Empty Netters Podcast - 82. Roller Blading in the Airport with Swaggy P

Episode Date: March 25, 2024

Pete Lenes aka Swaggy P talks about lighting up New England Prep, his time playing pro over seas, and the craziest Frozen Four appearance of all time! Hear how Swaggy took roller blading on social media and turned it into one of the premiere hockey clinics in the world at Elev802. Plus he got yelled at by Ray Bourque for not playing enough defense... SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuf52MHW1O7guPMzsMvv2kA FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/empty.netters/?hl=en FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@empty.netters (0:00) - Intro (1:22) - Interview Start (2:04) - 2nd Baby Announcement (3:41) - Flying with Roller Skates (6:50) - We Need a Travel Hockey Stick (11:56) - Growing up in Vermont (14:02) - Choosing Tabor Academy (16:18) - Lighting it up for Tabor (19:52) - Pre School Lifestyle (22:11) - Avon Tournament with 9 skaters (23:40) - Gong to the USHL (26:43) - Deciding to Leave Juniors (28:05) - Committing to Vermont (30:22) - Sending Vermont to the Frozen 4 (38:09) - Inspiring Vermont Hockey (40:17) - AHL/ECHL Grind (42:43) - Tearing up Austrian Pro Hockey (46:07) - Founding Elev802 (51:17) - Covid Helped Elev802 Grow (52:24) - Going Viral on Social Media (58:50) - New Teaching Philosophy (1:00:11) - Intermission Breakaway Shows (1:05:11) - Lighting up 3Ice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming at you guys with another interview episode of the Empty Netters podcast. Today we're bringing you into the world of hockey media. I love it. Swaggy P. Coming live from Spain, I might add. What a legend. Absolute incredible performance. Guys, his career is nuts. From prep days when we were basically playing against him through UVM,

through the coast, through the A, through Austria, and now taking the hockey media world by storm, creating a skills coaching clinic that is unrivaled. It's so cool. If you guys aren't familiar with Pete Lennis, we're going to be tagging him in all our socials. This guy is a weapon on the ice. We played with him in the 3B3 tournament at All-Star. He's doing stuff with the puck. I've never seen an NHLers camp. At full speed, by the way. I've seen it on IG and I'm like, okay, that's cool, but like he's cruising around.

Dude, he's doing that full speed in our games. It's crazy. And he's also just one of the coolest, nicest guys in the game. So enjoy, get to know Pete, Swaggy Pete, one of the best guys around. Have fun. All right, we are psyched to be joined by a Shelburne, Vermont native. A former UVM Catamount legend, a veteran of the ECHL, HL, and the Alps Hockey League in Austria, founder of LVEO2, now taking the hockey media world by storm. Pete Lennis, aka Swaggy P. Welcome to the Empty Netters podcast. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. We were supposed to do this in person about a year ago. Yes, dude.

I had a little weather going through Chicago. And that bumped our flight back about seven hours. So I apologize for that. But I'm happy to be here. And we got the Zoom and that's technology. So we're good to go. And this is just round one. We will be doing round two in person.

Yeah, absolutely. You're going to be getting on here a lot. And also for the listeners, we welcome to Child into the world here too, who's now eight months old. Like, you've got a lot of shit going on. So he has excuses. And another on the way. Oh, shit. I didn't know that.

I didn't know that. That is great news. Wow. Wow. Staying busy for sure. 13 months apart. Oh, my God, bro. We were a little shocked on that one.

We're like, uh, you know, the first one, it was like so excited. You know, we got the test. I went to CVS, got another test. This one, like, my wife just, like, put it on the table and started laughing at me. And I was just like, I mean, we're in it. Yeah. It was planned. You know, but it wasn't.

Damn, that is a very close to be an Irish twins over there. 13 months. That is no joke. Very, very close. Well, listen, dude, you kind of get out of the madness all at once, though. You know, like it's going to be chaos for a stretch there, but then you kind of push through it and you're good. We've obviously came up with every positive side of it. Oh, we're in it.

Oh, they get the shared clothes. Oh, this. You know, and it was like absolutely zero. facts behind it that we tried to plan it that way. It was just like, oh, yeah, yeah, makes sense now. Yeah, they're going to be together. You know, sleeping patterns together. I'm like, yeah.

Yeah, totally, totally. It's good. And tell everyone, you're in Spain right now, so tell everyone, you know, what you do in there, got a wedding and everything where you're at. Yeah, going to a wedding, obviously, you know, as we flew, Iberia, air in Boston to Madrid. that was the only one. And I think they looked a little funny at me when I checked my stick.

You know what? They're like, I feel like if the rollerblades weren't packed in a bag, I assume they would have looked at you even weirder if they saw that. Oh, it's all on that, you know, the Bauer backpack with the lower blades in the side. So like as I'm checking on, people are like, what is this guy doing? And honestly, what I found is I have been, you know, tight connections. And I'm like, I had one in Philly where it was like 20 minutes from like gate to gate. Oh, stop. I got there in four, I got there in four minutes with my rollerblades.

In the airport, dude. You were blading? I chuck them on every time. Dude, have you? Okay, this is such a move. I might bring my blades now to the airport no matter what, just for the convenience. It's worth it. Have you ever...

If you see... What's that? Sorry. Have you ever been told not to blade in the airport by someone? No. Huge. I can't believe this. This is huge news.

Anytime I have a tight connection. No, no. And if you watch like skateboarders, they have it on their bag. And then they'll be like, you know, it's like in the back. Yeah. And then if you'll see them kind of cruising and people are kind of like, oh, okay. But you're not really, you're not trying to like jump and grind on like, you know, one of the, So they're kind of like, oh, okay, it's just transportation.

Yeah, I love this. You know how there's always that downtime? It's huge. Yeah, that's huge. Like, that's a true game changer. And you're right, if you've got a tight connection, no problem at all. Everybody takes so long. Four minutes.

Everybody takes so long to be bored. You're just buzzing by everyone, right? And they're all like, kind of smart. They're all jealous. Yeah, they're like, dude. That's right. 100%. You know everyone's looking at you like, damn, I wish I had some blades on me right?

That's so good. My God. So I do know there are some people out there who have the ones that they just attach to the bottom of their shoe. Yep. And they bring those. I think I think Rusty took one out of the playbook and she did one in the, you know, going gate to gate with her blades. And it's honestly like just way faster. Yeah.

It also must be a pretty exhilarating feeling, too. Like if you're buzzing through the airport passing gates and a blur on your blades, that feels pretty solid. 100%. 100%. I always wanted to make some type of stick that you could, like, that's the biggest problem I have. It's like normally I just, I don't pack heavy.

It's like, you know, everything I can do in that in my Bower bag. But it was like if I had some type like where I could like the stick could fold in half, because I, every time I go to the airport, I have to check my sticks. Yeah. And I'm like, oh, I would easily just take the stick out and go and, and, you know, you know, shoot a video during a layover, but like I always have to check the stick. So that's something where, you know, I might, might have something just for some fun videos like that where you don't have to check the sticks.

Yeah, I like, listen, we ring up Bauer, we get them on the horn, figure out a nice contractable stick just for this exact thing. I was thinking almost like a pool stick. Yeah, like a pool stick. Yeah. That, that look, maybe edit that maneuver out there for a second. I'm sorry. Yes, you put it together with some type of screw device.

