Empty Netters Podcast - Michael Del Zotto Explains Why Torts Is His Favorite Coach & Confirms He Had The Sexiest Stretch Pass In The NHL | 114

Episode Date: July 3, 2024

MDZ talks about his experience on draft night, why Torts is his favorite coach of all time, and the art of the sexiest stretch pass the NHL has ever seen. His day with the cup was epic, but some of his Christmas traditions are a little questionable. Plus Nate Thompson joins the group to talk about an incredible NHL Golf Tournament that has partnered with Empty Netters this summer. NEW EPISODES EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY! 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 (2:49) – Stamkos (9:45) – Getting Drafted (16:17) – Hockey Is A Mental Game (20:00) – Torts (24:10) – Stanley Cup Run (33:11) – Charity Work (39:35) – Pass, Shoot, Score (53:05) – NHL Golf Tournament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined today by an Ontario native, a 2007 Canada Winter Games gold medalist, the 20th overall pick of the New York Rangers in the 2008 entry draft, a member of the NHL All-Rookie Team, How Are You, also played for the National Predators, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Vancouver Canucks, the Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Ottawa Senators. And of course, 2019 Stanley Cup champion, Michael Delzon. Welcome to the empty netters podcast. Thanks for having me.

I thought you were going to run out of air there, naming all the teams. Holy come. Hey, we had to give a big lung capacity for Tom or two when he came on. We'll have to compare the hockey DBs there, boys, eh? Good practice. It's a long list. I do got to say here in that 2019 Stanley Cup champion fucking sucks the life out of me, man. that that year will always haunt me as a Bruins fan.

That was brutal. DZ, I got to say, dude, we've got a lot of friends in our mutual circle who were kind of given us tips that you were apparently asking a lot of questions about what we were going to hit you with on this episode. Well, because I had people reaching out to me being like, oh, I heard you're doing the pod.

I'm like, yeah, I'm like, what should I expect? You know, I want to be a little bit prepared, but I also like being surprised as well because it's nice getting asked a question that you've never been asked before and you kind of have to like, I don't know, it's nice to be surprised instead of just going with the usual, oh, dump and chase, you know, good line changes, that front traffic, like all that bullshit. It's nice to have a real conversation.

So I'm excited. I'm excited. Oh, yeah. This is great. This is going to be fantastic. Dizzy, Laz, Johnny Las, who's our boy. I know you love him too. Las was like, I go, what's one thing I should ask him?

And he goes, dude, ask him about his stretch pass. No one has a better stretch. pass in NHL history. Lous is my guy. Lous is my guy. My stretch pass was pretty good. I do have to give myself credit. My first year in the league,

I don't know if it was just like wasn't a thing at that time. And then as teams started to catch on, then it was a little different and kind of had to adapt a little bit. But it was, I don't know, in my first year, I just kind of caught guys off guard with that stretch pass and teams a little bit lazy during the second period. change and whatnot and it it worked that well for us torts was a fan too so it's incredible dude hey if you're making torts happy right if you're making torts happy you're doing something right

that's for damn sure when the other five guys are just chipping off the glass and there's one that can make the stretch past and you stand out so it was nice yeah it's incredible uh dz before we get into a ton of stuff about you since we got all the boys here and we were just talking about it before we started recording but we're recording monday morning july first chaos in the free agency world. So what's what's the, what's the biggest surprise? What's the biggest shock for you guys so far? I think the Stamcoast one, I'm looking at it on the TV right now. The Stampcoast one is insane to me. A guy that's played there, whatever it is, 16 years, 15 years, been your captain, won cups, done everything you've asked of him and dealt with, you know, major injuries.

How you don't step up and pay him is outrageous. And still, he's putting up points. And it may not be, I don't know if the rumors are true with whatever. eight-year deal at $3 million. I mean, do you really want to play into your 40s? Probably not. I'm not sure his health would even allow him to. Pay the man up front. Give him a shorter-term deal and pay the man the money he deserves.

I'm extremely shocked by that. I can't imagine his teammates are overly happy. So as this goes on, I'm very interested to see some of the comments guys that we make and how they feel about it. Dude, this whole deal. I was just going to say this whole ordeal has been insane. Like, I remember earlier this season when he wanted that extension and didn't get it.

And he was very openly, vocally, annoyed about it. And it just felt like Breezebaugh was like, whatever, I don't give a shit. And they played the whole season. He's a professional, as always. Tomer, you said he's one of the greatest captains of all time. And he just puts his head down and balls out as usual, has a point per game season. And then we head into the offseason. and then also nothing, like nothing on the extension front.

And then, yeah, that eight year by three, it's like it almost felt like that was an offer that they knew he was going to say no to just so they could save face and be like, yeah, we made him an offer. And it just, you're so right, man. It feels so shockingly disrespectful to this guy who's your franchise leader in games, points and goals. He's brought two cups to the city. It's like, holy shit, man, what the hell's going on here?

Look, I was taught to be, I was taught to pause before agitated it, and I'm so agitated. I mean, I am biased like you are DZ because you, I know you grew up with Stammer. I played with him, but this is a joke. Like straight up, this is a joke. It's crazy. Like this happened with Vincent La Cavilliers, now Martin St. Louis. Now Stephen St.mco's. You had all year, all last summer.

And I look at it too as if, like, it's not just disrespectful to stammer. You're like disrespecting the fans. You're disrespecting his teammates. But you don't think Nikita Kutrov wants Stephen Stampos on his team with Braden Point or all these guys. Like this guy, like he played through everything, one, two cups. He's a for sure Hall of Famer now. And I just don't understand the thought process behind it. I understand you get Jake Getzel.

You retool your team. But like Deasy said, he had 40 over 40 goals. So you still scoring 40 goals and 80-90 points every year. And you offer him a deal that's eight years. And like I said, it's all hearsay. We don't know. But I think if you want to sign Stephen Stamcos, you'll sign Stephen Stamco's. right at the end of the day

like this is this to me is an absolute joke it's a joke this this has never happened this is completely botched by Tampa they ruined this they ruined it like they to me this is this gives them this just brings down credibility

to Tampa Bay Lightning because you lose a guy like Steve Stampton's that was your captain and has been the captain been an unbelievable captain does stuff off the ice stuff I mean he's like he is already a Hall of Famer I could go on all day about this. But you got it.

I can tell. I love it. I'm just so annoyed by this. I can't believe the ownership, Julian Breeze, while everyone botched this. You botched it. I'll tell you.

So I have a question. I have a question for you then. So he signed four-year deal at $8 million. If Tampa offered him four years at six and a half, do you think he takes that? I think yes. And that's a complete guess. I haven't had a conversation with him.

