, the immunocompromised ward where I was, did a fantastic job. But the other side of the coin is the hospital is not a great place to get a lot of rest, you know, and that's a part of it as well. And you know, they're taking measurements, giving you medication, talking to you. When you're hooked to IVs, you have to go to the bathroom every so often. It's, it's a hard place to get rest. And the first couple of weeks especially were kind of a bit of a blur, you know, and everybody's calling you and texting you and trying to figure out what's going on. So it took me the you initial couple of weeks were pretty rough as I was processing and figuring out and I was still obviously very, very sick. But the long, you know, as I was there and things started to calm down and I got medication and things started to get a little better. You know, you get into a little bit of a routine and actually it was kind of strange because I was there for five weeks the first time and I had my first bout of chemo and my spinal therapies and things of that nature. And you kind of get used to the routine and you're figuring out what's going on and how things are going to be. And by the time I actually had to leave, I was a little nervous because it's like, you know, I'm used to being here, something goes wr and then. But finally, you know, I got to come home and, you know, be with my family and be in my bed and actually get rest and it does make a big difference. I love everybody at Albany Med, and the job they did was fantastic, and I appreciate them, but the rest I got at home those first couple of weeks. You know, nothing can beat it.
[00:14:09] Speaker B: Did you have to go to other hospitals besides Albany Med?
[00:14:12] Speaker A: I also went out to Dana Farber in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Weiner is my doctor out there. As we were trying to figure out my treatment and what we were going to do, because, again, like, this treatment I'm on now is. Is very new. Typically, what you do is get a bone marrow transplant, which I would have had done out there. But knock on wood, if all things continue to go the way they are, I won't have to go down that path. But if I did, I would be doing that out of Dana Farber. And, you know, they were fantastic out there as well.
[00:14:41] Speaker B: Were there moments during this time that you felt like, is it gonna work, or you think this is gonna be it?
[00:14:51] Speaker A: I still feel that way, to be honest.
You know, what's weird is everybody kept telling me I was gonna feel better. You know, I had just. I had been sick for a month, for even longer before I went into the hospital. And I'm in the hospital, I'm getting treated, and I'm still like, just, you know, walking to and from the door. I still felt exhausted all the time and just crappy. And everybody was like, you're gonna feel better. You're gonna feel better. And even when I got home and I was getting some rest, I still didn't. I still wasn't really feeling better. And, you know, I admit, you know, I'm like, I'm just tired of feeling this way. It's rough. You know, you can't.
It's very weird, because what happens is everything that you identify with gets taken away from you in the blink of an eye. Because all those things that I was a hockey announcer, you know, a businessman, a father, a husband, a homeowner, somebody, you know, all those things that identified me disappeared, and I was just sick, you know? And, I mean, while it was nice to know why I was sick, it was also challenging to deal with that for the first couple of months, especially as I continue. You know, chemotherapy especially takes a lot out of you, and it took a lot out of me. And, you know, you just. The side effects are different for everybody. You can never really prepare yourself, and the side effects were pretty tough. So, yeah, a couple of months in, you know, I. There was one particular moment where I had a little of a breakdown, and it's just like, am I going to feel like this forever? Because this is rough. I don't want to, you know, I don't want to feel this way. I don't want to live like this.
[00:16:21] Speaker B: Did it feel weird losing your hair? Because I know you've had long hair the last few years, a ponytail, that stuff. Yes.
[00:16:27] Speaker A: The hair thing is very funny. I have a long history with my hair because my father was bald very young, in his 30s. And so my entire life goal as a teenager and a kid growing up was to have hair at 40. Okay. Because I was convinced I was going to be bald like my dad. So I have, as you know, I had a lot of pride with my hair, and during COVID I grew it out long and all of that, and. Which was a lot of fun for me, and I liked having it. So it was definitely. And it was strange because it wasn't my hair that fell out first. I was rubbing my beard one day, I was in the hospital, and I was just rubbed my face and just hair started flying out. And I'm like, I'm not going to do this. I'm not going to wait for it to come out in clumps when I touch it. So I went, and my wife helped me shave it, and I shaved my beard, shaved my head, and. And honestly, you know, it fit in very well with you guys and Josh and everybody at the rink is. Everybody's bald. Fit in with my dad, and all things considered, I don't think I have a bad bald head look. You know, not everybody can pull that off. Everybody told me I look good bald. You know, we'll see what happens with the hair. It was not the thickest hair in the world before all this went down, so I'm curious to see what happens. But I have to admit, I was pretty excited when it started to come back in.
[00:17:33] Speaker B: Talk about your wife, Amy and the family, how they've been much of a rock for you.
[00:17:38] Speaker A: I can't say enough. You know, the kids, when they were first told, you know, they're scared kids, whenever they hear about somebody having cancer, you know, they always assume the worst because they're kids and that's what they know, you know, but they've obviously adjusted as well as can be expected. My wife, I honestly can't say enough about her because not only my mom had been sick and she had been staying with us before all this went down, my. My wife Amy was a huge help with that. And then she had to transition right into me being sick. And, you know, it's A lot to put on somebody. All of a sudden she's taking care of the house, taking care of the kids, taking care of me, just coming off of taking care of my mom. And, you know, when all this is done, I'm hoping to do. I mean, I can never make up for it, but I certainly couldn't have done it without her. And, you know, I'm very lucky to have to have her.
[00:18:29] Speaker B: They declared that you're in remission yet or not.
[00:18:32] Speaker A: So the way it works is the treatment I'm on, I'm taking Blincito is the drug, and it can theoretically take two to five cycles. I'm in between my first and second cycle. Two cycles is the normal amount. So I'm in remission now.
Next week I go back into the hospital, hopefully for the last time for a couple of days, and they hook me back up to the medication for another four weeks. Then I'm off of it for two, and then I get another biopsy. And if that comes back clear, I'm officially in maintenance mode for two years where my treatments are much more sporadic, my blood draws are, you know, much less frequent and things of that nature.
[00:19:13] Speaker B: How much have you missed doing the games?
[00:19:14] Speaker A: Oh, my God, it's been. It's so weird, you know, as you know, I've been there a long time, you know, 20 plus years. It's kind of my home away from home. And especially this season being the last season for Messr Inc. You know, it was so hard to not be there and it felt very weird to watch the games on tv and, you know, Andrew Santillo has been filling in for me and he's been doing a fantastic job, but it's hard for me not to be there, I have to admit it.
But, you know, also I got to focus on getting healthy and. And that's what I'm doing. It's, you know, I'm looking forward to possibly calling a couple of games before it's all over this year. And I'm really looking forward to being in the new building next year.
[00:19:54] Speaker B: Friday, I mean, what's going to be like Friday for the Cornell game?