Wait, wait, no, can you show me again? I'm not really sure I got it. I was saying, I was like, yeah, after about. You'd hold it with your mouth, you'd hold it with your mouth, and then screw it. Exactly, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, man, I take that back. It's either got to be that or one of those toy lightsabers that's just like, you flick it, and then the entire stick comes out.

That would be huge, too. Well, what was cool, too, is I didn't know. There was a guy in Russia. who was trying to make a prototype. It was like a pool or sorry, like a tent pole. You know how they have the elastic band? And then you kind of fold it, but then when you take it out, it has like a notch and a notch,

and then the strain keeps it tight. Yeah. Clearly not for shooting, but it'd be like, hey, you go, I mean, I don't know how many people do this, but like wherever I go, I'm always bringing the stick. But it's just like it sucks to check the sticks. Yeah.

60% of time they get freaking lost. Yeah, it's that or they come out in the oversized baggage area and you've got to go to some totally different spot in the airport and it's just a whole ordeal. A guy, we were at a Jackson tournament. Someone, they lost his sticks on the way. Like he flew in just in time for the game. I had to play with someone else's twigs. They lost his sticks. Yeah.

Well, I mean, I'm not to sound like an idiot over here, but it's like when I'm going to teach these events and stuff, like I'm teaching stick handling. Yeah. Stick handling. And it's like, I have like, you know, my stick. the ones that I use, you know, not too custom, but there's stuff about it. And I was going to Denver to do one, and I got there, and no sticks. So I go up to, I don't know what airline it was, and they were like, oh, yeah, no problem, rent some. I'm like, rent a hockey stick?

They're like, yeah, it's like skis. I'm like, you can't rent a hockey stick. And they're like, oh, okay, just, so I taught the first hour of this session with a flat stick. That was like up to my belly button, and I was just like, what am I do? You know what I mean? It's just a tough look because the kids want to see stuff. You want to have fun. And they're like, oh, do a Zoro.

I'm like, yeah, you're tricky today, but I'll see what I can do. Yeah, you show up to the event. These kids are like, Jesus, Pete is a plug. This is terrible. I'm like, this guy stinks. I was like, oh, no, no, but I ended up working out all right. The nice thing is, like, we have a good relationship with pure hockey. and most of the places we go,

I'll just be like, yeah, sticks are lost again. They're like, oh, okay, go over and grab what you need. But it was like, it was great. This is actually kind of, could be off topic or not, but I'm not sure. So I went, grabbed one, and I used a 65 flex, but those come in the intermediate, and I know I have a three-inch extension, right? So I was like, don't even, don't cut the stick. Cut the, I measured the extension, and I was like, something was off.

And I don't know if, if, maybe at that time they only had 70 flex or something like that and when i got home i i like used it and i was like something's off cut it and when i got home it was in like with one centimeter of what my normal stick is damn and you could tell that quick instantly when i went on the ice i'm like this one's too long shit that's crazy yeah that's when you know you're in your bag just on the grind work of this shit wow that's awesome and and it's interesting too because a lot of people always ask, like, I use a stick that's over my head in height. Yeah.

So people are always like, oh, this, that. I'm like, and I hate it when, like, coaches like, you know, grab a kid's stick and cut it down or something. I mean, that's personal preference. Obviously, there's a range, but it's up to what that person feels comfortable with. Yeah, no doubt. Absolutely. Dude, when you find that slab of concrete in Spain and you start ripping around on the wheels,

send us a video because I want to see the people's reaction hanging around. around Malaga. Oh, for sure. What the fuck is going on? I don't even, I, we walked around today a little bit. Like, I don't know what, like, I think it's not their, it's definitely not their high season, but like, there wasn't many people around, you know, as we were walking. But I'm sure, you know, we'll try to go more into the city. And it's just, just the reactions are sometimes priceless.

Yeah, I love it. Incredible. Lenny, I want to go back in time with you because we're all. You're all New England boys here. Yeah. Okay? And we're all New England prep guys. So you grew up in Vermont, as Dan said.

And I was reading that you kind of were playing, skating on ponds and stuff originally, before organized hockey. You know, your dad built an ODR eventually, but you didn't really get into organized until age seven. So I wanted you to talk a little bit about your early, early days in hockey and how a school like Tabor got on your radar. Were you looking at other places? So start there. Like how did Tabor even come to be? For sure. So, like, you know, as I was growing up, like, I was a pretty overweight kid.

Really? And loved, oh, yeah, and loved hockey. But, you know, my dad's from Austria. Even though we were in Vermont, we didn't have much of, like, hockey influence on our family. Yeah. And so my cousin played, and I was like, oh, this is awesome, got out on the pond a couple times and really enjoyed it. But didn't start organized hockey until I was seven or eight. and just kept getting in, you know, falling in love with it.

But it was one of those things where I would just hang around the net and like wait for someone else to do all the work. And then like try to like score, right? And then my dad was like, he's like, man, I know nothing about hockey. Absolutely nothing. But this, I know this is not how it's played. And he's like, he's like, he's like, I don't mind. I don't mind driving you or whatever, like that whatever you want to do. but he's like you gotta you gotta work a little bit harder than what you're doing right now like

you just hang around the net celebrate like crazy after you score and you didn't do any of the work and i was like and so that was like kind of that wasn't like a come-to-truth moment but it was like oh okay and you know as i went it was like you know obviously trying to get better and stuff like that but um it was just something that i really really enjoyed doing and had a ton of fun so it was just And as I got older, I got a little bit better and a little bit better. You know, still the same thing in Vermont, whereas if you're playing high school hockey after a sophomore, you know, in Vermont high school, you're pretty much dreams of college hockey are over. So it was a move I knew I needed to do and my grades weren't the best. So that's why we chose the prep school route over junior hockey.

that time. For sure. And how did Tabor come about? Like, was it between a few that you were looking at? Did you do a campus tour that spoke to you? Northwood, Northwood was my highest. Okay. You know, but like for me, the biggest problem was the schooling at that point. Like I had already gotten a little bit of college recognition and stuff like that. And it was like, well, I'm not going to be able to pass clearinghouse if I don't get my grades up. Right. Because at that point, it was that sliding scale of GPA and SAT score. And my GPA was low. And I knew I was going to do terrible on the SATs.

So I realized I had to get my GPA up. So my dream school at that point was Northwood. Something magical about Lake Placid. They had a hell of a team. And it was just something where we went. And it was like an awesome school, but it was very hockey driven. Yeah. And which I loved, but it kind of, my parents were like, I think you need to focus a little bit more on school.

You know, and if you get your grades up, we can make a move or whatever, but you have to get eligible first. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, the, you had a great run at Tabor, too. You lit it up there. So I went to Exeter and Dan went to Andover. I just missed you at Exeter, but I was checking your last year there. You tagged Exeter 6-0 and you had a hatty.

and you guys beat and over 3-2 and overtime coming back from down 2-0. So we got no shit to talk to you, dude. I wanted to sue you, but you body bagged us. So this was the good one, right? Like we had a decent team. I think two or three kids other than myself went to Vision 1 that year. But we were a solid, solid prep school team. You know, we had some locks players.