So it's not like, they weren't even close. To your point, right? If they wanted to sign them or had interest, they would have made a much better offer. And then he goes to Nashville and he gets a fucking outstanding offer. Yeah, and look at it like this too. Like Stammer knew this whole time and there was media about it.

Stammer came out and Stammer's an honest guy. And Julian Breezeball comes back and says, well, we're going to talk to him and he was just saving face. The whole time Stammer was right, they didn't want to sign him. We all look back to what Stammer came out and said. No one's offered me anything. No one's even talked to me.

I'm shocked by it. Well, he was right. Look what happened. At the end of the day, they knew what they were going to do. To me, this is all, this was like this was a plan. They were just trying to save face a little bit and just offer him something. And at the end of the day, this is, look what happened. So he's gone off.

Dude, count me among the people who got tricked. Like, even though the deal wasn't getting done before the season, I was like, they're just, it's fine. Like, there's literally no way they let Stephen Stamco's leave. And I understand it's a business. I think we all understand it. There's a business side of it, but at the same time, you look at Stammer and what he's done there.

I remember back when Mark Bergevins said, talked about if you guys remember Alexander Radjulov and he said, if you want loyalty by a dog. Yeah, yeah. And.

He's not absolute savage. He's right, but at the same time, is going to reg it off and Steve's tank post is a little bit different. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. 100%. I thought the same thing was going to happen last time when, you know, like, okay, everyone

thought he was going to the leaves. I'm like, yeah, they're like, hey, make him sweat out a little bit once you get to to free agency or right before. Okay, we make our best offer and, you know, all good. We had this. This was our plan all along. This was not the case this time. And that's what I was expecting, Sammy, too, guys.

This is shocking. Yeah, it is shocking. Yeah, it is shocking. I agree with you. I'm biased, but this is definitely a more shocking. shocking thing to happen on free agency day. And there's some other good signing, but that one sticks out to me the most

that they just completely screwed up. DZ, to your point, I legit think he would have signed like four by five and a half. I, I, I, it's just, it's wild. It's wild. All right, we're in the midst of all this craziness, you know, the free agency stuff, the draft stuff. We just came from the draft.

DZ, I wanted to get into talking about the draft with you. We were just there. had a blast so cool at the sphere. And I think my favorite thing about the draft is in the NHL, I feel like we still have this cool element where the players really don't know. Like we saw the Beckett Seneca pick at three absolutely blow his mind. Like the camera's cut to him and he's just saying, what the fuck to his parents,

which is just like an all-time moment. And I feel like in other sports, right, like the NFL and stuff, like guys are getting called. They know. And with you, you know, you get drafted. It was in Ottawa. And from what I know is, you know, you were thinking you were going to go somewhere in the teens probably. And New York was actually ending up really only being the only team that talked to you.

And they then scoop you at 20. So, like, what was that experience like for you? And do you remember every little bit about it? Do you remember what you wore? Do you remember what your thought process was when you're going through those 10 picks? And, like, New York's coming up. Were you melting down? What was going on?

Yeah. So I thought it was going to go somewhere between, like, 12 to 18. I met with Chicago numerous times and Boston numerous times and both them said to me, you won't be there when we're picking. So when I got to them and I was available, I'm like, okay, I just assumed I was going there. And to Thomas point, you know, the Bergen-encom and like you learn at that at a young age at 18. You're like, fuck, you can't trust anyone in this business. And then I kept sliding and sliding.

And then I'm starting to get the pitters, you know, I'm sweating a little bit more. I go, oh, fuck. Like, it might be sitting here until tomorrow. And then I get to 20 at the Rangers. And I only had one, just one short meeting with them at the combine. It wasn't anything to write home about, nothing unique. It was just a casual meeting. We talked about my stats, where my strengths were, what I thought I could do better at.

And the next thing, you know, I get drafted there. And, you know, it was incredible. And it's one of those things you see it now with like Capricaco there, right? Like, you, when you're going to your original 16, for the most part, But a team like the New York Rangers, you're expected to win every single year. So it's a hard place to go and develop because you're on such a short leash

and you're bringing in very reputable free agents every single year. So a guy like Kako, he's not getting top six minutes, you know, the second overall pick. And I'm like, oh, what's going on? What's going on? Well, if you're not put in a position to succeed to the best of your ability to your strengths,

it's just not going to happen. There's only so many top six positions. And I think that's what impressed me so much about certain guys that come in the league, you know, guys that are 40, 50 goal scores in junior. And then you get to the NHL and realize, okay, I'm not going to get that opportunity. How can I change my game to be an everyday player? And those are always the guys that I had the most respect for. And I seem to get along with the most.

It's like, because there weren't, oh, fuck, I'm not giving the chance. Poor me, poor me. Like, okay, here's my opportunity. It's not going to be to score goals. I'm going to figure out ways to check and contribute in other aspects of the game and be relevant for the next five to ten years. I have to ask you to, just to go back a little bit with your draft interviews. When you were drafted, did you have any good interviews with teams?

I know from, not for me, from my experience, I didn't go to the draft, that was a late-round pick, but did you have any interviews where some GMs were maybe a little harsh, maybe they gave you a hard time? I just know from guys I play with a person, brutal stories, brutal. so do you have any of the ones from just different GMs? Yeah, I had one that still sticks with me, actually. I kind of pissed. I'm literally pisses me off.

I just thought it's so unique. It was with Eric Cairns was, I think it was the Islanders. I guess he was part of their group there. And he was like, oh, you had, I don't know, whatever the number was, X amount of penalty minutes, but you never fought. Like, why don't you fight? And like you're 18. Like, you're not trying to be cocky, but you're also want to stand up for yourself.

I mean, did you see my points? Like, I wasn't supposed to fight. My job wasn't fighting. It was putting up points, being a first power play specialist, outletting the puck, scoring goals. Yeah, I had a physical side to my game, which people didn't really, I guess, know. And, yeah, sometimes I'd get frustrated. I took it, take it too far. It would take some penalties.

And that's also part of maturing. You know, you're an 18-year-old kid. You're still learning, learning the game on that aspect. And he kept challenging. Like, why didn't you fight? Are you scared to fight? I was like, no, my deep partner at the time was 6'5. And if anything happened, he would take care of it.

And that's just how it works, especially in junior. Like, hey, we took this guy's second overall. We have John Tiberis on the team. We're going to have people who were going to protect them because it's still a different game back then. And they kept coming at me. And I still never really stood up for myself. I was trying to be respectful about it. But, you know, looking back, I almost kind of want to tell him to fuck himself.

We're like, hey, we play different styles of game. It's not be like me going to you. Hey, why didn't you score last year? Right? Like, people have different skill sets. And you're challenging someone for their week. weaknesses and not everyone's going to be a complete player can do absolutely everything perfect. So that was one that said out to me and I found it so odd.