[00:19:57] Speaker A: The atmosphere is obviously going to be insane. Cornell travels very well. Last weekend of the regular season, last couple of home games at Mesa Rink. I'm hoping planning on attending. I've got some family coming with me, so it should be a great time.
[00:20:11] Speaker B: What will it be like to be back in the broadcast booth?
[00:20:13] Speaker A: Oh, well, I'm not going to call the game this weekend. Yeah, no, not this weekend. If all Goes really, really well. I'm hoping to possibly call the playoff games this weekend. I'm not going to call the games.
I hope I'm not too. You know what's funny is even just being at the rink a couple weeks ago and talking. My voice was shot by the end of the night and I, you know, just from talking to people, it's just because I, you know, I've been in hospital, I've been home, I'm not talking all that often. So it's funny how even your broadcast voice gets out of shape. So I got to do some warm ups, get myself back in shape. I'm certainly looking forward, forward to being back on the air. Hopefully I'm not too rusty, but I've been doing this a long time and I think I'll be all right.
[00:20:50] Speaker B: Your most memorable mess of rink moment.
[00:20:55] Speaker A: Probably it's tough because there's a lot. The overtime games are up there, but the one that I think I remember the most is the first playoff series win over Clarkson back in 2000 when they won their first playoff series.
To me, you know, that was really the first step in what Union would eventually become over those next several years. But there, I mean, there's so many, I mean, the, you know, winning the white lockup, the regular season titles, some of those big games. But the Clarkson series really stands out to me. The Yale five overtime games, they stand out to me as well. You know, so many great memories at Messerink. I'm going to miss that play. They don't build them like they used to, so I'm looking forward to the new rink. But obviously I've got a lot of memories there.
[00:21:44] Speaker B: I think I know the obvious answer to this, but what is your most memorable moment calling a Union hockey game?
[00:21:49] Speaker A: Oh, obviously it's when they won the national championship in 2014. It was such an amazing feeling. And that game was an incredible game. It was a barn burner game, as you recall. And you know, when they've put in that goal to make it to go up by two is, you know, the feelings. The craziest thing about all of that is, you know, we've talked about this in the past is, you know, whenever we felt like Union to win the national championship, it would be this. Even when you fantasize about it, it would be the Cinderella story, this under huge underdog thing. And the craziest part about it is you went, you re. It really sunk in during that game that Union really was the best team in the country. And I think that was the part that was a little. It was a little surprising to me, but obviously, to call that game and to be there and to see the team win the national championship was. Was amazing.
[00:22:37] Speaker B: Well, Matt continued good health. Can't wait to see it back at the rink and calling games very quickly.
[00:22:42] Speaker A: Ken, thank you so much. Thanks to you. I'd also want to thank the entire. The Union hockey community. Union College and new hockey community has been so generous and so good to me. It. It blew me away. The. I mean, I wasn't expecting. Not that I expected people to be mean to me. I didn't expect that, but people have gone so above and beyond with, you know, you know, financial donations to help out during this with the GoFundMe and stuff like that, and, you know, calls and visiting me at the rink or at the hospital, you know, Tim Mayer, a couple of the guys from the team came to see me. The coaching staff, you know, everybody involved in the Union hockey program has been so good to me, and it's meant so much to me. It makes me emotional even just thinking about it. It made me feel, you know, like a part of something bigger, you know, and that's part of being of the Union hockey family. And I was always proud to be a part of it and be a. Associated with it, but how they've treated me, you know, really brought it to. To another level. And I want to thank you as well, and for your coverage and your help and Brian Unger. Obviously, what you guys have done to help, to help me has meant so much to me and my family, and so I want to thank you for that.
[00:23:49] Speaker B: We're going to stay on the Union hockey beat as we talk men's and women's hockey. We'll preview the men's final regular season home games against Cornell and Colgate and the women that will preview their EC Hockey tournament quarterfinal matchup at Cornell. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
So how are the kids?
[00:24:16] Speaker D: Well, Emily made the honor roll.
[00:24:18] Speaker B: Oh, good for her.
[00:24:19] Speaker E: Yeah, we're really proud of her.
[00:24:21] Speaker B: Tyler, on the other hand, though, what's going on?
[00:24:23] Speaker A: He's been moody lately.
[00:24:25] Speaker B: Just feeling down and not like himself.
[00:24:28] Speaker A: Oh, we've been there.
[00:24:29] Speaker F: Nick was struggling last spring.
[00:24:31] Speaker A: He was so anxious and stressed.
[00:24:34] Speaker E: Really?
[00:24:34] Speaker B: What helped?
[00:24:35] Speaker A: Well, he joined the soccer team, and.
[00:24:37] Speaker E: Ever since, he's been a lot happier.
[00:24:40] Speaker B: He has more energy, he's less stressed, and he's definitely in a better mood at home. It's made a huge difference.
[00:24:48] Speaker E: That's awesome.
[00:24:49] Speaker B: Yeah. I'm glad he's getting out of the house. He's getting some exercise and he's off.
[00:24:54] Speaker A: His phone for once it's been good.
[00:24:56] Speaker B: For his mental health. Sounds like it's been good for your mental health too. Participating in New York High school sports improves students physical and mental health. Encourage your son or daughter to get involved. This message presented by NISFA and the.
[00:25:10] Speaker G: New York State Athletic Administrators Association.
[00:25:14] Speaker F: What's up everybody?
[00:25:15] Speaker A: This is Freddie Coleman from ESPN Radio's.
[00:25:17] Speaker B: Freddie and Harry Show. 3pm 7pm Eastern Time Monday. You're listening to the Party Shots podcast with my man Kenshot, the Daily Gazette sports editor.
Welcome back to the podcast. The Union men's hockey team wraps up ECAC hockey regular season play this weekend and it's the final two home games of the regular season ever at Messerink. The 50 year old facility will become more of a athletic usage for Union once the men's and women's hockey teams moves us to Mohawk Harbor Event center starting next season.
The men, as I said, Cornell and Colgate come to Town Union looking to wrap up a ECAC hockey tournament first round. Bye. They're in their tie for third with Colgate at the moment, four points ahead of both Dartmouth and Cornell. Union, like I said, needs just one win this weekend to wrap up things and make things easier and have a nice week off next week and get some guys healed.
So we'll see what happens there. Of course you heard from head coach Josh Hauge yesterday or Wednesday and so you get a chance to talk to the seniors who will be honored after Saturday's game. It's going to be a wild weekend at Union. Obviously the senior day ceremony after the Colgate game you have the the finals, you know, regular season games of Messa ring. It's going to be an amazing time and a lot of alums coming back. There will be alumni games Saturday morning at Mesa so a lot of the old timers are going to come back and probably razz me a little bit but so as I said, you heard from Josh Haugy, the head coach on Wednesday. So let's hear from the six seniors that will be honored on Saturday.
