The Prairie Perspective Podcast: Recent Episodes
Matthew Johnson
Eric Balon, Matthew Johnson, Carter Boehm and Dhanush Bala bring the heat, providing their takes and opinions on the happenings within the world of sports, with a prairie flavour, while mixing in interviews with prominent athletes, media staples and a slew of local legends.
The boys bring on the ultimate UFC reporter, a man who hails from north of the border: ESPN's own Ariel Helwani to discuss all the storylines going on in the sport right now, as well as chat some of the most notable events of his career, while also touching on the New York Knicks and a little CFL talk (19:00).
The boys also break down the 2021 Masters and the NHL trade deadline, throwing out some takes on the Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno and Anthony Mantha moves.
The boys catch in with Jimmy Lambert as he makes his second appearance on the pod to talk to the boys about the Michigan Wolverines men’s hockey team’s impending Frozen Four run, playing alongside Owen Power, Matthew Beniers and Kent Johnson, Michigan hoops, Cole Caufield. (29:29)
The boys also talk the NBA Trade Deadline, Tim Peel, the Blades hot start, the SJHL and March Madness.
The boys catch in with Football Canada president Jim Mullin and host of TSN’s Krown Gridiron U to talk a potential CFL/XFL merger, what the 2021 CFL season might look like, as well as the Saskatchewan Huskies and 2021 Canada West football season. (18:05)
We also chat with local bracketologist Owen Weiss to gain some insight into this years rendition of March Madness, as the boys throw around some takes regarding their brackets. (36:20)
The boys also talk Andy Dalton to the Bears, Fitzy to Washington, Connor Bedard’s hot start, Saskatoon getting a CPL team and Dhanush lays down his pick for the week the Honda Classic after nailing Bryson and JT in back to back weeks.
The boys catch in with Nolan Machibroda, a Saskatoon native currently starring at Lubbock Christian University. We shoot it with Nolan about his aspirations in baseball and the upcoming MLB draft, life in Texas, how wild JUCO really is, the underground fight scene, and more. (19:36)
We also catch in ESPN’s Nabil Karim to discuss his transition to Bristol from TSN and hanging around legends like SVP, Kyle Lowry and his future with the Raptors, interviewing the likes of Novak Djokovic and David Beckham, and more. (52:09)
The boys also chat Dak Prescott’s big ticket, talk what’s up in the Canadian division, run down the week that was at Bayhill as Dhanush makes his pick at the Players, while the boys wrap up with UFC 259.
The boys bring a WHL-heavy episode, as we bring in two stars from Saskatchewan’s most prominent organizations and a mix of young and old. 20-year-old Saskatoon Blades captain Chase Wouters is set to partake in his final season in the league and his third wearing the ‘C’ for the Bridge City bunch. Chase makes his second appearance on the pod and we get into what this season is looking like, who to watch for and what life after this season looks like for him. (17:40)
We also bring on Regina Pats rookie forward Connor Bedard, who is set to make his debut in the WHL next week as a 15-year-old after receiving the league’s first-ever exceptional status. We chat with Connor about his impending debut, his time in Sweden earlier this year, getting a call from Wayne Gretzky, skating alongside top prospects and NHL stars, and more. (49:08)
The boys also breakdown some of the big rumblings within the NFL, Connor Zary’s hot start with the Stockton Heat, what’s new on the PGA Tour and Eric and Dhanush throw down their picks for UFC 259.
Mike Babcock to the Huskies is making noise across the province, so we brought in TSN’s Darren Dreger, who broke the news Saturday afternoon, to discuss his reaction, how long he thinks Mike stays at the U of S, what the reaction around the league is and his potential return to the NHL (8:23).
We also talked with U SPORTS hockey insider Victor Findlay to discuss his reaction to the hiring, what it means for the Huskies program, how the move is being viewed amongst recruits and what a U SPORTS season may look like in 2020-21 (46:45).
The boys also share our thoughts on the move, the Carson Wentz trade, the wild finish at Riviera, Dhanush’s pick for the WGC and a Scandinavian spa coming to the Willows?
The boys caught up with Reese Johnson, a Saskatoon native, to talk about his emergence into the Chicago Blackhawks lineup this season, playing alongside Patrick Kane, Laine getting socked, and living in the Windy City. (36:41)The boys also run down the Russel Wilson drama, discuss old Lorraine’s displeasure with the GOAT slinging Lombardi across the Bay and get into the Red Deer Rebels living in their arena.
Saskatoon native Byron Bitz comes on to talk to the boys about his career in the NHL with the Bruins, Panthers and Canucks, playing with the likes of Zdeno Chara and Phil Kessel in Boston, Bruce Cassidy, being teammates with Kevin Bieksa and the Sedin’s in Vancouver and more (19:19).