Deasy, you're like, buddy, have you seen how hot I am? Are you kidding me? Get out of my face, buddy. Jesus Christ, I'm going to New York City. I'm going to bust this out. Someone. Seriously. Deasy, do you remember any of your celebrations that night?

because like that is all, you know, so I, you know, I love hearing you talk about New York. I, uh, I played at Andover with Kreider. And I remember we were all buzzing for him when he was up there in Montreal, getting drafted, get scooped by the Rangers. And we're like, holy shit. And it's just like those cool moments. Like, this is what you work for, right? And I'm curious, like, what was the, what was the vibe?

Like, you're up in Ottawa, you get scooped by the Rangers. Did you go nuts? Nothing crazy, unfortunately. I wish I had a better story. Just kind of parted that night with my family. I wasn't really, I wasn't kind of a late bloomer when it came to the parting side and drinking. You know, definitely probably some more fun stories of my time in New York, but being drafted, not so much.

You just hung out with my family, my brother, some friends, and nothing to write home about, nothing to that was definitely right in the high, but no crazy stories. Well, it sounds like you made up for it later in life, though. Yeah, we tried. We tried our best. Once we got the first Avery call changed everything. Yeah. Oh, God, it's so true.

Okay, so Deasy, I have a cool quote for you that I found. And, you know, this kind of goes into what you were saying earlier. I think we were recording already. But it's like you're a huge point guy coming in, and then people get tape on you. You know, it's the hardest league in the world. This thing's change. And as an offensive, certainly at first, as an offensive-minded defenseman, if the points start to dry up, it can get frustrating.

Right. So I think this quote, it was when you got to Philly, but I just loved it. They were asking about your reporters were asking about if you got stronger that summer or something and how you've grown. And you said physically, yes, mentally, I think even more so. I think that's the most important part. This game is such a mental game. It's pretty easy to lose your confidence. It's a confidence game. Every player is a great player.

Sometimes it's a matter of confidence in keeping that consistency. And I just, I know that torts was a part of that too in those early Rangers years for you of kind of like changing that side of your game as well. but can you just talk to us a little bit about what it's like to be, you know, a 0.1% hockey player on earth. And then you got towards being like, you've got to block shots, man, and you're kind of losing, like you've spent your whole life being like, I'm the best, I'm sick. And then all of a sudden you're like, wait, what's going on here? Can you tell us about that? So the quote, I love the quote.

And to add on to that, and then I'll get back to your question, to add on to that, is like there's so many good players in the league, you know, the best players have their confidence the longest, right? So the thing is, if you don't have your confidence, how quickly can you get it back? And when you do have it, how long can you hold on to it? Right? Because it's a tough game. There's a lot of good players.

You lose your confidence. It's hard to get back because there's good players that you can get to expose against on a nightly basis. For me, yeah, I had torts that. It was teaching me to block shots. I was never interested in getting anywhere close to a shot. And with him, I was like, no, no, it's many. You block shots. Like, I don't care who you are.

And I saw it firsthand in my first year, you know, Marion Gabbrick was a 40 goal score. at a time where there weren't very many 40 goals scores. And almost every single day in video, he would show Gabby doing like a drive-by, going out to the point, and he wouldn't even be anywhere close, hoping someone else would block it and spring him on a breakaway.

And he'd rewind the clip. He'd play it again. He would rewind it. And he would belittle him. This is a top five player in the NHL, and this is how he treats him. But that he wanted it consistent throughout the whole team. He's like, I don't care if you score 40 goals.

If you score two goals, if you're making 10 million, and if you're making a minimum wage, this is how we all play. So in a way, it was great for me to see. He was like, hey, he wasn't picking on me. Like, if he's treating our best player that way, then it trickles down after that. So it was definitely an adjustment.

And it took a while. We had our battles. We had our fuck you matches. And to Tomor's point before, you know, is like careful what you wish for. We, you know, he was there four years and he'll be the first to say. And he doesn't last longer than four or five years. His voice gets a little bit,

a little bit old. He's my favorite coach who I ever played for. But then Vigno comes in and we didn't see eye to eye right away. And next thing you know, I'm kind of in and out of the lineup, I asked for a trade and I'm gone. So I almost wish I had torts for another year. I think at that point was right where I was starting to really understand what it took to be a professional every single day and how to round my game. Then I end up going to fill you the year after. And that's kind of when I had, you know, I would argue some of my best years or at least my most complete years. You know, I'm playing shutdown minutes. I'm playing first PK. I'm getting second power play. I'm playing, you know, 25 minutes a night. And I'm able to contribute in different

aspects of the game. If I'm not contributing offensively, there's other areas that I'm helping the team win. So looking back, I think that's one thing I probably wish upon that maybe I had torts one more year. And who knows, maybe I'd still be in New York and would have never left. I think the, uh, fuck you matches with torts is like the baptism of every place. player that plays for him. It's like if you're not getting in a motherfucker match with him, then you're just like never going to hit it off. And it's curious that you bring up Philly. What do you think it is about torts that's allowed him to stay in the league so

long and be successful for so long? We see a lot of these, you know, older coaches with sort of that old school mindset, that kind of fuck you mindset, who aren't really existing anymore in the league. And what do you think it is about torts that makes him just like keep having success? I mean, like the flyer started off so hot this past season and no one expected that. Just getting everyone to buy in. You know, his training camps, as much as they punish you and you can't stand them, but you're bringing,

you're bringing the group together. Like those, those are absolutely fucking brutal. Absolutely fucking brutal. Coming out of that COVID year, I didn't have a deal. Kendron signing veteran guys. And I remember I call up torts.

I'm like, bring me in on a PTO. Like, just bring me in. It's like, cost you guys nothing. If it goes well, maybe we agree to a contract.

If it doesn't, you send me home and that's it. I remember the first day of that training camp in my head I'm like What the fuck were you thinking Calling this guy asking for a deal Like this is the dumb And I was like right then I could have retired

It was fucking brutal Because when you're younger You can kind of like You have more energy You're I mean you're typically You can skate a little bit A little bit better You don't have the mental side of it

But the physical side It's a bit easier It was fucking brutal So I think for him He brings the team closer together he brought back that old school mentality and especially in Philly in a city like that they love it right the fans were were feeding feeding for a guy like that just just craving to have someone like him to bring that that fuck you back to that organization and I did I think he did such an amazing job

and I'm still to this day a little bit heartbroken that they didn't make the playoffs so I think they deserved it and going on that stretch at the end I would have loved to see them in the first round and just see them go toe to toe to toe with the Rangers he would have those guys fired up and it would have a brutal first series. A lot more exciting than the capitals playing against them. But he's, you know, he has that team bought in and he's changed too. He's not the coach he was five

years ago, 10 years ago, 15 years ago. He's adapted with the times. He understands the kids are built a little bit differently these days, but I mean, my favorite thing is seeing a breakdown or someone making a stupid mistake and the video pans him on the bench.