Here are Colin Ferguson, Josh Nixon, Kaden Villegas, Thomas Richter, Josh Phillips and Joe Sharab.
Guys, last home games of the regular season. Last home regular season games ever at Messer Rank first round buys on the line. Cullen. I mean Kai's could have made it easier himself if he beat Darth but how excited are you to try to clinch first round bye this weekend at home?
[00:27:27] Speaker C: Yeah, we're extremely Excited. It's something we've been working for the entire season, so I'm excited to see what the guys got this weekend. I'm confident in the group and, yeah, I'm really excited, Josh.
[00:27:38] Speaker H: Yeah.
[00:27:38] Speaker C: Obviously, we know that one win gets us in that buy, so we're not just going for one win, though, we're going for two. So we're expecting a good weekend out of all of us, for sure.
Yeah. I mean, we got two good teams coming in here with Cornell, Colgate, so this is kind of hockey you want to be playing going into playoffs, something that means something, and then also playing against those good teams, hopefully get on a roll here.
[00:28:01] Speaker B: Going in, you guys had sluggish starts. Thomas, news for two games. What do you got to do this weekend to avoid that?
[00:28:08] Speaker C: It's just playing our game like we know how to play. We've shown it at times here, and it's just like worrying about the guys inside the glass. Stick to our game. And when we play 60 minutes the way we want to play, the way we know how to play, then I think we'll like the outcome.
[00:28:25] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:28:26] Speaker F: For.
[00:28:27] Speaker C: We'll start down here with Colin Kaden.
[00:28:29] Speaker A: Just for.
[00:28:30] Speaker C: Does this kind of. Obviously, like, these games have been so important down the stretch for you already, but does this almost feel like kind of the beginning of playoffs to a degree, because you guys have kind of.
[00:28:39] Speaker A: So much at stake?
[00:28:40] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, I think I've been telling the guys since, like, November that the next game is the most important game because it's the next one. That's something that I don't think you realize right away in college hockey is how important every single game is and how tight the standings will be at this point. I think we've been trying to play playoff hockey for about a month now, and it prepares you for the post season. So like Tom said, we just need to play our game and stick to our structure. And when we do that, I think we're a pretty good hockey team.
[00:29:13] Speaker B: Cohen, for you, you know, the closing of the building has kind of been.
[00:29:16] Speaker A: Out there all year. How important is it to stay focused on Friday night's puck drop?
[00:29:21] Speaker B: You got a lot of alumni coming in senior night and everything.
[00:29:23] Speaker A: Kind of block the noise out, focus on just playing.
[00:29:26] Speaker C: Yeah, you just. It's the same game you've been playing since you were three years old. So at the end of the day, that stuff's all going to be there before the game, after the game, but between the whistles, you just play your game. You just play the same. Same sport you, like, loved since you were three years old.
I think it usually takes about a shift under your belt to get started, maybe get a bump or two in. But, yeah, once the game starts and the puck drops, it's the same game you've been playing your whole life.
No, I think that last weekend was a little bit of a reality check for us.
Like, we know that our times come to an end here, and I think that loss against Dartmouth really hit us in the out. So we're going to take every game like it's our last for from now on out. So we're expecting a good, good weekend out of all of us right here.
[00:30:15] Speaker B: This is a Cornell team. You did beat at Lynn earlier this month. What will it take to have a repeat performance?
[00:30:21] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, we know they're a good team. They're strong, hard on pucks, but we know if we play our game, then we can take it to them, you know, most of the game there. So, yeah, I mean, it's more about just leaning on them the whole night and take them one game at a time. So hopefully get three points there and then worry about the next day base being senior weekend.
[00:30:41] Speaker B: I just want to get thoughts of you guys about your time here. What do you remember most are?
[00:30:49] Speaker C: Josh, obviously, I didn't come in with.
[00:30:51] Speaker B: Any of these guys.
[00:30:52] Speaker C: I came as a transfer, so. But these guys are my family, and all these guys in the dressing room as well. But it means a lot. I feel like when you're a freshman, you don't really think that your senior night's gonna be, like, too close, but I think that it came really fast for me. I know that bunch of these guys are gonna say the same thing, but I'm just. I'm just glad I've been. I've been able to do it with these guys. So, yeah, I'm. I mean, I'm not really good at talking about it.
[00:31:22] Speaker A: We.
[00:31:23] Speaker C: We definitely had a good team talk after the Dartmouth game.
I get pretty emotional when I do talk about it, just because of how much I love the school and the program here.
So, yeah, I can't really find the words to describe how much this program in this school's meant to me over the last four years, but I can definitely say that I've loved every second of it.
I mean, this group's been through a hell of a lot, and we were fortunate enough to grab Nixie and pull him along our sophomore year. So, I mean, all of us, we want to take it to the end, like, we want to go as far as we can and focus is this weekend and then hopefully get a few more home games after that. So, I mean, we're in a spot now where the program's in the best place that it's been in since we've been here. So if I knew that coming in and I knew my senior year, in our senior year, that would be the case, and I'd be super proud and grateful for the opportunity to be here all four years. So, yeah, I mean, our mind's not really on the season ending right now, so that next game, as Ferg always says, is the most important one.
[00:32:30] Speaker B: Thomas.
[00:32:31] Speaker C: Yeah, like Kaden said, like, this group's been through a lot, but just like, how grateful for, obviously, everything that the school gives us. Teammates, coaches, everything. But just, like, how close, like, this group sitting right here is. Obviously, like, these guys have been through a ton. These guys have helped me more than probably words can describe. Nixie was a great ad.
And just like Vegas said, we don't plan on ending our season anytime soon. So we're just taking it one shift at a time, one game at a time, just playing our game.
[00:32:59] Speaker B: Josh? Yeah.
[00:33:00] Speaker C: I think, you know, from where we were as freshmen to now, like, you know, what we've kind of built and what's in front of us, like, where we could go, you know, that's. That's super special and to, you know.
[00:33:12] Speaker A: Do it with these.
[00:33:13] Speaker C: These other five guys and obviously the rest of our team, like, you know, these guys are our family, so it's super special.
Obviously, my time here has been great.
[00:33:22] Speaker B: So true.
[00:33:24] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, like you said, we're a family.
Four years ago, we came here as boys, never been.
We've developed a great culture here. I think all of us sticking together through thick and thin with everything that's gone on and where we are today, I think it's a testament to how well we are and how this school shaped us and this team and this culture. It's been great.