We had some, you know, mixed match, a couple good players who wanted to pursue hockey. Well, the first round, we got matched up against Cushing, who was 30 and O. Yep. And we're like, come on. Well, yeah, good run.

You know, we enjoyed it. And still to this day, you know, I've known Chris Borg for a while now and stuff. We beat Cushing eight to seven in the quarter final. Most insane game did I've ever seen. It was ridiculous. us. Like, I mean, our coach came in after the game.

He's like, if I told you we were going to give up seven goals against Cushing, I would have said the score was seven one. Yeah. And I was like, that, I would have said seven, nothing, you know, eight nothing. I mean, they had a wagon. They had, you know, Chris Bork, Keith Yandle, Boomer Ewing, Billy Ryan. Yeah. I mean, the list went on.

It was star-studded. We had no business winning that game. And I think I went for four and three that game. Ridiculous. Or three and four, one of the two. And it was just like, it was just anything that touched one in. And it was just like, I mean, we laughed to it this day because that was, they should have won the, you know, I think it was just prep school. Yeah, yeah.

The New England championship. Now they have like the big eight. Yeah. Yeah, they were by far the favorites to win that. And so I always had a little bit of bragging. Because I think, would you guys ran into Avon, the next game or right? So, no, no, so we played Exeter when they had Corey Schneider. No, no, that was us.

That was us. Andover had, we had, we had, we had, we had, we had, that over, and over, and over. Yep, yep. So we, we won two-one that game. Um, and then we played Avon in the finals, and they had a phenomenal team as well. One-one in overtime. Our, uh, forward goes behind the net, comes up, puck gets stuck in the water.

Oh, my God, dude. Augie de Marzo went down and scored and they won 2-1 in OT. That is devastating. That was fine. I was fine with losing, but it was just like stuck in the water. Yeah, no, like that sucks, dude. Because that's one of those things that's like, that is not a normal thing to happen in the game. So you're just going to think about that forever.

Wait five minutes. Wait five minutes. You know, it was like, and were they a better team than us? Probably. But it was one-one into overtime. Yeah. And it was just like for that to happen. that I felt so bad for the kid, clearly it wasn't his fault.

Like, you're not just going to skate up the ice and lose the puck. It literally just got stuck. And I can't believe that, you know, Augie picked it up so clean out of that water. And I don't know if he shot or beaked. And that was that was it for us. So. And Pete, it's frustrating too because that bullshit interrupts your Cinderella story. I know.

You beat an undefeated Cushing. You beat Corey Schneider in that. And then you go on. should not have been over either. You know, all those schools were, but it was just kind of that feeling. And I remember, like, we had a pretty strict dress code at, uh, at Tabor. And I remember, like, facial hair, I can barely grow any at that point. But it was like, absolutely not.

Like, there was no, you get sent home. If you come back and it's not done, you are, you know, put in, in, you know, after school activities. And I came in the next day again. Cushing and our, I don't know if he was like student advisor or something like that. He was just like, the facial hair is okay until after the playoffs. And it was like, cool. Because like Tabor hadn't been in that situation. I don't think in quite some time.

So they were kind of like rallying behind us. And so that was super cool. Dude, that is. I think they kind of felt that. I think that's one of the coolest things about New England prep is that. You know, at such a young age, you're at these really prestigious schools where obviously tons of things are important like academics, like theater and all these different extracurricular programs. Way more important. But yeah.

You get in the playoffs and stuff like that and you do for the first time and you're usually in your life, you see like this entire campus and this entire community rallying around the teams. And it's such a cool feeling. Yeah. Yeah. No, I think that's why it's like it's, you know, I think you have to have to go through it. you know, to understand what it is. And I think it's similar to college hockey. You know, like the Canadian people,

sometimes they don't understand, like, what it is to play for your school. Yeah. And, you know, to have that backing of a school. And when you do well, like, we were lucky enough to go to the Frozen Four. Just I don't think I went to class for three months. Yeah.

And the teachers were like, all good. Like, do what you need to do. Yeah. And make sure your assignments are done. And we're good. And it was just like, you know, Not to, not to, you know, abuse the rules, but it's like, they're like, wow, this does mean something more than just us. You know, it's good for the school.

It's good for, and, you know, it's cool to have that type of recognition. If so, if you want to call it that, that people are like, you guys are doing something, you know, whatever you need to do to make it happen. We're behind you. Yeah. And then when it's over, we expect everything to be, you know, up to date and whatever. and it was just like a really good understanding that wasn't taking advantage of. So it was super cool.

That's amazing. Before we move on, though, I know you went to Tabor to get the grades in order and become a real man, but did the boys get into any shenanigans at prep school? Because I know that's a right ground for us to cause some trouble. So I'd love to hear of good memories you have.

This is actually crazy. You know, I was, pretty sheltered like at you know going into school like college and stuff like i i wasn't drinking i you know what i mean like yeah i'd throw a chew in here or there or whatever but we the avon tournament is one of the biggest scouting tournaments for prep school um it's right before christmas or thanksgiving one of the two um and we actually had seven kids suspended oh damn for getting caught drinking so we're like you know and we're talking upperclassmen we're talking, you know, some of our good, good players.

This was my sophomore year. We went to the Avon tournament with nine skaters. And it was like, I mean, and call it different stuff or whatever. I had an amazing tournament and like, you know, we did okay for not having half of our team. So I would say that was the biggest thing that was like, you know, kids got in shit. And then our coach is like, oh, we're still doing this. Everyone's like, all right, let's go. And then we just kind of had like this, you know, not care attitude.

That, like, you know, we got nine guys. We're all here together and let's roll. You're just, you're logging 40 minutes of ice time every game. Thank God those boys went drinking. You lit it up. Yeah. Yeah. It was absurd.

I mean, we were talking, you're talking half the game. Oh, easy. At least. Yeah, yeah. And then I remember, like, you know, we played Berkshire at one point. And we're like, all right, no one get hit by Rob Bellin of me and we'll be okay. You know, we cannot lose another player right now. So, like, we had to stay clear ahead.

Oh, shit, dude. That's so unbelievable. So you bounce from Tabor and then you go to the USHL for a year, play for the Sioux City Musketeers. What was that decision like? Did you, did it feel like maybe the team your last year didn't have it? Did you need to take that next step up for college and then possibly pro hopes? Like, what was the decision-making process with that? So it was kind of as a smaller player in that error or whatever, it was like, okay, he's really good at Bannam hockey.

You know, he's going to top off in Vermont high school, you know, led the team in scoring my first two years there. Then they're like, okay, he has to make the jump to prep school. That's where he's going to like see what else is out there and then it's going to, you know, maybe he plateaued. So then I did that and you know Performed very well there and it was like okay I need to make Decision I didn't think the best thing for my growth Was to stay and light it up at prep school I was like I want to challenge myself

Yeah and uh you know I was I was already committed to UVM at that time And I said and I think what got them is I said you know at prep school we're playing You know 24 games with playoffs maybe 28 30 I said just the practice a lot I'm playing against division one players. And I was like, I need to grow to get myself to where I want to be as I step in as a freshman. And they were like, you do what you need to do.