And the old him wants to snap so bad. He's just like, he's like, try to keep himself calm and he could see the words kind of going in his head ready to snap. And he's come a long way and I'm really happy for him. He was not for me as just a player, but as a human being, he taught me a lot. D.C., he's also. Yeah, you can see the. I mean, we talked about the business casual he's got going on too with the zip-ups,

all the coach. They got the quarter zips going. The quarters, it doesn't even golf and he wears a quarter-zip every day. Yeah. That's great. It's cold in those. Thanks, man. Dude, I was actually going to add.

That was going to be my question, do Dizzy, if you felt he had changed because I feel like you, when he was kind of in the booth, you were always hearing that shit. Like he hates the fucking Zegris, Michigan's and everything. And I was like,

I don't know if like, because I was among the people that I couldn't believe the higher by Philly when I was like, because I know he's a good enough coach that if you were trying to bottom out and it felt like maybe they were. I was like, don't get torts to get you out of that top free lottery pick.

But seeing what he did last year, I'm so with you on the buy-in. and I love to hear that you're saying maybe he has he has softened a bit a bit in his old age yeah yeah there's definitely a little bit a little bit more room to go but I don't think we'll ever get there you know we'll meet in the middle yeah which we'll take go take that dude DZ going off of all the mindset stuff that you were you know just talking about I I feel like your work ethic is something that comes up constantly whenever people talk about you in your game and your entire career everyone that we've ever talked to or had on that's

played with you, that always comes up. And I was curious to bring up that, you know, again, even though it sucks for me, that 2019 blues run when you guys win the cup, that blues team was stacked with defensemen and they got lucky, you know, with a lot of health. So the postseason run, you didn't really get minutes. But what a cool story that those boys looked at you as such a great example on the team and your work ethic and your attitude that your name got on the cup no matter what, regardless of that situation. What was that experience like? And like that compliment that you got from your,

you know, your peers, your teammates, your coworkers. How did that feel? And what was that whole season like for you? Yeah, that was special. Because that was a brutal year. I started in Vancouver the year before I played 82 games, the first time in my career. And then we're going to the next year. And all of a sudden, like, yeah, we're going young.

I played 82 games last year. Like I mentored the kids. I did everything you guys asked of me. And now all of a sudden, you're just like, kick to the curb. So back to that loyalty thing we talk about. So I'm in and out of the lineup. Ask for a trade.

I'm waiting, waiting. I finally get traded to Anaheim. The day after I get traded to Anaheim, my grandpa passes away. So I'm in Vancouver. I fly back to Toronto for the funeral. Get there for the funeral. I'm there same day. I don't even stay over.

Fly back to Vancouver. Now I pack up my shit. Move to Anaheim. I'm in Anaheim for, I think it's like 12 games. I'm partnered with Cam Fowler there and we just have instant chemistry. Probably one of my, even though only 12 games, probably my favorite partner I played. We saw the game the same way.

The game came easy. We didn't even have to talk. We knew where each other were. And it was a ton of fun. I'm like, okay, here we go. Like we can sell with just second half of the year.

And hopefully, you know, as a contract here from Mike, hopefully make something out of it. We lose back-to-back divisional games right before the deadline, puts us like 10 points out of a spot. Sure enough.

Like, I don't know, the trade deadlines, like 12 o'clock or 1230. And like 30 minutes after I get a call. I'm going to signal. So like, not really a team.

I kind of had on the radar or thought would come with, but Chief was a coach who I had in Philly. Alex Petcher, Angela, the captain is one of my best childhood friends. Braden Shadam was there who I played in Philly. So I'd assume Doug Armstrong probably asked them a few of those guys about my character and who I am as a person. I went in there, and that's when they kind of took off. And to your point, there was no, no one really got hurt. So I was like the next man up, but no one really got hurt. So fortunately or unfortunately, you know, obviously it worked out when they want a cup,

but I never got the opportunity to play. but it was probably three months during that whole playoff run in the last part of the season I didn't play and I was still first guy at the rink every single day I worked my fucking ass off in the gym it's probably like the biggest ever it was like I was lifting like an animal it's just like you know you lift every single day you're not saving it for on ice so you're as a fucking absolute animal um first guy on the ice every single day just working um I want to show my teammates hey even though this guy's been out two months two and a half months, God forbid there's an injury, he's going to come in and do the job for us. So I wanted to make sure that they felt comfortable with me slotting in the lineup if I was given

that opportunity. It never happened. And there was definitely some dark days. I got to be honest, there were some tough days where it made it very hard coming to the rink. And at the end, it was, yeah, very emotional to know that they stood up for me, Petro specifically to get my name on the cup, even though I didn't, you know, meet the requirements. And it was, obviously something I'm going to live with the rest of my life and be able to show my my grandkids someday. Absolutely, dude. Do you think, you know, what would you say what's a lesson that you would try to pass on?

Because that, that mindset is so difficult. I mean, like, I can't stress that enough. Like when you are, you know, battling with these guys every day showing up to the rink, like you just said, practicing, lifting, working your ass off. how did you stay locked in? Because it's so easy in those circumstances to just be like, well, I'm not playing, so fuck it. Yeah, I mean, I didn't want to let my teammates down. I saw the work that they were putting in.

And as Tom Rano's, like, a playoff is like a completely different animal. It's a grind. So I didn't want to let them down on top of it. It was a very tough year for me, but I knew there was light at the end of the tunnel. And there was no one that was going to get me out of that. You can only really rely upon yourself. So I just kept working and was waiting, essentially waiting for an opportunity that I never got, but I guess the opportunity essentially was me getting my name on the cup

and something that I'll live with the, you know, for the rest of my life. And I just, you know, when times are tough, you never want to see people go through tough times, but I truly believe that it reveals people's true character. And that's when you really get to know what someone's about, right? It's like when you're winning and life is great, everyone's happy and enjoying themselves. But when you're kind of, when you're down and you're kicked again while you're down, It reveals people's character. And those are the moments that you remember and really cherish because when you get out of that, you're like, you know what? Hey, that's where I was before and look where I am now.

And it, you know, it's a huge confidence builder. Yeah, DZ. I love that. I love that you touched on that too. Even when, and it's a huge testament to you. And I didn't even know that whole story. That's fucking incredible. Just the fact that, I mean, it just shows how good a teammate you were or are first off to be able to do that.