[00:33:47] Speaker B: Now, let's talk about the Union women's hockey team. They pulled off the biggest win probably in program history last Saturday. A2 nothing triumph over Brown at me an auditorium in Providence, Rhode island, with the eight seated Brown against ninth seed Union. Union had beaten Brown twice during the regular season. Always a tough time, tough way to beat. Three teams beat a team three times during the regular during the season, and Union did it. Carrie Ann Engelberg scored both of the goals. Soviet Matsukas was outstanding in net. And the play in front of Matsoukas 23 block shots by the Garner Chargers helped get that victory and they advanced to the best three quarterfinals against top seeded Cornell. Now, Cornell obviously topsy, as I said, but Union has handled Cornell this season.
They won at line of rink earlier this season three to two and they were up one nothing in the final game of the regular season at Messa rink before falling 2 to 1. So I don't think this team is intimidated by Cornell and I think a lot of that has to do with head coach Tony Macy, who's been through this as an associate head coach at Clarkson, has won a couple of national titles with the Golden Knights. So he understands what it takes to win a series. And I think that, I think Union's going to give Cornell some fits this weekend. I don't know if it's going to go three, but if you can win a game, that'd just be awesome. But as I, as I said in my final horn comment, I think this, that victory helped get this bring this program some great excitement. And it just come up. They came of age with that win against Brown. So now it's basically all gravy at this point. And if they lose, it was to be expected. But it's been a great season for the Garner Chargers, obviously the best in in program history. So on Tuesday, I had four interviews. We had the media availability with Sophie Matsukas and Carrie Anne Engelbert. So let's first hear from them and see what they had to say.
Well, guys, has the excitement of what happened Saturday worn off yet, Sophie?
[00:35:59] Speaker D: Definitely not. I think we keep getting more notifications of awards that are coming out that we're getting or records that we're breaking. But I think that it will soon be time to move on and get ready for Cornell and get focused on that.
[00:36:12] Speaker B: Kerry, for you.
[00:36:13] Speaker H: Yeah, I think we're just kind of embracing it all right now, kind of enjoying the excitement. But we are looking ahead at Cornell.
[00:36:20] Speaker B: Yeah, you guys have handled Cornell. You beat them there. Atlanta early in the season. You had the lead here late in the season. What is it going to take to pull off the upset again at lineup this weekend?
[00:36:32] Speaker H: I think it'll just be playing how we've been playing. We've been playing really strong. We've been playing together. We know we can beat them. You know, we know we can play hard against them. So just doing everything right.
[00:36:42] Speaker D: Sophie, I think Bird said it. I think that we're confident playing against them and just playing our game and not thinking too much into it. Kind of what we did At Brown, just stick to our game and we'll succeed. So I think just keep doing that.
[00:36:54] Speaker C: Now you guys, you know, a first playoff win down. Now you guys are in a series for the first time. So what is maybe Tony talked about, as far as I know he's been there before, as far as getting ready, what it takes to. To win, you know, two out of three.
[00:37:08] Speaker D: I think we've just been saying, like, one game at a time. Like, go 10 and just focus on one game. Like, we're not worried about Saturday or Sunday yet. We're worried about Friday and just, yeah, focus one game at a time and get there.
[00:37:20] Speaker H: Yeah, I think a big thing is just preparing the best we can, preparing our bodies, our minds, like eating all the right foods, getting good sleep, and just putting our best foot forward one game at a time.
[00:37:30] Speaker B: Tony talked about the commitment to defense.
[00:37:32] Speaker A: Talk about the defense in front of you last week against Brown and just your effort. And then also it was huge.
[00:37:38] Speaker D: I think we had, what, 23 block shots, and I think that helped me a lot and just helped build momentum and confidence in the team. So I think that our whole team bearing down defensively gave us those offensive chances and then, yeah, just bearing down defensively and then getting those offensive chances.
[00:37:54] Speaker H: Yeah, I think Soph's been great for us in net, so the least we could do is block a couple shots for her and, you know, keep pucks out of the crease, keep them out of the net and, you know, makes the game a lot easier for her.
[00:38:04] Speaker B: What was it like when you got the empty net goal because you guys had two other chances? I think you hit the post on one.
What was the sense of relief that, yeah, we got this and it's great.
[00:38:16] Speaker H: Yeah, I think, you know, the feeling was just like, we did it. Like it was just such a, you know, relieving sense that, you know, no matter how much time was left, like, we. We had a good lead and, you know, the team, it was so much bigger than just a 2 nothing win. It was, you know, history. And so I think it was just. It was a really cool moment.
[00:38:33] Speaker B: It was mentioned that, you know, Tony. Tony's got the experience here, having been at Clarkson and won a couple of national championships. How important is it to lean on him, on his experience as you get into this series?
[00:38:44] Speaker D: I think it was just the same thing that we said last week. Just, he knows what it takes. He knows what he's been there. He knows what it feels like. And I think just trusting him and trusting what he Says, well, is what helps us.
[00:38:56] Speaker B: Did the win against Brown, like, bring.
[00:38:59] Speaker A: You guys even closer, even for the ride home? Just talk about the evolution of the team since you got here.
[00:39:04] Speaker D: I think definitely it did. I think that it was a team effort. Just like. Like, everyone's blocking shots. Everyone's putting their body out there. Everyone has big black bruises now, and they're all showing everyone. And I think just seeing that, like, what people will do for the team to win is just awesome, I guess. Builds trust and confidence in each other.
[00:39:21] Speaker C: So you talked about before the game how much it would mean, you know, as an upperclassman, to win, you know, a playoff game. And just when that actually happened, just what was that.
[00:39:31] Speaker D: That feeling like it was unreal. I think we had a couple seniors that were crying just because they were so happy that we were part of it and just seeing the program move forward and, yeah, just being just. It was very emotional and just. Everyone was extremely happy and just. I kept saying, I was so happy for the next, like, three hours. I think I was just so happy that we finally got it done. And we are. Yeah, moving forward.
[00:39:52] Speaker B: The momentum you guys are carrying into this series against Cornell, obviously they had the week off. Do you think you could take advantage of some rust on them and we get out to a good start?
[00:40:02] Speaker D: I think so. I think that them having a week off could set them back a little bit. I think that we're fresh and we're rolling, so I think that I've heard from previous teams before, too, that that week off could hurt some people. So I think if we start off strong on Friday, we'll. We'll be good.
[00:40:17] Speaker H: Yeah, I agree. I think, you know, catch them off guard, just come with some pace, come ready, and anything can happen.
[00:40:23] Speaker B: How much of that victory back in November give you confidence, knowing you can go on the line and win?
[00:40:28] Speaker H: Especially right now, I think it was huge. I think it kind of showed us that, you know, if we just go out there and give our all, anything can happen. We know we're a strong team. We know that we can play in our system, and everyone has something to bring. And so I think it just. It pushed us to go even further this season.