Like if you want to stay at prep school, go ahead. If you want to go to USHL, if you want to go to the BCHL, whatever you want to do. And I said, this is a move I want to do to continue to grow and prepare myself for college. Nice. Love that. So it was kind of like, you know, I was at a tennis match and Loomis Chafee, I believe, when I got the call that Two City drafted me. You know, I was doubles guy. You know, I was playing the doubles match.

And I checked my phone and like, Two City took you out. I was like, all right, let's go. Yeah, yeah. I was like, all right, not playing the second match. But it was great. And then so that's what really fueled that move. So that was such a. whirlwind experience in your life

it's kind of like one year in it, you get drafted, you go, you play, you light it up, and then you're off to college. Do you feel like you were able to kind of enjoy any of that year and really take in the experience of being in that new league playing more games and this really high level of hockey, or was it all such a whirlwind? Did you like it more than

prep? Yeah, yeah. Well, different. It was unreal. You know, like you got NHL locker room style, like Sioux City had just redone their ring. I definitely had enjoyed it. And we came. And, you know, I definitely would have benefited from another year there.

But it was kind of like, you know, all the coaches came over from Vermont to my house. And they're like, what do you want to do? Like, this is what we have. You can come in this year. You can delay a year. And I for sure would have benefited from staying another year. But I was like, you know, I literally sat in my room that night, looked at Vermont's roster. And like, just kind of was plugging my.

myself in different spots and I was like I can do it this year. I'm ready. Would I be, you know, you can say whatever, but I was like, I can do it. You know, and I was like, it's up to me. Obviously, nothing was guaranteed for where you would be in the lineup and whatnot. And I was like, you know, if you work and kind of put yourself in a good spot going into the year, you know, then you'll play. So that was my mindset. So once I made that decision, I said there's not.

don't think about like, yes, you could have went back or whatever. It's like you're fully, fully on board going to school next year. And that's what I chose to do. Yeah. Lenny, before, I have some Vermont questions, but I wanted to ask first, was it always UVM? Because that was like right up the road, right? How far was UVM campus from where you grew up?

I think it's like 3.2 miles or something like that. Oh, shit. Yeah. So was it like, was it always UVM or were you look at other places? So obviously grew up in the Marty St. Louis, parent, Tim Thomas era, going to games, sold out crazy. But as I was in my first year of high school, I was talking to a junior coach,

and they were like, yeah, like, you know, you can go ECAC, no problem. And at that point, the old coach of Vermont had already kind of been like, what's your interest level in coming? And I was like, I really appreciate it. I think I was like 13 or 14 at the time. But I was like, I kind of want to see like what's going on or whatever.

And I remember what that person said to me. They were like, yeah, you'd be a good ECAC player, but hockey east might be too over your head. And I was like, you know, fuck that. Yeah, hell yeah. I'm going hockey east. Yep. You know? So honestly, Providence and Northeastern were really high on my list.

and then as Vermont switched to hockey east or announced that they were going to switch in two years, I said it's done. Oh, okay. And I couldn't. And it was something where when you're a young kid and you're going to these schools, like you're not asking the questions you need to,

maybe now with advisors. But I wasn't like, oh, what's your system? Or how would I fit in with creativity? Are you defensive-minded? I was just like, oh, Northeastern, Sichter. I should commit there, you know, like not, not knowing. And so it kind of got like dropped in my in the lap that I ended up at UVM with just the whole situation. And I couldn't be happier that I went there.

I mean, it was just right. Yeah. But, but honestly, Providence was like a phone call away from me going there. it was very northeastern and providence were very very um they were above uvm at some of the time yeah but then i i i am so happy that i went to uvm well so are they because you're a hockey east rookie of the week three times you're the leading goal score as a junior you're a hobie baker candidate as a senior now please i want to hear about the whole experience but because i don't think all of our listeners know. So please tell everybody about you take, you just said you grew up

watching Marty St. Louis. You take the Catamance to the Frozen Four for the first time since the Marty St. Louis era and you beat Yale in the first, in the first regional game, you have the first goal. And then the insane Air Force game to send you to the Frozen Four. I don't want to spoil it. So you tell, please tell that story of the chaos of that weekend. I think, I think that one of the coolest stories about the whole Vermont thing was, so obviously Vermont kid going at UVM, awesome. Still, some of that, like played in the USHL, did pretty well. College, it's just not going to match. You know, it's just maybe he's too small, this or that.

First home game at UVM had a hat trick. Oh, God, that is so sick. That's such a motherfuck to all of his outers, dude. I love that. It was just like, I mean, by far one of my favorite memories ever, right? Proudest moments as an individual. I mean, it was just like, you know, kids coming in from Vermont, let's see what he can do, kind of throw him into the fire.

And it was just like against Minnesota Duluth, who was ranked like fifth in the country. And it was just kind of like power play goal in the first. Yeah. Power play goal in the second. And then I think I scored. no, sorry, two power play goals in the first, and I think I completed the hat trick in the second period, and then I got another goal the next night, and had four-goal weekend, the first home weekend. So that was like crazy.

Not too bad. So then we fast forward, we're playing Northeastern, first ever hockey Eastgate. Oh, okay. Where you almost went? Two goals. Yes. I scored two, and I swear if they had video replay at that time. I got my third called back with a high stick, but I don't think it was a high stick.

So the first hockey East game, I would have had a hat trick as well. But those were like, it was just, it was crazy. They were like, pucks were just like on my stick, going in the net, and it was just like, whoa. Like, I think I started off like nine goals and eight games to start my freshman year. And then I ended up getting the common college. diseased mono. Yeah. And that took me out for a bit.

Yeah. But it was, it was just like, it was, it was almost like too easy. Yeah, right. You know, I almost like, this is hockey. They said I couldn't handle hockey east, dude. This is hockey east. You kidding? Exactly.

It was, it was almost like I wish I had like a little more adversity to start because it was just like, everything was like just boom, going in, going in, going in. I was like, I mean, this is obviously, you know, like. kind of went up and down here and there after that. That was a pretty cool, pretty cool start to the college career. And dude, it's just so awesome to get that start because, as we know, confidence is so much of your gameplay. And when you have that so early, when you go through those ebbs and flows and those valleys,

you know that you can do it. So you can just lock back in eventually figure your stuff out and go, I'm going to get back to my game. Because when you experience it that early, you know it's in your arsenal. And that's so valuable. For sure. Yeah. I mean, as you guys know, it's like that time where, you know, your stick is light as a feather.

Yeah. And then you go on a skid and it's like, this is the same stick. Does it have sand in it? You know? Like, and then it takes one going off your shin pad. And then you're like, oh, it sticks light again. And then you're, you're, you're biving again. Yeah.

But it's just like that. That was something that I always, you know, just understanding, you know, the low points and stuff. And that's what, you know, Vermont helped me out a lot with was like, if you're not scoring goals, like, how else are you going to help our team out? You know, we had to play physical in college. And it was just like, you know, if you score goals, a lot of things are kind of, you know, left aside. But when that goes, you know, and you're not scoring and you're making those other mistakes that you were while you were scoring, you got to clean that stuff up and become kind of more of a complete player. Yeah. Which, which I still, I don't think.