Because I don't think people understand or fans. realized like, oh yeah, he got his name on the cup. You know, what is he, how hard it, how hard could it have been? Well, I don't think people understand, like, what he was doing every day was basically going to the rink, bag skating, working out. Like, it was like, it was, you're basically in a training camp and you're isolated from the team a little bit because they're in the playoffs. People don't understand either.

Yeah. Guys are in the playoffs. Like, you don't, you don't mess with the guys, really. You kind of stay away from it. You're staying on the outside. So like you said, the dark alone days, like, I mean, the fact that you touched on that is huge. And for people with mental health or whatever it is, like the fact that you said that during that time. And then you come out on the other side and say, well, then the boys are like, well, his name's going, his name's going on the cup.

I just find that amazing. And the fact that you just like just same thing. And it shows all those other guys, those young guys to see you doing that every day. the guys that are even playing, they're like, fuck, look at DZ right now. Look at look at how hard he's working out. He's not even playing. So the fact that, I think it's just awesome for people to hear that. Because I don't think people understand how isolated guys are from the team during the playoffs that aren't playing.

Like, they're not around. Yeah. You are completely separated. Yeah, because you're playing every other day. You're not skating. So guys are basically just showing up for games, right? Or maybe there's a little morning skate. But when the guys were in for pregame meetings and going on about, you know,

whatever maybe going on the night adjustments or whatnot. Like, I'm on the ice by myself. Like, no coaches out there with you because all the coaches are in there too. So I'm there out there by myself, running myself through different drills, working on some parts of the game solo. Like, you have no one there to push you or help you out. It's just, it's you and your mind. And it could get, as I mentioned before, it could get dark.

Like, there was some times. There's some, you know, dark thoughts going between your, excuse me. And I look back on it and that's probably one of the, of my most proud moments and there's a few other mic career but that one specifically because there was some i would say majority of the days were very tough and coming out of that um you know i i don't always pat myself on the back but for this one i i will i will because it was it was tough fucking right you should pat you back on the back for that one that's honestly i was gonna say i'll pat you on the back as well buddy that's that's a better question i'll ask it is

how good did whatever you drank out of the cup taste after all of that. Come on. It was nice. It was nice to not be having protein shakes and actually have a real cocktail out of there. Yeah. Yeah. It was well worth it.

It was well worth it. Awesome. That's great. Deasy, was that a, could you tell that was a unique room right away? Because you got there at the deadline, right? But remember they were like in dead last at whatever the fuck, January or something? And then they get there. And certainly the dogs in many of those series, did it feel different or does every team kind of have that belief?

Yeah, I mean, every team's close. There's not really bad guys in hockey. There's very, very few. I can say there's probably two or three I've played with. I'm like, yeah, you're not going to get along well with everyone. Like they're your best friends. You have different hobbies, interests, or whatnot. But to like truly dislike someone, it's very rare in hockey.

But that team was, yeah, it was a special room. And I think any team that wins, they'll always say that, right? It's like the belief you have in each other, how close you are, you would do anything for each other. And that room definitely had it. stammer is a bad guy though we can confirm that that's why they just threw it yeah not a blue guy not a good

expendable guy expendable expendable on to the next to get away from some hockey quick DZ I wanted to ask you because I know that charity has been such a huge part of your gig and when you got to New York I was that really awesome story where you saw the young boy watching practice you're a 19 year old kid and you go bring him a sign puck

and you guys are still really close, but that kind of got you into the, it's called Garden of Dreams, I think, right in New York, and then Ronald McDonald's house in your time in Vancouver and you're volunteering at the Daily Food Bank in Toronto during COVID, you know, and I've seen you give a bunch of quotes about how important mentorship is to you as well. So can you just tell us about how that stuff fulfills you

and what that's all meant to you? Yeah. So the Liam Traynor thing, how that kind of came about in New York is we finished practice and he was watching. I went over, gave him a signed stick, a puck and I don't know, didn't really think much of it. You take 10 seconds out of your day and you don't really know what may,

what may happen from that, right? And usually you go up and you give someone a pound or say, hey, how are you? And, you know, now here we are 15 years later and we talk probably still weekly. I'd say maybe even more than that. You know, now he's in his 20s and he's trying to get a job in the hockey world and he's using me as a sounding board to bounce ideas off of and figure out how he can kind of navigate the space. And along with the hard times of winning the Stanley Cup and going through that process,

I think that's what I'm most proud of and maybe some of my work. And during my playing career, the relationships I've made away from the game and strictly the charity. You know, Liam being won, another young girl named Taylor, you know, from Gardening Dreams as well, who I actually saw her for the first time. I have this great picture. I don't know if I posted on my Instagram or not. I have this great picture of her.

and I, her skating for the first time, my 19-year-old year, and then I saw her again during playoffs this past run, and we hadn't seen each other since we've always kept in touch. And seeing her now become a woman was, yeah, it was very emotional and very touching and seeing how great she is and living her life to the fullest was amazing. My time in Vancouver, I went to the Ronald McDonald's house, hit it off with the kids, they had a beautiful home there, was playing hide-and-seat, going on the slide, and playing we with the kids and then before I left, the manager of the house just came up and gave me my own visitors pass and say, hey, you don't have to go through the team anytime you want to come.

You're always welcome. And that was very touching to me, knowing that they keep it very strict there, that they felt comfortable with me coming in at any time. So I'd go in there once a week. You build a relationship, not just with the kids, but also the families as well. And I think that was a huge learning experience for me. It's not just a kid who's going through, you know, the very tough time with chemo and treatments, but often their siblings are neglected from love too, right? Because there's so much,

so much effort and attention towards a kid who's going through their treatments. And even the parents, too, right? They're giving up all their love and all their attention to their kids. No one's ever asking how they're doing. So it was such a learning experience for me on caring, loving, giving as a human being. So I'm very thankful during my playing career to get those opportunities to become a better individual from those experiences. That's amazing, man. When I was reading about all that stuff, I just think it's so important. And I know you're a guy, too, tangentially, right, that takes great care of your body,

health and fitness is a huge thing. And I feel like we, not just pro athletes, but all of us take that stuff for granted. You know, so the fact that you have the platform you have and are able to reach out and help people like that, I think was just fantastic. Sorry, you cut out there the last, I lost you on the bat last bit. Yeah, I lost you to see the recipe. Just say that part again. It was just that the, you know, all of us, not just pro athletes,

take the health and fitness stuff in our own bodies for granted. And the fact that you have the platform you have and able to reach out and help people like that, I thought was fantastic. Thank you. I appreciate that. Yeah, it's something that, I think that more than, you know, I miss playing the game. I definitely, I'm happy I retired. It's definitely the right time.