[00:40:44] Speaker D: Yeah, I agree. I think that once they came here two weekends ago, we had a lot more confidence than we would have in the past, and I think that helped us get that early lead and. And try and hold on to it. But I think that we'll definitely be able to Friday and Saturday, any talk.
[00:40:58] Speaker B: In the room, not to be content.
[00:40:59] Speaker A: With The Brown win and to build on this.
[00:41:01] Speaker H: Now, I wouldn't say say that I think we're. We're excited about it, but I think it's just kind of, you know, embracing that, you know, we played a good game and that we won and just moving on that and pushing even harder and playing even better and tighter on the details.
[00:41:20] Speaker C: Would you say that, that like you talked about, you know, them being offer weeks, does that maybe even put. Obviously the first game is very important, but does that make that game, you know, even that much more important where it's like, hey, maybe we can, we can grab one here when they're at low, Rusty?
[00:41:34] Speaker D: Yeah, I think so. I think definitely jumping on them the first 20 minutes and just showing them that we're here to win. We're not here to let them settle in or anything. Like we're going to push hard and score first, get that win and just. Yeah. Prove them wrong, I guess.
[00:41:49] Speaker F: Good.
[00:41:50] Speaker B: Good. Thanks, sweetie.
Later on Tuesday, I spoke with senior defenseman Martin Friday. She always has class at this time when we have our media fellow, but I think class is overrated. No, just kidding. You can't say that to the Mandy Schwartz, the Scholar athlete of the year winner for ECAC hockey. She does a great, marvelous job with her classwork. Marvelous job playing for the Garner Chargers. So let's hear with. Let's hear from Marin Friday.
Well, Marin, has the excitement of what happened Saturday died down yet?
[00:42:21] Speaker E: No, I think honestly it still feels surreal to the team. But I think coming back today, getting back into it, there's just a completely different vibe on the ice. And I think everyone's just incredibly proud of, you know, the work we put in against Brown and looking forward to this coming weekend.
[00:42:40] Speaker B: What does it mean to the program, you think?
[00:42:43] Speaker E: I think it's great to see kind of all of our hard work validated in results. And I think especially for just the program overall, for all our alumni's past work to kind of pay off here and, you know, pay tribute to everyone who's come before us and now finally win a playoff game for the program and start making more history, means a lot. And I think everyone, and including the school is just incredibly excited for us. And so we're honored to kind of have this accomplishment and are excited to hopefully keep it going.
[00:43:14] Speaker B: Well, you're facing a Cornell team and a best of three, a team that you have played well against. You beat them out there in November. Three two. You were up one nothing here at Messe before losing two to one.
How you Know, looking back on those games, how much does that prepare you for this matchup?
[00:43:34] Speaker E: Yeah, I think it's comforting to go into a game knowing that we've seen success against them. And so honestly, I think Cornell was kind of who we want to play, even though they are ranked number one. I think our game at Mesa didn't end up how we wanted to, but I think the way we played showed a lot of success and kind of showed the potential to come out with a win. So I think taking what we've learned in those games and just being able to kind of continue growing on it and come out competing right away and kind of show them that not going to be an easy three game series.
[00:44:11] Speaker B: I mean, you're not scared of them, are you?
[00:44:13] Speaker E: No, no, sir.
[00:44:17] Speaker B: I mean, just talk about, you know, for years, this program, you know, when they would face teams like Cornell, Colgate, Clarkson, it would, it would not end well. What has changed in regards to that for this year's program?
[00:44:31] Speaker E: Yeah, I think there's definitely been a shift in how we approach these games. I think speak on it. You know, being a freshman coming in and being a little nervous, maybe a little intimidated to play these teams, but I think now going in, we've seen our potential, we've seen how we can play and how we can perform, and I think it's kind of, you know, we're right there with them. There's not a disparity in kind of level of play anymore. And so I think that gives us a lot of confidence going into this weekend. And you know, we're incredibly proud of how we performed throughout the season. And so I think going in, if anything, we're just excited, not nervous, not scared.
[00:45:09] Speaker B: What's going to be the key to pulling off the upset and getting to the final four of the ecac?
[00:45:15] Speaker E: You know, I think it's going to come down to executing on those little plays. I think that's how it paid off for us against Brown. Playoff games are always going to be incredibly intense and it's going to come down to those small little plays. And so I think just winning the little puck battles, sticking to details, sticking to systems, and just playing an incredibly solid and stable game.
[00:45:40] Speaker B: I don't know if I asked this, but what was the bus ride home like on Saturday?
[00:45:44] Speaker E: Oh, it was electric. I don't think anyone kind of died down until like, I mean, still even practice today, the just energy is still there and I think it's going to continue and keep building into this weekend.
[00:45:58] Speaker B: I mean, Sophie played exceptionally well, Saturday. But she also credited you guys in front of her 23 block shots in that game. So how important will it be to play like that again against Cornell?
[00:46:11] Speaker E: You know, I think success as a team is when you are unified and every single member is contributing. And so I think going into Cornell, we need to have that kind of connection between the goaltender, defense, and forwards. I think it needs to be a complete team effort here. And I am confident going into Cornell that just the way that we communicate as a team and the way that we compete as a team is going to pay off here.
[00:46:36] Speaker B: Well, good luck this weekend, and we'll see what happens.
[00:46:39] Speaker E: Thank you.
[00:46:41] Speaker B: Finally, it's head coach Tony Macy, who has done an outstanding job in his first season as head coach of the Garner Chargers, came in late in the summer after Joshua resigned to become an assistant coach with the New York Sirens of the Professional Women's Hockey League.
Tony's put his signature stamp on the program here, and I just think things are going to get better here. And he's got a lot of experience and as I mentioned earlier, won a couple of national championships with Clarkson when he was an associate coach there. So I don't think he's intimidated by Cornell. So let's hear what Tony had to say.
Tony, appreciate a few minutes. I know it's been a busy time for you, and let me ask the first question. Has the excitement died down yet from what happened on Saturday at Brown?
Yes and no.
[00:47:35] Speaker G: I mean, I think it was one of those things of, all right, we're moved on to Cornell, you know, but also realizing, you know, it was something that hadn't been done before and just another first for us this season.
[00:47:47] Speaker B: What was that bus ride at home like on Saturday?
[00:47:52] Speaker G: It's actually pretty quiet.
[00:47:54] Speaker B: Really.
[00:47:54] Speaker G: We. Yeah, you know, I think that kind of speaks to how we played a little bit, you know, played hard and everybody was pretty gassed and a little bit beat up. So everybody was getting their rest in.