I don't know if I ever became a complete player. Never heard of it. But definitely, yeah, definitely help towards that. That's such a good lesson, dude. Such a good lesson to learn. And talking about one of the high points, tell us about the Frozen Four experience and how that second game ended to send you there.

So it was crazy because we were rock star, like the whole year. Like, we went to BU and January swept them. Like, we were just a great, great team. but we almost maybe peaked too early because we got swept by UNH senior weekend. We got swept by Lowell in the hockey East quarterfinals. And then we had such a good season. We got that bid. So we went down to, we had basically three weeks off games, went down to Bridgeport,

played Yale, who was supposed to be a really good team. And it was just one of those things too where you're like, oh, look, that was easy. And then you like look at the film and you're like, holy smokes, our goalie stopped about seven back doors. You know, well, right, oh, that was easy. And then this is one of the coolest things. So in 96, when UBM lost the Colorado College in the frozen four in the semis, the guy had the hand pass. Oh, right. Which would have been immediately called back if they had.

video replay. Yeah. So we went to double over time with Air Force, and our defenseman, Dan Lawson, shot a puck. And like some people celebrated something. There was a 15-minute delay. He actually blew the puck through the net. And it was that goal because of video replay that sent us to the frozen four. Dude, correct me if I'm wrong.

So it was almost like 20 years of like no video replay and stuff. and then we needed that video replay to send us to the Frozen Four. So it was kind of like a little Vermont Green luck or whatever. We actually remember that. Like that was such a mental play.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but you guys played for like two and a half more minutes of game time. Six minutes. Yeah, yeah. Like literally, whatever. Oh, we can't play it.

Yeah, like he shot it in just so everyone listening understands. Like he shot it in a few people celebrate but they just kept playing the game. And then like minutes later, there was the replay, which is so insane to win like that, dude. So nuts. And think about this, too, is like, say it wasn't a goal.

We just had a 15-minute delay. Dude, such a good point. And then we would have to go back into double overtime. Oh, my God. For both teams. Thinking you would just won, too. Like, the emotional drain of like, oh, I thought we won. I've been sitting here for 15 minutes.

Ridiculous. Yes. What was it like? For sure. Yeah. I was just going to ask, what was it like, you know, it's so interesting talking to so many guys, you know, who have the amazing careers that you do and guys who make it to the next level. Some guys leave early, you know, we talked about how special

it was for you to be from Vermont living right up the road from the campus. You go there. Then you take them to the more successful season they've had in decades. What was it like, you know, win or lose? Doesn't matter. You make it to the Frozen Four and then your four years is over. Did you have that surreal moment of looking back and being like, holy shit. What a time this was. On to the next step, sure. But wow, that's crazy. Yeah, for the next 15 years of my life, it was, oh, wow.

But honestly, it was like I was an absolute rink rat. When I was a, when I was young, I was always hanging around the UVM guys. You know, I had a really good relationship with one of the players and, you know, just would look after me and super, super cool. So then I remember like, you know, when I was. a kid or when I was playing there and these kids were hanging around and I'm like they're like oh like wanted to hang out and like you know come in the locker room and stuff and you're like they want to hang out with us yeah like we're not that cool you know but then I can remember when I was that kid

and I was like so that was a big thing always just having like the kids come around and enjoy it because I mean I'd be asking for broken sticks or you know when's practice on a Saturday or something just to come watch. Yeah. So I think we had a skate at the, at not UVM, but a local rink before we went to the Frozen Four. And I thought, you know, to me, I was like, holy smokes. Like I got pulled out of school at like 10 a.m.

to watch the 96th. Oh, wow. Team playing the Frozen Four in Cincinnati. So I was like, oh my gosh, there's literally kids that could be doing the same thing as me and then be playing. for UVM 20 years later or something like that and I was like that that was cool because I remember it like

yesterday pulled out of school we're waiting on the couch Cincinnati shit ice some pipe blue and we're just like when's this game going to start you know they should have never played that game the ice was horrendous but so that was my like I don't know if you

want to call that a moment or whatever but it was I was like that's pretty special isn't it fucked that the kids that were watching that game are on UVM right now. Yeah. Like it's just, it's been 20 years. You're like, oh shit, they're in college.

I wish there was a Vermont kid on UVM right now. Do you got none? Is that true? There's not a single Vermont guy on the Catamounts right now? This is true. Wow. That's fucked up. That is fucked out.

You move on from UVM. You play in the ECHL. You play in the HL. You got games for the rain. The Titans played in Wheeling for a bit. Then you obviously get your run up in Hamilton. What was that whole experience like? because as we know, it's a grind.

Like, it can be brutal on players when you're moving around. So how did you deal with all that? I mean, some of it was really good because you're, like, young and dumb. Yeah. You know what I mean? Yeah, you're making all-star games and shit. You know, it's pretty cool. But it's just like, you know what I mean?

You're just kind of doing it. But now as I, like, you know, and it wasn't a thing back then, but I'm just like, you know, to fast forward to, like, where we are now with, like, skill development and stuff and it was like how much time I wasted you know like just just getting extra touches in and stuff like that like my hands were always pretty good but they're 10 times better than they were just speed wise and stuff like that just because like and it goes to a perfect example of what we're teaching is like the more of these touches and you know putting in 20 30 minutes a day of like skill work that has a purpose yeah like

everything becomes easier. Sure. And I think there was just like, you know, if I could go back to those early coast days and stuff like that, it was just like maybe training a little bit more with a purpose of what, like I would shoot pucks for sure. But it was like, where am I shooting them? Why am I shooting them there? Like what am I, you know, what am I doing? And I think I think that was looking back now, that was some of the, I don't know if you call it a regret,

but things I wish I focused on more with just kind of a purpose. Yeah. And, you know, the mental aspect of it is huge, right? When you're at your top of your game, you know, there's a lot of East Coast guys that can play in the NHL, but it's the consistency and stuff like that and understanding a 72 game schedule and that stuff. So I think, you know, as I went,

it was a consistency issue for myself of being either red hot or ice cold and then just kind of trying to blend them together and and have that. So I think I think that was something, you know, during that. I love playing in the coast. I love playing in Europe. But I think that if going back, that would be something I would try to do. Yeah. Speaking of Europe, we haven't, because you had a long career, you know, in the Alps League and

everything. Yep. You wore a letter on your jersey over there, had some really great seasons. We haven't had the chance to have anybody on that got to play overseas. like that. So if you can just tell us anything, regales us with a story or two just about that experience. And yeah, Pete, how much of your dad brought you to the Austrian League? Like, was that a big part of why you... Definitely, definitely a lot. So I played my first year in Gras. So I played a year in the coast, went over to Austria, came back. And I think it was something where it was just like

kind of jumping and like, honestly not maybe having guidance of being like, man, try to stick it out for three, four years in the coast, see what happens. You can go to Europe after, but it was like, oh, I saw dollar signs jump over. And I was like, oh, I want to play in the American League. So I jumped back. So I was kind of going back and forth. And, you know, I don't know if I just understood that at the time. And maybe if I had, you know, a little more guidance or something at that time to be like,

man, try to stick it out here. Like, you know, work at work there. Like, you made the Coast All-Star game. Like, try to build off of that. just try to go and jump for a paycheck, you know, the first time you have a good season over there. So, so, so that was kind of, kind of, um, some of it for that. Yeah. Um, but the coast was awesome. Europe was, I mean, Grots was awesome. That, that was the Ibel league at the time.