but truthfully, I think one of the things I miss the most is having that that ability to be able to give back and you kind of have that superhero feeling these people look at you like you're invincible and being able to give back and provide hope and maybe positive memories for people that needed is something that, I mean, unfortunately, you don't get in the real world when you're not playing anymore and I wish we still had that ability. No doubt about it, man. No doubt about it. Squad, by now you know that we have teamed up with Bet,

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requirements. York or not in North Carolina, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. I feel like a lot of this stuff, you know, leads into the type of person you are, and I want to get into a game that we play with all of our guests here. I don't know if Tom or warned you about this, but this is a game that we call pass-shoots score. It's basically merry fuck kill. I'm going to give you a few things here, DZ, that I know are important to you, and basically

it's a ranking system. So pass, even with the stretch pass, that you. you are famous for. Pass is going to be third because we like shooting the puck a little bit more. That's going to be second. Scoring the ultimate goal, that's going to be number one. Okay. So your first category here in Pass Shoot's Score is going to be family time, things that

you love doing with the fam. So Passhoot Score, eating fish at Christmas with the family, swimming with the cup in the pool, and then playing in the backyard rink with Grandpa, using a shovel as a stick. Oh, God. You guys did your research on that. I absolutely love it. I absolutely love it.

Fuck, I got goosebumps right now. Pass will be, yeah, seriously, pass will be the fish at Christmas time, although Christmas is very special for our family. Hey, DZ, DZ, you guys were a one gift on Christmas Eve, though, eh? We had so many gifts, so many gifts. Yeah. Oh, yeah. I can't get on board. I can't get on board with the gift on Christmas Eve. Like, hold it in. You got to wait.

Dude, I'm just, I'm so good at receiving gifts. That's the problem. Like, I just love receiving gifts. Like, I have to open it for Christmas Eve. Like, it's one of my biggest talents. So, so pass, pass for, for fish. It's going to sound crazy, but truly, shoot would be swimming with the cup and score would be, backyard with my nonolino. Yeah, he made that rink. So my grandparents live with us. My dad's parents live with us

growing up and he made that rink. So in the summertime, it was a Butchie court. We're Italian. And he'd have, you know, whatever, let's say, 10 inch boards up so you're able to pass a puck off of. And he made the rink every single year. And as kids, he would go in net with just a shovel and we would rip pucks, like

off his shun that never once complained. This guy was a fucking animal. So he was like, He was my hero growing up. The stuff that this guy did in our back air, we had two acres of land, and he cut down trees, which shaved them down and made soccer nets out of them. This guy was, you know, he was so clever, so creative, did everything around the house, and he was my hero.

So I would, that's how I would rank those, yeah. I think that's a perfect ranking. And also, what a legend. I have a few Christmas follow-ups for you because I, CP and I both, huge Christmas guys. Number one, is fish at Christmas an Italian thing? Correct, yeah. Bacala specifically. Okay.

Okay. That makes sense. And then were you guys rocking Italian and these cookies as well, or what? The dessert spread is insane, especially growing up when we like the whole family would get together because we'd have competitions who can make the best dessert. So it was, yeah, disgusting amount of dessert. And my family, both sides being Italian too, not my mom. mom's side's Italian as well and her sister so my aunt and uncle lived next door with my other grandparents so the food was we didn't we didn't lack on carbs and sweets I was a I was a chubby

yeah I definitely I definitely didn't have the body I have now I told myself I never I never I'd never get back to that yeah we just we ate like we like kings growing up well that's all you had to say that's amazing you're back when you just you just tell him like listen Karen's he I'm Italian and that's why I have the power. Like, why that's what it is. That's where the mystery comes from. There it is, right there. So real.

And then lastly, DZ, Home Alone 2, Lost in New York, being your favorite Christmas movie, is absolutely insane. Insane? Yeah, dude. Like, it's good, but your favorite one?

Oh, yeah. There's not even a close second. What do you mean? Oh. Oh my God. I'm not sure I can name another Christmas. I'm not sure I can even name another Christmas movie. I mean, that...

I don't know. I wouldn't go that far. It's his favorite movie, period. That's... I do like that pick, though. I like that pick. I don't know what two is good. Listen, I like it.

It's up there. But I just like being your favorite, that's a wild card pick. And maybe I've got to watch it again. I don't know. I'm not giving the pigeon lady enough respect. You don't watch it every year? That might be the craziest comment I've ever heard. I do, I do.

I swear to God, I do. I actually have a list. This is not a joke. I'll send it to you after this. I have a list of 55 movies that I, like, it's movies and TV episodes that I start watching on November 1st because I'm just, I'm Christmas immediately after Halloween. Interesting. So American Thanksgiving is just not a thing. It's a thing, but like, you know, I'm like, you can't be.

the Christmas spirit. And my whole thing is 25 days is not enough time to celebrate Christmas. Like, if you start celebrating on December 1st, it's gone like that. Like, I need, I need all the music. I need all the movies. I just, I need more. Okay. Your favorite Christmas song?

Favorite Christmas song has to be Little Drummer Boy by Bob Seeger. That version specifically, I think, absolutely slaps. But if we're just talking like overall Christmas song, shit. I'd probably say either, no, wonderful Christmas time, Paul McCartney.

So good. So good. See, to me, similar to Home Alone, it's like Mariah Carey. Like, and there's not even a close second. I will never, I will never have a problem with that. Yeah. Although some people who say it's overplayed, but like, no, no. Pretty good.

That's pretty good. It's all good. It's all good. That's all good. Thank you, Tom. Okay. DZ, here's your next category, DZ.

We're going into, next category is food cravings. Okay. So pass-chute score when you're on your cheat day and you treat yourself to your favorite sour candy. Next one is your high-protein

zero-sugar cake. And the next one is your famous Parmesan ribs. Dude, you guys, the research. Oh, my God. You guys are incredible. Okay, so as much as I do, the ribs are definitely my specialty. I enjoy the match jam and had them in forever. But the boys love them more.

Like, the Shen brothers love them the most. When I play with them in Philly and I have the guys over for dinner, they always requested the ribs. Like, they were huge ribs, guys. Those guys could eat, too. they could put them back the ribs would be the ribs would be

pass shoot would be um would be the I mean I love carrot cake that's the only thing I actually asked for for my birthday last week and then score is sour candy

like I'm a huge huge sour candy guy like that's I don't think anything will ever top that dude same which what's your go-to well it depends where I am. I undercover, I was in, I was in Oslo in May and the candy and the candy hits different over there. Like this Swedish candy. They have a place in Vancouver. That's incredible. But if I had to name like one here in the U.S. would be like the mini sourkeys. Oh, very good. Great answer. Great answer. Hey, Jarvis huge sour candy guy too.

That's true. That's true. I'm also so pumped. you just pulled out the Scandinavian candy. Like the Scandinavian sour candy is so different. Like those black licorice ones that are sour or shit, they're like salty too. Yeah. They go hard. Yeah. They go hard.