[00:48:08] Speaker B: Yeah. Well, now it's Cornell, you know, best of three quarterfinals at line of rink this weekend.
This is a team that you played well against both times. You won out there back in November, and then earlier this month had had the lead and ended up dropping a 2:1 decision.
How much confidence does this team have going into facing the top seed at Big Red?
[00:48:33] Speaker G: Yeah, I think that, you know, there's a little bit of confidence there. I think a lot of it is, you know, this whole year we've been able to play with those top teams and compete, and, you know, we were able to beat them earlier in the year. So I think that that's going to go a long way. Just in the back of your mind knowing, hey, we, we've done this before, it's not something that's, that's crazy. And especially since, you know, that's something that doesn't normally happen at Lyna in the most recent years. Right. So we were able, we were able to do that and I think that was a good step and ready for us.
[00:49:11] Speaker B: Did that show you that this team is not scared of these top echelon teams in the ecci? Because I know for years in following this program, the games were never really that competitive against the likes of a Cornell, a Colgate, a Clarkson. But what you have seen this year as a team and playing some of these top teams, most of the times you have played well against them and you've won a couple games and just come up short on others. But do you see a confidence in this team playing a team like Cornell and not being scared?
[00:49:44] Speaker G: Yeah, I do for sure. I think that a lot of it comes down to the players as well.
It's a lot on them. They prepare hard, they do the right things all week to put themselves in the right situations and knowing kind of like what the pre scouts are and really dialing into those types of things so that when you go into those games you are, you know, prepared for what's going to happen and what you're going to see. You know, there's no secrets anymore, everybody's got videos. So, you know, we do a pretty good job I think of making sure they've got the information they need. And you know, I think a lot of that too helps to ease minds of, okay, this is where we can exploit them. Here's what we got to look out for.
You know, big teams like a Cornell and the Colgate's in the, you know, the top four there. You're going to have to weather storms every night. Right. So just a matter of being comfortable with that as well. You know, we're just weathering storms and making them have to go through all five of us.
[00:50:47] Speaker B: Yeah.
What concerns you do you have about Cornell?
[00:50:53] Speaker G: Well, I think that the big thing is like, you know, they're, they're a good team. They've been, they've been rolling pretty good this year and you know, they've got some, some firepower that can score and the rink itself is, you know, not, not the friendliest confines.
[00:51:11] Speaker B: Right, right.
[00:51:12] Speaker G: But again, you know, we went in there and you know, they had a Good crowd when we were there. And, you know, so I don't. I don't think that's too much in our heads at all. I think it's really just, you know, making sure we're in the right frame of mind going in there. You know, we're going to go in there Thursday practice, get a good skate going, and then be ready to go on Friday.
[00:51:37] Speaker B: We talked to Sophie Matsukis and Carrie Ann Engleberg Bird earlier on Tuesday, and we asked him about how much of a factor it is that you've been, you know, through these before with. With Clarkson and, you know, dealing with playing best of three series. How important is your experience and then letting these players know what it takes to win a series like this?
[00:52:03] Speaker G: I think it's. It's more just me being able to allow them to understand, you know, what the situation is. There's no situation that's too big. You just have to know what you're dealing with and then how to go into it. And again, a lot of it is that pre prep, pre scout kind of thing, you know, reflecting back on stuff that we've done well during the year that is going to be able to help us in those games.
You know, it's the same thing that we. We did up at Clarkson.
I think I was telling them this is my, gosh, 11th year in the ECAC playoffs in a row. So I've been. Been through all different types of scenarios, you know, being the one seed, being the four seed, five seed.
What were we when I was at Princeton? Three seed, I think, and, you know, I kind of used the. The three seed the last time when we. Or last week when we played. And, you know, St. Lawrence came in, they.
They had our number and they took us down that year. So anything can happen. So it's just a matter of making sure that your teams are prepared for that kind of thing. And I think having gone through it in all different scenarios, I'm able to kind of guide them along the way.
[00:53:21] Speaker B: Yeah. What would a victory over Cornell, I mean, winning the series over Cornell, what would that mean to you and to the program?
[00:53:29] Speaker G: Well, I think it's big for everybody, you know, the program to show that we're taking steps in the right direction.
You know, again, Doug does a great job over there. He always has. You know, so I'm. I know they'll have them prepared as well, but it's, you know, it's a perennial powerhouse that, you know, we haven't, in the past years.
[00:53:54] Speaker B: Right.
[00:53:54] Speaker G: Have really had chances against Them. So, you know, to go in there and do that, I think that, you know, that would speak volumes to kind of where the program's heading right now.
[00:54:05] Speaker B: I know we talked after the game Saturday, but what's been the reaction of the Alums of the Union program with what happened on Saturday at Brown?
[00:54:14] Speaker G: Oh yeah, my phone was blowing up and you know, people just kind of really proud of what's happened and proud of the players and you know, can really see the, you know, again, just the pride and in the U on the chest and really represent the university well.
So there's, there's a lot of that. You know, they've been, the Alums have been great all year. You know, we ended up having that 17 of them back for the MVP game and they were all pumped, you know, for what was happening and you know, just for me staying connected with them and being able to get our players connected with them as well.
[00:54:55] Speaker B: What do you think down the road what this means as far as recruiting goes? I mean that future recruits and see that this is a program on the rise.
[00:55:06] Speaker G: Yeah, it definitely helps. You know, I think that getting obviously the scholarship piece and then the rink and now, you know, the players, you know, buying in and getting some significant and you know, kind of getting over some hurdles that they've had in the past definitely shows that things are going in the right direction. And then we've got not only, you know, the, the group that is in the locker room, but also the athletic department, you know, Jim and Beth and everybody there that their support as well kind of shows through this.
[00:55:43] Speaker B: Well, Tony, appreciate a few minutes. Good luck this weekend and we'll talk soon.
[00:55:47] Speaker G: Sounds good. Hopefully we have the same conversation as we did last time I was there.
[00:55:51] Speaker B: Okay, that sounds good. Thanks, Tony.
[00:55:54] Speaker G: Take care.
[00:55:56] Speaker B: We're going to put the basketball court over the ice right now and talk about the New York Phoenix, the newest basketball team in Schenectady as a member of the basketball league. We're going to talk with head coach and general manager Travis Weiss about the season coming up and they open Friday against Connecticut. So we'll talk basketball here on the Parting Shots podcast.
Speed, Skill, Physicality. Home to college hockey's elite teams, coaches and student athletes. ECAC hockey.
[00:56:43] Speaker A: Twelve programs competing at the highest level. A league where champions are born and.
[00:56:48] Speaker E: World class professionals are trained.
[00:56:50] Speaker A: Where history is abundant and a commitment to the cutting edge is unrivaled.