Um, and then, uh, you know, playing in Europe's great. But, but I said, like, you can go, like, you know, when there's 30 or 31, like, um, so, I would try to encourage more guys to maybe stay over for a bit or jump to Europe right away and try to build your career there. And I was kind of like stuck in between both. Sure. What was it like being a professional hockey player in Austria? Like was it sick?

Is it language weird? Like, is it people speak English? Like, how does that all work? It's German. Yeah, I mean, a lot of the younger kids, but like our equipment manager only, my first year only spoke German. So I was like, uh, you're like five eighths, five, eight. Five eighths on the stone, please.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I was like, tough, sharp, not so sheds. Yeah. No, it was really cool. Austria is a super laid back country. So, you know, towards the end of it is when I was like, I started coaching the youth over there as well because I was like, I'm so bored. Yeah.

You know, I got my first friend chief my last year there and stuff. And it was just like, I feel like I could be doing more. Sure. So that was one. of the things when, you know, elevate started and stuff, it was like, all right,

I can pour all my time and energy and stuff into this. But I think that was what was tough is, is, it gets lonely sometimes. And I mean, I loved it. I had a ton of friends and had fun, but it was just like,

you know, you practice in the morning, and then you could literally like go and sit in your apartment from noon until practice the next day. Yeah. And you're like, so met a lot of nice North Americans over there. A lot of, you know, Austrian and German and, you know, all the imports and stuff and had a great time.

But honestly, some of it was just like almost too much downtime. Yeah, no, I hear you. So you had a perfect segue into Elevate, oh, too, which I want to talk about now. You start this company. And what I love about this is because so many guys who go through this journey that you did, where you, you know, you excel all through your career, you get to the pro level, and you got to have that moment where you go, okay, what am I doing now? you know so you're playing in europe and a lot of guys have to make that decision of okay i'm not in hockey anymore and that's really hard it's hard to figure out where you fit in life if this love

that you've had for your entire existence is now gone but you figured out a way to stay in hockey and sort of pass on these awesome lessons that you got growing up around uvm seeing these guys and wanting to keep go keep that that ball rolling to the next generation so you and a fellow UVM alum, Tori Mitchell, 11-year NHLer, start this company and you've expanded out. You're into Boston now, I think, with a new location and you guys are just going on and focusing on skills in a really deliberate and awesome way that really hasn't been done before. And just kind of tell the people what you're up to there, how it all started. Because my favorite part about the success of this is you guys started right at the perfect time in 2019 when a little thing called COVID came around

when you need to be in person teaching kids how to play hockey. So, you know, how did you battle for that? And, you know, what are you guys up to now? So, you know, if elevate and stuff didn't happen, I'd be one of those guys playing until I was 40 or 45 over in Europe, just like dropping leagues didn't matter. Like, I mean, I absolutely love hockey. Love it.

Like, it's my favorite thing. Dude, you are one of the biggest. You were one of the biggest puck hounds we've ever met. Like, it's awesome. We get it. You know what I mean? It's just enjoy it, you know? And so Tori and I, we always talked about, you know, doing something, you know, whether it be, you know, we had storage unit ideas.

We had coffee shop ideas. The main thing behind everything was like, he's like, you know, obviously he made a lot more money playing than I did. but he was like, I just want to like do a job where I like hang out with my friends and like the Rob Deirdak fantasy factory was our goal. And we were like we can't, we can't we just we can't do that and make money. Like it's just impossible. So, you know, we just kept throwing out ideas and stuff. And then he suffered a bad concussion in Switzerland. And he was like, listen, I'm done.

He came to visit me in Austria and he was like, what do you want to do? And I was like, man, I got another year on my deal here. He's like, I'm done. And I was like, well, that's good. But like, yeah. Good for you. I was, I was like, well, why don't, why don't we stay in hockey? And he was like, okay.

And he was like, not, we're not doing synthetic ice. He's like, we can have a small rink of real ice. We can teach. And I was like, yeah, you know, that sounds amazing. I always worked at camps when I was younger and stuff. So I was like, you know, I enjoy it and be part of it. And then it just kind of the ball started rolling. and we went to a place in New York

because they had a rink in like a barn. And we drive three and a half hours or three hours to Albany, Schenectady, New York. I got a laundry list of questions to ask this guy. Mitch walks in, puts his foot down. He goes, it's real ice. Gives it one of these and he goes,

I'm out of here. And I was like, we haven't figured anything out. He's like, no, no, we're good. We can do it. It's done. Get the name of the company and we're gone. And so on the way home, my dad was in the car, and we had the little Frenchie in the back. My dad's holding it.

You know, I'm like, yeah, you know, if we start this and, you know, I go back. And then, you know, Tori's sitting in the front seat. And my dad's like, you know, he's got a very thick Austrian accent. And he's like, you know you're done. And I was like, well, and then Mitch kind of just shriveled up driving and was just like kind of in a situation where he didn't know what to do. Yeah. And I was like, well, I think dad. No, and my dad's like, no, like you're done.

Like, if you're starting a business, you're not going to play. Yeah. And Mitch kind of like looked over at me and smiled, and I was like, Mitch paid your dad off to say that, by the way, slipped him a hundred years before the car, right? Exactly, exactly, right? So that's kind of how we went and we kind of just went and we're piecing it together. And originally we had like 60% of the revenue coming from the gym that's on the other side of the ice. And no idea.

Like no business plan. People are asking us like, well, we're like, ah, we got a rink. And they're like, okay, like, what are you going to do with it? We're like, skills, we think. And they're like, okay. And then we kind of built it and then just felt it out as it went. And then that's when, you know, you guys mentioned COVID happened. And we were very busy, you know, pre-COVID.

And then when COVID hit, you couldn't get on the ice. And we were actually deemed as a professional one-on-one service. So we were the only rink Being able to stay open So it was like 14 lessons a day Parents were just like I take my kid for an hour

It's a happy spot You know so like And that's how you know Okay We we we COVID was great for us New theory And I hate to say that

New theory Lenny and Mitch started COVID Yeah Because that made it You guys were now I think I do I don't know We have to check his passport

I think Mitch was in China Yeah 2019 No that's I mean like what a What a great situation man It's like I know you said like COVID is great for you And that's okay to say

It's like you guys worked your asses off You figured out Yeah yeah yeah yeah And you figured out a way to keep going Obviously a fortuitous situation But you could have easily just rested on your laurels Right but instead you were like Okay wow we have this great opportunity

Let's lean into it and it's been incredible to see So so you know I was like, oh, okay, so we're trying to figure out this Instagram or whatever. And I'm story in every kid that comes in. And he's like, we're dying, you know, doing nine lessons together a day. He's like, well, you get off your phone. I'm like, no, man, there's something here. Like, we got something.