The boys also give their thoughts on the Super Bowl, talk about who they like for next year’s NFL season and give our Canadian Division power rankings (40:19).
Elk Ridge Resort Local Headlines:
- Jashon Henry and the Bradley Braves (15:00)
- Adam Beckman’s first AHL goal (16:14)
- WHL Bubble (17:08)
The boys tee-up the Super Bowl and provide our picks for the big game and do some prop talk. We also touch on the Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff trade (12:37), as well as Trevor Bauer landing in Los Angeles (25:23), before bringing on a long list of local legends to come talk shop as Ben Fairweather, Joe Marien, Zach Putters, Dallas Dahlseide and Connor Jay all deliver their hot takes for Super Bowl LV.
Ben Fairweather - 33:08
Joe Marien - 44:50
Zach Putters - 51:30
Dallas Dahlsiede - 55:28
Connor Jay - 1:01:00
Matt and Eric bring on Saskatoon native Ryan Keller to the pod, as the former pro discusses his lengthy career and his stops both as a player and coach with the Blades. Ryan also gets in to his stops along his journey including winning a Calder Cup in Binghamton, his NHL debut with Ottawa, representing Canada at the Spengler Cup, playing alongside Auston Matthews in Zurich, as well as against the likes of Patrick Kane and John Tavares in the Switzerland National League.
The boys also get in to the NFC and AFC championship games and touch on the Patrik Laine for Pierre-Luc Dubois trade.
The boys talk some hockey with Kelly McCrimmon, the General Manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, and discuss Chandler Stephenson's contract and role in 2021, his experience in the NHL Expansion Draft, the Golden Knights inaugural season back in 2017-18, his pursuit of Alex Pietrangelo in free agency, his tenure as GM and owner of the Brandon Wheat Kings, the 2021 NHL Season, and more. (34:06)
We also touch on the NFL Divisional Round (0:46), throw down our picks for the NFC and AFC Championship games (20:31), discuss the first week of the NHL season (25:54), the James Harden trade (1:07:17), UFC 257 (1:17:19) and George Springer signing with the Blue Jays (1:21:01).
The boys catch in with an absolute beauty in Saskatchewan comedian Kelly Taylor and shoot it about Sasky, golf, Graham DeLaet, Zoom gigs, the World Juniors, Colby Armstrong and more. We also touch on the 2021 World Juniors, the NHL season and our predictions for the Canadian division, while ending the episode with some thoughts on the NFL Divisional games.
The boys catch up with TSN’s James Duthie to talk about his new book Beauties: Hockey’s Greatest Untold Stories, discuss his favourite World Juniors moment, tee up the 2021 rendition of the tournament, while also getting into his career as a whole and some of the many notable events he’s had the chance to cover, like the 2020 Masters (32:55). We also catch up with recurring guest Connor Jay to discuss some of the major NBA storylines and throw down some predictions for the leagues Rookie of the Year and MVP awards (1:07:54). We also touch on Kirby Dach’s injury and throw down some predictions for NBA’s Christmas Day games and Week 16 of the NFL Draft.
The boys talk to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, who drops by to discuss his new book Everyday Hockey Heroes Vol. 2. We also touch on the 2021 IIHF World Juniors and Connor Zary, as well as what it means for him to cover the tournament (20:11). The boys also discuss Canada’s final roster, the likelihood the tournament gets off and running, the Russell Westbrook and John Wall trade and Kyrie Irving. We end off the episode run down Week 14 of the NFL season and provide their picks for Week 15.
The boys provide our Masters preview episode, as Canadian golf journalist Adam Stanley, who is covering the Masters this week for Sportsnet, comes on to tee up the tournament and discuss who he believes will be slipping on a green jacket come Sunday.
We also caught up with caddy Kenny Harms, who will be on the bag of Kevin Na, the 38th ranked player in the world this week at Augusta. Kenny shares some great insight into the world of caddying and tells some Tiger stories, while also touching on this year’s instalment of the Masters.
We also throw down some Masters picks of our own including the top Canadian, Tiger vs. Phil, top international and our champion. Before getting into golf, we touch on Week 9 of the NFL season, while also providing our picks for Week 10 action.
The boys talk to Alan Millar, the GM of Canada’s 2020 World Junior Team, as well as the GM of the Moose Jaw Warriors, to touch on the upcoming tournament, and the likes of Alexis Lafreniere, Kirby Dach, Adam Beckman and Connor Zary. As well as Millar’s thoughts on the OHL’s decision to ban body contact and what the 2021 WHL season will look like (27:50). We also catch in with Matthew Barnaby, a former NHL-er to get some stories from his tenure in the league, like playing alongside Jaromir Jagr, Dominik Hasek, Eric Lindros and more. Matthew also shares his thoughts on the Senators draft class and Hall to Buffalo (58:37). The boys touch on Week 8 of the NFL season, tee up Week 9, while also talking about Dhanush’s new putter.