[00:56:54] Speaker B: The best facilities, the fiercest competition.
ECAC hockey. There's no experience like it.
[00:57:05] Speaker E: Hi, this is Daily Gazette reporter Shenandoah Brier. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shot.
[00:57:14] Speaker B: Welcome back to the podcast. It's going to be an exciting weekend in Schenectady at the Armory Studios Studios, New York. As the newest professional sports franchise in Schenectady, the New York Phoenix basketball team gets set to play in the basketball league. They open up Friday at 7:00 against the Connecticut Crusaders. And joining us now is the head coach and general manager of the Phoenix, Travis Weiss. Travis, welcome to the podcast. Welcome to Schenectady. How are things going?
[00:57:40] Speaker F: Thanks for having me. And everything is going well.
I have a great team assembled and I just can't wait to show the fans and I don't know, just. I'm just ready for Friday. I have no words. Just waiting for Friday to come.
[00:57:55] Speaker B: Yeah. What's it been like getting ready for this?
[00:57:58] Speaker F: It's definitely been fun. All the guys are locked in. They bought in. Like I said, I have a great team that's going to go out there Friday and Saturday and perform.
[00:58:10] Speaker B: So talk. Yeah, talk a little about yourself. What's your background?
[00:58:15] Speaker F: So I'm from Neptune, New Jersey, born and raised. I went to St. Pat's which is in New Jersey, where Kyrie Irving went, actually. Then I went over to St. Peter's University.
I played basketball professionally overseas, and then I was in the NBA G League for a little bit and then I played three years with Albany patrons and now I am the head coach of the New York Phoenix.
[00:58:37] Speaker B: You said you played. Yeah. You played St. Peter. So you had to face Sienna a few times over your career.
[00:58:41] Speaker F: I did have to play Sienna a couple times. It was always a battle.
I think I'm up a little bit in the record. You know, I think I'm over 500 with them. So.
[00:58:52] Speaker B: So talk about this, Lee. I know Patroons have been in this, but talk about what this league is about, the basketball league.
We've had this, the Continental Basketball association here many years ago with the Patroons.
What can fans expect with this league?
[00:59:10] Speaker F: Oh, man. So this league is amazing. I mean, you got some guys that was in the NBA G League. You get some guys that get called up to the NBA G League.
So this is a competitive league. Honestly, you know, a lot of guys don't want to go overseas because it's just not for them. So they want to stay home. So they decide to play in this league, which is, like I said, competitive. You got a lot of good teams, a lot of good talent, and the fans are going to see a lot of three pointers, dunks and excitement when they come out to these games. Because that's what you guys, that's what these guys do. They're entertainers.
[00:59:42] Speaker B: Yeah. You also have a player from Schenectady you talk about. Shonda Millinghouse. Yes.
[00:59:49] Speaker F: So Chandelle Millinghouse, that was my backcourt mate for the last two years. He's from Schenectady. He's a great guy. He's great on and off the court. Good energy, good spirits. You know, whenever you're around here, there's never around him. There's never a dull moment.
He always makes people laugh. And I just, you know, I just love his energy. And he's a vet and he's just going to bring that leadership on the court, you know, amazing guy.
[01:00:13] Speaker B: How important is to have a guy from Schenectady on this team and to help, you know, bring fans in and sell this team to the fans?
[01:00:22] Speaker F: I mean, it's definitely important, you know, fans know him. He's well known around the area, so fans definitely reached out. When we signed him, it was like, oh, my gosh, I can't believe it. Definitely got to come out. And, you know, it's also good for like the younger generation to see, you know, hey, this guy is from Schenectady and look, he's doing big things, he's playing professional, so there's opportunity out there everywhere. So I think it's just good for the community itself.
[01:00:50] Speaker B: How would you describe his style of play?
[01:00:52] Speaker F: So Shidel is definitely an entertainer. He's going to put on the show.
He's a stat sheet stuffer. You know, he gets rebounds, he scores, he. He gets assists, you know, gets some deflections and stuff like that. So he's, he's an all around talent. And like I said, he's just a vet. He's been around the game, he's played at high levels and, you know, it's just good to have a guy like that on your roster. For sure.
[01:01:15] Speaker B: What I'm most impressed about is I'm from Philadelphia, so I'm still celebrating the Eagles championship. You have four guys in Philadelphia and one from Trenton, New Jersey, just over the Delaware River. What is it about the Philly connection there?
[01:01:30] Speaker F: So the Philly connection, I mean, I'm from, I'm from New Jersey, so, you know, I'm like halfway between New York, halfway between Philly, so I'm like right in the middle.
[01:01:37] Speaker B: Yeah, Central Jersey. Yeah, Central Jersey. No one wants to complain. You know, North Jersey, New York City, South Jersey, Philly, Central Jersey. Sort of like in that you said nobody. It's no man's land.
[01:01:48] Speaker F: It is no man's land, but we got a lot of talent in Central Jersey. Hey, I'm from Central Jersey, so, you know, there's some talent right there. But no, I.
I just like the style of these. Style of play for these guys. I know some of these guys from history, like, playing against them, playing with them, you know, Mustafa Treyor, who's one of the guys, he. He went to Monmouth University, so I played against him all the time.
Quad Air Welton went to St. Peter's with me. He's a great talent as well. I mean, just, you know, with New York City Guards and. New York Guards and Philly. New York City Guards are dogs. You know, they play hard, they're going to be feisty. You know, Philly players are the same way. You know, they're going to get after it. They're going to play hard. They're. Nothing's given to them, and they're just like. That's why I like, you know, I just like the guys that's going to go out there, play, compete and play hard, no matter what the circumstances are. So that's kind of was the connection right there, really. Realistically, everybody that came to training camp had to prove that they belonged on the team, and they did.
[01:02:47] Speaker B: Yeah.
[01:02:48] Speaker F: And that's why they're here.
[01:02:49] Speaker B: Yeah. What kind of style of basketball do you like to play?
[01:02:54] Speaker F: So I like to play. I like to get up and down and transition. I like to play great defense, team defense.
I have a team who can do a little bit everything. Everybody can do a little bit everything. A lot of guys can shoot. So the court is going to be spaced, you know, and just. I just like to get out and transition. Like I said, play fast, create chaos on defensive end and just expose mismatches that we have offensive end.
[01:03:21] Speaker B: So, I mean, how much excitement. Obviously, you know, the Connecticut. You play Connecticut on Friday, then Saturday have the Halifax Hoopers.
Do you sense in. In the city right now the excitement level of, you know, we're finally going to have a professional basketball team here.
[01:03:38] Speaker F: Absolutely. So the city and county of Schenectady has been behind us 100%. You know, whether it's from Metroplex, whether it's from Armory Studios, where we're playing at with the Legers.