Like, just like, he's like, dude, get off your phone. Like, we're full. We're busy. Like, I was like, no, there's more. Like, there's the Instagram stuff. He's like, dude, no one cares like with that or whatever. So we were going at it. Like he was telling me, get off my phone.

And then COVID hit. And he was like, do whatever you want. Get on your phone. Get on your phone immediately. And then it just started going, you know? And it was like we were doing challenges. We were doing, you know, different skill drills and just like pumping out like three, four videos a day.

And that's when like the original thought was like, okay, if we get 10,000 followers on Instagram, you can do the swipe up option. So if we have a clinic or merchandise, it brings them straight to our website. We hit 10K, like, you know, somewhat during COVID. And then he said, all right, so like, you're good. You put the phone down. I'm like, nah, I'm going to have some fun here. And then it just kind of kept going.

So the content piece was not agreed upon early on. And it's just something that I believed in. And I thought that could really help us out as a business. and, you know, just some fun show kids, like when you work a lot on stick handling, what it can look like and stuff like that. And, you know, it was a smart business move. Absolutely. Before we dig into the IG stuff even more, can you just say real quick, because I thought

this was so cool. I saw a quote from you and Mitch about, like, the skills you guys are teaching were not taught in any meaningful way before. Like I think Mitch had a quote, like, there are fifth round. rounders drafted now that can stick handle better than first rounders that were drafted when he was drafted, you know, or when he got to. 100%. It was a different era of playing too, right? But now it's just like the access these kids have and the coaches and stuff like that. Um, obviously the benefits comes with a lot of

benefits. There's also negatives that come with it where it's the Wild West skill of coaches and, you know, coaches claiming kids and saying it's my way or this or that. And they're like, dude, you didn't even play hockey. You know, like, what the hell is going? on or like it doesn't even have to be dad but it's just like you how is you're telling the kid it has to be this this this and we when we opened elevate the big thing was like a safe environment for kids to learn obviously players are going to go wherever we want to be switzerland we're never going to coach a team we're never going to tell a kid he can't go somewhere we're never going to you know hold something against the kid at that you know i'm looking for a word here that you know

kind of makes them go backwards. You know what I mean? Or like handicaps the kid by being like, no, if you skate with us, you can only ski with us. And we're like, no. You know, when these kids are on the ice, obviously we believe in the product we do. But go do other things, you know, get other opinions and stuff like that. So that was a big thing from when we started was just like, no, because as soon as we came

in, there was coaches around being like, these guys stink. They don't know what they're doing. or this is that, it's a money grab or this, and we're like, oh, that guy's a great coach. You know, he's got a good product. And then everyone's like, oh, well, they're pretty nice guys, you know, like. And then they bring their kid over.

They have some of that. Oh, that kid's developing. That's awesome. So that was our biggest thing, you know, with the business side of it, was just like open to everything. You know, some things we're going to do don't work.

Some things are going to be very successful. So I think that that's a huge thing, you know, when we teach these skills of stuff that, you know, we may have worked on, but I think it goes back to the purpose. You know, are these kids doing this drill for a purpose? You can take a lot of my stuff from Instagram and you can have a dad tell them to do that. The problem is, is they don't understand what I'm teaching. Yeah. They just see the, you know, so I think that's the thing where it's just like, you know, that's why it's fine putting drills and stuff on, Instagram and stuff because it's like what we're teaching or the purpose or why is being left

out and then they're like oh do this and then you watch the kid and you're like well but um you know just just having those kids wanting to come to elevate or to go to a trainer and get better that that's at the end of the day that's all that matters absolutely man i think it's awesome too to emphasize the point you made it's so great and valuable to have someone like you you you guys in a program like you guys that isn't connected to a team or some sort of filter system because the the politics that are involved and just the the whispering in your ear that can derail a kid's progression so just to have guys who are genuinely and passionately invested in the betterment of their game and the enjoyment of playing hockey is just so so awesome to see

and i that's what we told we we we said you know obviously there's thousands of youth hockey teams. And we said, you know, a lot of them who coach those are volunteers. And I think the biggest thing is like hockey overall in the other sports is a smaller sport, right? Yeah. And I was like, these volunteers, I don't care if you can't teach them how to toe drag or whatever, but it's like just make sure the kids are having fun. Like, we don't need to lose a potential, you know, superstar like McDavid or someone like that who goes to practice at seven, eight, nine years old, has a coach who's grumpy. rude is an asshole and then that guy's like oh hockey coaches are assholes and now they're out of the game

so it's like for those volunteers and those players just have fun with the kids for sure if they're on the ice they want to be there enjoy it right you don't have to teach them jab steps right just make sure they enjoy hockey and then you know when they want to get better they can but you know to lose potential um you know just hockey players in general because um um um some of these people are just rude or had a bad day and get out on the kids. And, you know, the hockey coaches have that, you know, kind of, oh, I need to be hard on them and this and that. No, man, it's different. You know, it's 20-24.

Like, just let the kids enjoy it. Absolutely. Yeah. Pete, you touched on this a little bit. But just talk to us about, because I know, you know, the boys had called you Swaggy P already because you always got the fresh hoodies, the fresh sweaters on. You got one on right now. You know it. You know, absolutely.

say the dunks and sweater combination is kind of gas. I'm into that. I'm a big dunk guy. I always collected. That was like my little side hobby when I was playing in the coast. I'd like try to go win a raffle and like even if I didn't want the shoe and I knew it was going to be like a full shoe and then I'd flip it for something because what? You're making 525 bucks a week in the coast. Like you don't, you know what I mean? So it was like all these had to be somewhat calculated decisions. So, yeah, I just always enjoyed, you know, shoes and fashion and stuff like that. I got that from my mom, clearly.

My dad absolutely goes bananas over some of the prices. I'm paying for some of these shoes or whatever. And my mom was like, oh, no, it's an investment. And he doesn't see it that way. Yeah. Your boy, Blakey's on your side, too. He's got the Nike dunk. Blake, he's a big dunk guy.

I mean, Blake, for sure he is. He always got me lined up with the great undefeated, you know, L.A. stuff when I went out there and stuff. And Blake's actually, we don't even know if we have to touch on. He's the starter of the intermission shows. Yeah, yeah. Oh, yeah. That's true. We were just talking about that.

That goes to Blake. Yeah, he was the one who like kind of like, you know, Neil at the NHL was, we've been doing all these amazing events and stuff. and, you know, they called, or I actually ran into him in pro shop when I was out in L.A. doing something. And he was just like, when you do a show, like, I was like, absolutely, you know, like, why not? At that point, maybe it was still a Staples Center. Yeah. It was crypto at that time. I'm not sure.

And he was like, and I was like, really? And he was like, yeah, let's do it. And I was like, no way. So that was pretty cool. And just going out on that ice. And it's such an iconic building. For that one to be like the first show, I was like, I can't get much better than this, you know. So that goes to Blake.

That was his doing. Hell yeah. Dude, isn't it wild? We talk about this all the time with the stuff because obviously we did that great creator skate with you, the 3V3 thing, All-Star. Isn't it wild, you know, thinking about your hockey journey, the amount of time and hours that we've all invested into the game, you especially, and seeing the ways that we're integrated into the league and doing stuff with teams.