This guy knows is sour candy, man. Let me tell you what. They don't get enough appreciation, unfortunately. It's true. Okay. Here's your last one, DZ. This one's life changing moments. Oh, okay.

Pastute score. DJing a private event at the Toronto Film Festival. reading the seven spiritual laws of success or the first transfusion you had with Getslappel golfing at Big Ten. Wow, wow. So reading will be past. The transfusion with, the transfusion with Getsy will be, will be shoot. That was actually unique one because that's right when COVID hit.

We're like, oh, this COVID thing's a joke. Like, okay, the game got cancer. Like, okay, let's go golf. And it's 7 a.m. We're having a transfusion. I never had one before. I'm like, oh, this is pretty good. Not a bad life.

It's pretty good. Live in a Newport beach. Not a bad life. And then the score would be the DJing. That was, I don't DJ as much as I once did. I mean, for numerous reasons. So that was when the World Cup was going on, whatever, the start of the season. So we didn't start to a little bit.

later. So the film festival was happening. I got invited to DJ and I played the kind of gap hour. So basically the last hour of dinner into the first hour of, uh, of the club. I played. I had a couple of my buddies there killed it. I did very well finish. I'm done. It was like my first real like proper gig. And afterwards, I'm just like pounding the tequila. I'm like celebrating, having a great time. Like here we go. Like you did a great job. Who knows what will come with this. and then the owner of the event comes to me because the DJ who played after me they brought this guy in from San Jose.

And just a very different style of music. He's fantastic, way better. I couldn't even tie his shoes. But just a very different style of music than Toronto. And the owner comes to me and he's like, do you mind going back on? Like they're not feeling his music. I'm like, fuck, I got my cross-eyed at this point.

I'm like, all right, sure. I played another four hours. So I played a six-hour set. And I couldn't sleep that. It was like after scoring a game seven winning goal, like I was, I was so high. I was Ryan the high. It was incredible. And music is so powerful because it's an international language.

No matter where you are, where you're from, what language you speak, music has the ability to put a smile on your face and make you dance, right? You forget about all the bullshit, anything else going on, and it could be so powerful. So I'm like, I'm not a country music fan. I just think it's depressing. You talk about your dog dying or drinking whiskey or a breakup. Like that doesn't do it for me. I want music that's going to put me in a good mood.

So I'm mostly like in late 90s, early 2000s, hip-hop and some version of house. And that night was absolutely incredible for me. That was, yeah, one of my favorite nights ever, ever, really. Dude, do you feel like you were just in the zone when you were in that four hour extra? Yeah, yeah. I mean, after that much tequila, too, it's just like you're just feeling like you were the music. Like you were, I felt like I was in the table. and I was just like viving every song.

Yeah, it's like, yeah, it was just, it was fantastic. I wish I could replay that. You just ride that way. Yeah, exactly. Yeah, right. He's just hitting flow state, just seeing numbers like Neo and the Matrix and he's just ripping. I'm impressed though with your guys' research.

Very impressive, very impressive. Because those are some stories that people don't, I mean, a lot of people don't know though. So, well done. Those are the best ones. They know. They do their homeowner. They know. Yeah. I love it. How did you, how did you meet Tiesto? He's a hockey fan.

He came to a bunch of games in New York when I played for the Rangers. Met him, met him after a game, just kind of kept in touch. And I've seen him play all over the world. So anytime he's in New York and we were in town, I'd see him. one of the biggest ones was at tau when tau had just opened the downtown one at least um sick and he played Halloween you played Halloween night we went for that which was oh my which was awesome dude are you kidding me that must have been so sick yeah I've seen him numerous times in Vegas um Miami um he B's uh yeah I've seen him all over he's he's incredible

yeah he's we saw him at the uh at wet republic in Vegas uh the other day the other day for this weekend. So I should have told him we were hanging out. Yeah. Just the other day. Yeah. Chris, don't lie. You didn't see shit, dude.

Yeah. Yeah. No. I am told he was there. I couldn't see anything. Oh my God. That's incredible. Okay.

Well, before we let you guys go, we have some big news here on the empty netter show. We've got a very cool golf tournament in the works that this whole. crew, this whole crew along with many others are going to be involved with. So Tom, or can you, can you give us the overview first? You take it away. Yeah. So there's a golf tournament coming up August 21st and 24th through the pro athlete golf tour. It's going to be at Half Moon Bay, Ritz Carlton, Golf Links. It's got two golf courses. It's going to be a three, four day event. It's going to include current and former players, to name a few. We got one here on call, Michael Delzado, Grant Fierre, Eddie Lack, just to name a few. We've got about 10 guys

coming already. And the biggest thing I want to stress, and I've told guys, it's going to be, the biggest thing it's going to be fun. Like, it's going to be a tournament, it's going to be a chance for guys to win some money, to see who the best golfer is that's a hockey player, current or former. But the thing I want to stress to guys is that we don't, it's going to be handicapped too. So if you have a handicap, if you have a 15, handicap, who gives a shit? Like, we want guys to come play. Because at the end of the day, I mean, it's always fun to golf with guys that are good.

And everyone can win some money off those guys, whatever it may be. But I think that having guys, if at least, it's a golf trip with the boys. And you're having fun because, I mean, you want to see guys. I mean, when you watch the thing like I always think of TNT, when Tom Brady is just spraying. and he's spraying his drives off the T-box. Ripping his pants, dude. Yeah, his pants. His hammer's falling off.

To me, like, that is, that's more fun. Like, all right, we're serious, you know, and it's going to be fun. Guys are going to be serious, I'm sure. There's going to be a lot of chirping. There's going to be guys going at it. But at the end of the day, that's the best is when you see a guy, Shank one.

I mean, that's me most of the time. So, in summary, it's going to be a fun tournament. hopefully we get about 20 guys maybe more and guys come play some golf you know you can bring their wives they can bring their girlfriends, buddies, the caddy I mean really you're playing golf during the day and then you have the rest of the day to kind of do whatever

for a few days so it's going to be a good time in summary I think hopefully it's just a great time for everyone and for current and former players for former players I know myself and VZ I mean it's a way for guys to come come and be relevant again or maybe they can, you know, get back with the boys. I mean, I know for me, those are things you miss when you play as being around the fellas. So I think if anything, like I said, it'll be just a fun golf trip for the boys.

Yeah, I think it's unique. And what's cool, too, is, yeah, you combine the former and current players. But being able to catch up with the guys and even some of the guys that are done playing is just seeing what different guys are doing now, right? The guys are back in the real world now. They're not playing. You know, what type of business ventures are they doing? What are they excited about?

