1094115324079799 Moving Closer to Habs Hockey | Canadiens Connection ep 115 - Canadiens Connection

Episode 115

Moving Closer to Habs Hockey | Canadiens Connection ep 115

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

This Week’s Show


Segment 1: Week in Review, Habs News, League News

  • The Florida Panthers have signed forward Anthony Duclair to a one-year contract. The guys take a look around at the remaining UFAs with the season just around the corner.
  • Former Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty has been the subject of some trade rumours out of Vegas. He said the rumours are "lightweight stuff" after playing in Montreal.
  • Canadiens prospect report - Habs prospect Jordan Harris named Hockey East player of the week. Joni Ikonen has been skating and could return soon. Alexander Gordin with a three-point game on Friday.
  • World Junior Championship report - The Canadiens will have three players in the tournament: Kaiden Guhle, Cole Caufield and Jan Mysak. Kirby Dach named captain of team Canada with Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram as the alternates. 10 positive COVID-19 tests at WJC on Friday.
  • Arrests have been made after the theft of Wayne Gretzky memorabilia from the house of Walter Gretzky. 
  • NHL Return to Play - The NHL and NHLPA have reached a tentative agreement for a 56-game season that will begin on January 13th. Questions still remain on how it will look, including whether the entire season will be played in the United States. Quebec premier, Francois Legault says the province's health restrictions will not be an obstacle for the Canadiens.


Segment 2: WJC 2021: The Most Wonderful Time 

  • Rocket Sports Junior Hockey specialist, Mike Raschle, joins the show to preview the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships. Rick and Joe talk with Mike about Team Canada and his expectations entering the tournament. Who poses the biggest challenge to Canada? Will Canada get stability between the pipes? The guys discuss this and more!


Segment 3: Have Your Say

  • Social media reactions.
  • Listener's calls and texts
  • Bad tweet of the week


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About the Podcast

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Canadiens Connection
Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio brings you news, expert analysis and informed commentary about the Montreal Canadiens and NHL hockey.

About your hosts

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Rick Stephens

Rick is the Founder and President of Rocket Sports, and has been the visionary leading our evolution. He also serves as the Editor of The Hockey News - Montreal. This followed a long, successful career in academia. These days, you’ll find him where he is most comfortable, in an arena press box or sharing his insights from behind a microphone.
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Michael Spinella

Michael was born and raised in Ottawa but, has settled in Montreal as a young professional. He grew up a Sens fan, but now enjoys watching all NHL teams and following prospects throughout their development. Michael has experience in Podcasting, Photography and Audio Production, which he uses to share his excitement and joy of the game.
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Amy Johnson

From Draft Day to winning a championship, Amy is a credentialed professional hockey reporter at the junior, national, NCAA, IIHF, ECHL, AHL, and NHL levels.

She has extensive experience writing game recaps, interviewing players, coaches, scouts, and management, recording live social media hits, and analyzing the game, in addition to providing original still photography of game action. You can view her work at AHLReport.com.