It's like this bizarre but also incredible experience that this sort of hockey media space has allowed us to be a part of the game in such a cool and meaningful way. It's amazing. I mean, when I was up in the American League, I got a check from, you know, the Canadian for that. But now it's just like you're going on these different teams and stuff and getting paid and it's like Pittsburgh Penguins or something. And you're like, you know, I, you know, I,

I've been waiting for these teams to call me for ages, you know, and now you're, like, doing something with them. I mean, I don't know how it happened. I don't know, you know, what it was going on. But just like you guys said, to have, like, a space in the hockey market that, you know, they find valuable. And, like, we are super fortunate to be able to, you know, be doing this as a living and stuff. It's just, it's unreal.

But it's just, like, it's crazy. you're like, oh, the guy from the Pittsburgh Penguins call. They want you to do an intermission show. Or you're doing one in Chicago, and there's just, holy smokes. It's just like, it's super special. And then just to be invited to the NHL events and stuff, it's just like you're blown away and you're honored, you know, to be a part of it.

And I think that's the really, really special part about it. Oh, it's amazing. Hey, I do, hold on, hold on. I do have to chirp your beat because in the 3B3 skate, at All-Star, you pulled a trick-shot move, like a little 360 between the legs and fucking fired the puck over the glass and it smashed off that building. That's not a chirp. That was an out-new. I actually got nervous because that almost shattered a glass.

Like, and I'm not talking like five feet. Yeah. I'm not talking five feet. It was like 65 feet behind me. Oh, dude. And then I was like, but I didn't know that. And I was like, holy smokes. Like, that was a six save by, you know, it was Nick the goalie.

He was six eight. He's like, six days. He's like, dude, that went like 35 feet by my head. I was like, it was so funny, Pete. Shout out Neil. Shout out, the NFL. The second that happened, he was like, no, nothing over the glass.

Nothing over the glass. Oh, that was bad. Oh, my God. I remember that. And then I think, you know, because they kind of had that like mezzanine thing. Yeah. I think there was like a security guard standing on top. And I was like, I could have legitimately killed that guy.

Oh, definitely. So, so, yeah, I won't take that as a trip. I was actually more impressed at how far I missed the net from that. And the velocity, the V-Lo, dude. That's it. Like that's traveled. Gone. That was gone.

It was gone. Oh, man. Well, did listen, did Mitch ever fucking apologize for how big the social media has gotten? Because I feel like you were, you were on. He always is just like, I mean, I cut you free, man. I knew I had to cut you free. No, but it's all, we got like probably one of the healthiest business relationships and like friend relationships there is just because it's like, I mean, we'll get into it for sure.

And then it's like within like two seconds we're laughing. Yeah. Or we'll be into it and then it ends up turning into like a one game on the ice or something. But it's just like it's awesome. And I feel like if you have a business partner that you're like not getting it into like then it's like there's something off you know because we'll always disagree on something and then like you know fire at each other for about a minute and a half and then we're good so so it's it's awesome amazing dude and lastly speaking about the 3b3 stuff um i want to just hear what you have to

say about three ice real quick like what's what's it like being invited to participate in that and scoring the first ever goal and how's that going first ever hat trick too oh dude all right okay Okay, okay. Something about this guy in opening night hatties. Yeah, that's true, dude. Opening night hatties. Yeah, that's it. That's it, right?

Then I can shut it down. No, it's super cool, you know. It was something that I actually heard about before COVID and was like calling around, checking. And the responses I was getting was like, oh, we're looking for like just XNHL guys and stuff. And I was like, oh, okay, you know, whatever. And then when I got the chance to try out in Vegas, I was like, what the hell? You know, so when did that? It's a super fun league.

You meet a lot of players and stuff, but it's like every year, you know, like, I was like, am I, should I start contacting some teams in Europe? Like, I'm feeling good right now, you know? But obviously, like, way too busy with this. But I think hockey players in general always have that, like, competitiveness and love for it.

So it kind of keeps that alive without it being, like, men's league. Yeah, absolutely. So I really enjoy it. And I think they're, doing a great job. I think we're focusing more on social media and getting a word out this year. So, you know, E.J. Johnson's had a dream and he's, you know, try to make it, you know, continue to go strong. And I'm super, super happy. And you also get to connect with guys that you used to play with and play it again.

So it's a super, super fun thing and I have to be a part of. Yeah. You scored that penalty shot goal when you were on Team Bork. And I saw Ray on the bed. He's like, what the fuck? He can't believe that. You got the stick going crazy. That was a pretty cool moment. Yeah, yeah. No, I scored that.

And then we had another game and it went to penalty shot. And I kind of like look back and I was like, Ray, like, do you mind? He's like, dude, I don't care what you do. Like just have to, you know, like go out there and do it. Like it worked the first time. Hopefully it works in second. But no, super, super, like crazy. Like in the first year I had like, Grant Bure.

behind the bench and, you know, you're sitting there and then you, like, turn around and you're like, holy shit, like that cool. I watched him growing up, you know, and you're just like that's wild. So that's a really cool thing that I think maybe not like the younger generation understand because they weren't alive with those guys were playing. But like players like, you know, myself and stuff, that's who we grew up watching. Yeah, totally. So like it's amazing to be on that. And then, you know, like, I remember at one point, Ray was like, I need you to play some defense. And I was like, yeah, I got you. I got you. I got you. I'm like, fine. And I'm like, did Ray Borges tell me a place of defense? That's freaking awesome. Yeah, I'll go to war for a day.

I don't think I did, but it was, uh, I thought about it for a second. And you're like, hey, Ray, hey, Ray, tell Chris we waxed Cushing in the quarterfinals. It's not a big deal. Oh, it brings it up all the time still. He's like, I can't believe we left. that one and away because he used to uh he would do like the deco yeah yeah he did that when i was ex there it was awesome oh no you just got obviously these guys are all legends um so like to to be in like somewhat of like a talking you know talking with them or being like i like what's the game playing even though it's like three on three you know they still got that competitive edge two where they want to win um so i think you see that like no matter what era it is like those

guys who played at a high level obviously you know they played at the top level um but they still want to win they're like i i'm not coming to newer for nothing here like if i'm here we may as we'll fucking win and you're like shit yeah i yeah hell you you know what i mean for sure you're fired up oh that's so good no no doubt so that's that's that's really cool uh well pete dude we've taken up plenty of your time on vacation so so so far i mean it's gonna it's it's gonna it's gonna go from this to eating and to bed that that actually like helped stay awake. So it's perfect.

There we go. But I'm glad we got this first one, first one in the books here. Agreed. Long overdue. I appreciate it. Before we, we cut you loose,

is there anything you want to shout out, anything you want to plug? No. I mean, you guys, Blake, you know, obviously super, super awesome podcast. And, you know, when Blake, you know,

he came up to be during the three-on-three, which didn't really give me a lot of time to process. But he's like, you know, I left the Kings and I was like, like right now you're going to do this to me you didn't call me or whatever but um no i mean you guys are awesome and and i appreciate it so um this was super fun hell yeah man back at you and uh until next time and and for now dude rip up that concrete in in spain hope the sun comes out you're gonna see it you're gonna see it saturday saturday we better that's it all right man i guess i

appreciate it thanks a lot