Where are they living? You know, because when you play with guys, you're in one city. But typically, you guys are going home or different places that they've played that they've loved and raise the family. So being able to catch up with the guys and see what I'm going on is what I'm most excited for. And, you know, being 34 and single, there's not many. Most of my guys are married. I have kids, girlfriends. it's hard to get a boys trip so this will be nice just to golf with the fellas shoot the

shit feel like you're in the locker room and banter back and forth so it's is something that's been circled on my schedule for a while and hopefully this continues to grow and becomes a massive event that guys are looking forward to every year yeah I think so oh absolutely boys I mean I think everyone loves golf and to be able to do it with our fraternity right it's our kind of fraternity. We're all part of the hockey world and for all of us to get together and do this. And like I would have played, I was going to play in it and I'm not very good. And that's why I was going to say anybody should play is I have to go to a wedding at the same time. Teddy Purcell's wedding at the same time, getting married during his golf tournament. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Oh, selfish.

Got to pick another weekend. I know. I know. What an idiot. What an idiot. What an idiot. So yeah, it's going to be, it's going to be so much fun. I can't. I can't wait for this. I think it's going to be awesome. Yeah, I mean, you guys, you guys, go for it, Chris. I was going to say, I'm actually, I'm calling Jim Montgomery to see if I can get a PTO with the Bs before the tournament and then backdoor my way into playing. Because it sounds that cool.

I got to get involved somehow. Yeah, for sure. Yeah, definitely. No, you guys said it best, man. I mean, this is, it's such a cool idea. It's such a cool event. Tommer, you. Getting us involved has been so fun because, you know, we're just going to blow this whole thing out.

Tons of the guys are psyched going to join in. And you said it best, it is just a golf weekend with the boys. And, you know, like we're going to have tons of our sponsors there. We're going to have our beer there. It's going to be a whole event, just an absolute blast. And I am going to be a bit selfish and say this. It is over my birthday. So my birthday is the 23rd.

So this is also about me. This is a cool event, but it's also a lot about. Yeah, 23rd. The 20th is all about you. It's all about you. That day is mine. We'll see if you get some Scandinavian candy shipped in for that day. We'll see what we can do.

As long as I get some carrot cake on my birthday. I got you. I got you. It's a simple thing. And I got to mention, this has been done with the MLB before. The pro athlete golf tour did this back in November, December.

And I think it was about 20, a little over 20 MLB guys did this current, former same thing, and they loved it. And they said from what they were saying, same thing we were saying. They said, if anything, I know there was one guy on the golf team. I think he was like a 14-19 handicap.

He didn't even care. He just wanted to be there and just golf with the fellas. So if anything, like I said, come just golf with the fellas. That's all it is. Yeah. DZ said it perfectly. It's tough to get these trips on the books. It really is.

And this is an easy excuse, especially as it keeps growing. How's the game, DZ, right? now. What's really working in the bag? The putter. The putter in the short game, believe it or not, so I moved to Miami when I retired and I thought my game was going to just take off and be incredible. And I actually haven't played

as much as I would have liked living here. I played more this summer. I'm spending a lot of time up in New York and the Hamptons. So I got an epic week coming up next week, actually. I'm playing Sabonik on the night. I'm just looking at my calendar. I'm playing Sabonik on the 9th. Then I got Shinnecock on the 10th, so number four rated course.

And then the following week, I got, and then the following week, I got Pine Valley. So it's a nice, nice stretch of golf. So this will be a good test for the game. Yeah, I can imagine I'm going to get, I'm going to get beat up, but it'll be worth it. We might have our future champion from the golf tournament right here on the pod right now. We're getting ready for the tournament on these courses beforehand. My dark horse is getting Pavelsky involved. he's going to mop the floor with everybody.

Yeah, yeah, he's good. He's good. That would be good. Dan just wants to get past so he can bet on him and try to win some money. That's his agenda. But hey, listen, this is going to be an incredible event. We're so excited about it. We're so excited to see all the boys here.

And like Tom was saying, the guests are going to start pouring in is now we're going to go public with it and put the press on. But we're looking forward to it so much. Half Moon Bay, like Tomer said. to August D.P.'s birthday. Hell of a trip. Super excited about it. Any other big talking points on it, Tom? I think you just visit the pro athlete golf tour.com. There's register there. I mean, we're going to pump out content, obviously. But just, I mean, if anything, like I said, I know I keep talking about it, but it's just going to be a fun tournament. Come, I think everyone says, come put your money where your mouth is and see who the best golfer is.

With a handicap or without a handicap, it doesn't matter. So I get some money and have some fun at the end of the day. Absolutely. And DZ, this has been unreal, dude. Thank you for hopping on. Tomra, obviously, always great to have you. Is there anything you want to shout out before we let you go? Nothing.

I appreciate you guys doing the research. That was fun. You know, it's very rare you get an opportunity to talk about some new things and definitely some touching moments for my career that people may not know about. You know, I'm being a professional athlete, not many things are kept private any more and there's a few things I do like to keep I guess close to the vest but I mean there's some moments that I guess would maybe reveal who I am as a person that people may not know about or you know people like to assume things on what they read or what they hear so I appreciate

you guys doing the research and you know it was enjoyable talking about some of that stuff yeah of course my man it's what it's all about it's what it's all about for I know for myself or people that may want like what are what are you doing now at like post hockey like what are what are some things that you're doing now after after hockey because I understand yeah I got a few things going on um so have my real estate license here in florida I actually got it while I was planning in in in Ottawa we quarantined so many times um I felt like it was a good opportunity to do something productive with my time and um advance myself as a human being and prepare for the next chapter because I knew it was you know coming soon

or than later. I'm doing some work with a luxury golf travel company. Their name's All Access. So we curate bucketless trips all over the world, Ireland, Scotland, Kiowa, you name it. And we do events as well. So Masters, Waste Management Open, Open, U.S. Open Rider Cup. So that's been a lot of fun.

As I'm sure you guys know by now, I'm a golf addict. So any chance to go to these events or golf these courses has been awesome. And so a few things in the golf space that I'm working on. I know Tom and I, we've been in talks about trying to make this Parathi golf for something even bigger. I think we have some great ideas. We'll worry about this first event and then hopefully have it take off and do something big. And we'll keep your boys posted because we definitely want you involved.

I think it could be a ton of fun and something that people will be itching to have more frequent. Yeah, for sure. That's awesome. Absolutely, boys. No doubt about it. No doubt about it. We'll keep getting this thing bigger and bigger and can't wait until we get there. But again, thanks both of you for coming on and we'll just keep spreading the word about this awesome event. It's going to be a blast. Of course. Can't wait.

Thank you, guys. Yeah, thank you, boys. Hell yeah, boys.