Just everybody, I mean, just everybody, I mean, they just been behind us. They've been wanting us to succeed or they're. They've just been. They just Been good to us. You know, they kind of welcomed us with open arms. You know, we even had a resolution last night from the city at the council, city council, city hall, and that went great. And I think everybody just decided, you know, they love that a professional sports team is in their city, which they take pride in. And believe it or not, Schenectady is on the come up for sure.
[01:04:18] Speaker B: Let me ask, I know coaches and players don't like to look ahead, but your fourth game of the season, March 13, will be against your old team, the Albany Patroons. Do you hope to develop a rivalry with the Patroons?
[01:04:32] Speaker F: If it turns out to be a rivalry, then yes, I think it's just destined to be a rivalry. But at the end of the day, I think a lot of people just want to see a good basketball game and just like us competing. And I think you're just going to get that, and that's just going to create that rivalry right there. You know, the Patroons always be. They're always good, you know, so they're going to be competitive. We have a competitive team our way as well. So, yeah, I mean, definitely going to be a little rivalry there. And we're excited and we're just waiting, you know, got to get through these first three games first. But when we see patrons come up on our schedule, best believe that we will be ready.
[01:05:08] Speaker B: Yeah. Is there some. One of the players on this roster? Maybe somebody the fans can hook on to? As far as maybe a fan favorite at all, besides Shawdell.
[01:05:21] Speaker F: So I think I have a couple of guys. I mean, it really just depends on what you. What style somebody's looking for. You know, I have somebody like AJ Mosby who can light it up, who can shoot the ball, who can do a lot of different things. And then you have somebody like Arsenio Arrington who, you know, block shots, dunks. So it's just depending on what you really want. Do you want somebody that's going to hit threes? Do you want somebody that's going to dunk and block shots? Like, it kind of just. Like I said, it's just I've been a fan favorite for the past three years of playing, and it was really because my energy, my quickness, my speed, and just my leadership on the court. So it really just depends on what fans are looking for, honestly, because I have a little bit of everything on my team.
[01:06:02] Speaker B: Yeah. How are things at the Armory with the basketball court and everything? Everything good over there?
[01:06:07] Speaker F: Oh, my gosh, everything is amazing. Like I said, The Legers have did a great job turning this place into basically basketball ready for Friday night. And I can't wait for fans to get in there and see it. You know, it's just been long hours of just hard work to get this thing going. And, you know, I can't wait for guys to see it because we take pride in our team and they take pride in the Armory and we put those things together. We just take pride of the whole. Just the whole setup and just the whole, like, entertainment part that we're going to bring.
[01:06:36] Speaker B: Yeah. So I can't wait. I asked that because there's. There's a new arena going up near the casino with the Mohawk harbor event center, which is going to be home of Union College men's and women's hockey. Has anything been discussed as for next year, possibly ruin the games there?
[01:06:55] Speaker F: So originally we were thinking about going over there and playing, but, you know, Union hockey is there. You know, they're there, and it's going to be a little conflict there. And it started the season, and then we got introduced to the Legeres, and ever since then, we just have not looked back. You know, they've been great.
You know, we just kind of build that connection and just. I don't know, we just built that connection and just we. As soon as we met them, it was just like, oh, yeah, this is good. And we just took it from there and just kept going.
[01:07:26] Speaker B: Yeah, I know.
[01:07:27] Speaker F: So I think that Armory Studios will be our home for sure.
[01:07:30] Speaker B: Yeah, I know. I know. Ray Leggier, he's a good man. So you'll be fine with him. So.
Well, Travis, I appreciate a few minutes. Good luck this season. Good luck on Friday. Hopefully the army will be fact and you guys put on a show and get a victory.
Absolutely.
[01:07:46] Speaker F: Can't wait to see everybody there. It will be a good game for sure.
[01:07:51] Speaker B: All right. Thanks, Travis. Appreciate it.
[01:07:53] Speaker A: Yes.
[01:07:54] Speaker B: All right. That's Travis. Why shall be back to wrap up the podcast and have the latest winner in the Daily Gazettes. You pick a football contest in just a moment.
[01:08:25] Speaker A: Hi, I'm Stan.
[01:08:26] Speaker E: And I'm Shen.
[01:08:28] Speaker A: And each week we bring you the.
[01:08:29] Speaker G: Stan and Shen show.
[01:08:31] Speaker A: And each week we talk about fun things our daily through our travels throughout the capital region.
[01:08:36] Speaker B: We touch on food, we touch on.
[01:08:38] Speaker G: News, try to touch heavily on good news.
[01:08:40] Speaker A: And Shen's always available with hot takes.
[01:08:44] Speaker D: Yeah.
[01:08:45] Speaker B: So if you could follow along and.
[01:08:46] Speaker D: Listen to us every week on DailyGazette.com or on all major streaming platforms, we'd.
[01:08:52] Speaker B: Love to have you Join Us Hi.
[01:08:55] Speaker A: This is Daily Gazette sportswriter Mike McAdam. You're listening to the Party Shots podcast with Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Schott.
[01:09:03] Speaker B: Back to wrap up the podcast, the week two winner in the Daily Gazette's auto racing contest was Gloria Lockhart of Amsterdam. With 45 points, Gloria wins a $50 gift card. Congratulations, Gloria. The VIP winner was, for the second straight week, Scott Lucher of CapitaLand GMC with 25 points. I had a measly five. I'll announce the auto racing contest winner's name and that winner's name will appear in Saturday's Daily Gazette. To play, go to dailygazette.com and click on the Auto Racing Contest banner.
Just because COVID 19 mandates are easing, that does not mean you should relax. Be vigilant. If you have not gotten vaccinated or received a booster shot, please do so. Do it for yourself, do it for your family and do it for your friends.
Don't forget to download the Daily Gazette app and sign up for our E Edition so you never miss a headline. Subscribe today@w www.dailygazette.com. we have a lot of great specials going on when credibility matters and God knows we know what the situation is around the country these days. Trust the Daily Gazettes.
That wraps up another edition of the Parting Shots Podcast. I want to thank Matt Dubray, members of the union, men's and women's hockey teams, and Travis Weiss for being a part of the show. If you have questions or comments about the podcast, email, email them to me at shot that's S C-O-T
[email protected] follow me on x Threads and bluesky at slapshots.
Views expressed on the Parting Shots Podcast are not necessarily those of the Daily Gazette Company. The Parting Shots podcast is a production of the Daily Gazette Company. I'm Daily Gazette Sports Editor Ken Schatz. Thanks for listening and I'll catch you next time from the Parting Shots Podcast studio in Schenectady, New York. Good day, good sports.