The boys catch up with an absolute icon in Jeremy Roenick for an unreal interview, as JR discusses his time in Saskatoon, gambling against Michael Jordan, his friendship with Charles Barkley, partying with Dennis Rodman, representing the USA at the Olympics, Mike Keenan, Dominik Hasek, Sean Avery, Patrick Marleau and more (24:20). We also touch on Week 7 of the NFL season, provide our picks for Week 8, Kevin Cash, Justin Turner and Khabib vs. Gaethje.
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic makes his second appearance on the podcast to discuss the 2020 NHL Draft including Connor Zary landing in Calgary, while touching on and what Yaroslav Askarov heading to Nashville means for Connor Ingram, Braden Schneider, plus a look ahead to the likes of Colton Dach and Brad Lambert. Scott also discusses the chances of Zary and Adam Beckman making the Canadian World Junior team and what the tournament look like come December (1:18:39). The boys also talked to Rusty Malinoski, a Humboldt, Sask. native and one of the greatest wakeboarders of all-time. The two-time world champion and Pan Am Games gold medalist delves into the sport, his accomplishments, his upbringing, travelling to China and his friendship with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (29:37). Matt also caught up with Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney at his press conference on Tuesday morning to discuss Ajou Ajou’s breakout game against Wake Forest (24:44). The boys also touch on Dhanush’s golf game, The Match, Week 6 and 7 in the NFL, the World Series, Joe Thornton and Khabib vs. Gaethje.
The boys talk to an absolute legend as we drop one of the most anticipated interviews in pod history. Chucky Slick comes on to chats with the boys about what was behind one of the greatest songs of all time and an anthem in minor hockey dressing rooms across Saskatchewan “Living the Dream.” We also find out more about the life of Chucky and what is up with him as he lives it up over in Spain playing professional roller hockey (18:47). We also catch in with TSN’s Farhan Lalji to discuss the breakout of Abbotsford British Columbia Chase Claypool, who Farhan is extremely familiar with from his time playing high school football on the west coast. We also talk about the summer of the Vancouver Canucks, including moving on from Markstrom and the signing of Braden Holtby, the pursuit of OEL, and what’s to come for Kole Lind and Michael Ferland (1:17:36). We also recap the NBA Finals, recap the NHL Free Agency, Eric gives his thoughts on the NHL starting their season in Lake Louise, run down Week 5 of the NFL and give our picks for Week 6.
We talk with Connor Zary, fresh off the NHL Draft, as the Saskatoon native and Kamloops Blazers forward went 24th overall to the C of Red, becoming the first Saskatoon native since Brayden Schenn to be selected in the first round. We chat with him about the draft process, and what the scene was like on draft night at the Zary residence, talking to the likes of Lanny McDonald and more following the selection, and what’s to come for him, as he eyes representing Canada at the 2021 World Juniors (8:53). We also catch up with Mitch Love, the Head Coach of the Saskatoon Blades, who we had the chance to catch up with prior to the draft, and chatted with him about the likes of Zary, Alexis Lafreniere and Quinton Byfield, as well as his experience serving as an assistant at last year’s world juniors, and coaching the likes of Kirby Dach in Saskatoon, as well as Carter Hart in Everett (47:13). We also give our predictions for Week 5 of the NFL, preview NHL Free Agency and bring in Ottawa Senators analyst Brett Weiman to get his thoughts on the 2020 NHL Draft.
We talk to New Jersey Devils defensemen and Melville, Sask. native Damon Severson in one of our best interviews yet about his tenure in Jersey and playing alongside the likes of Jack Hughes, Taylor Hall and PK Subban, taking shots on Dave Portnoy in the Barstool Goalie Challenge and his experience last summer representing Canada at the World Championship (24:02). We also catch up Laine Hrushka, a native of Warman, Sask., who is now the highest selected Saskatchewan born and trained player in National League History, going in the first round 13th overall to the Georgia Swarm, and what lies ahead for him (1:10:14). The boys also talk Week 3 of the NFL season, lay down some picks for Week 4, talk the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as well a preview of the NBA Finals.
The boys talk with Tanner Boser, a UFC Heavyweight fighter from Bonnyville, Alberta, about his rise onto the scene as one of the highest-ranked heavyweights in the world, his time in the UFC bubble in Abu Dhabi, spending time as a bouncer in downtown Edmonton and his upcoming fights, and kangaroos in Australia (18:50). The boys also chat with Bill Chow, commissioner of the SJHL, aboutthe potential return of Junior A Hockey in Saskatchewan and many of the issues currently surrounding the league, including arena capacities, preventing community transmission, and more as well as potential league expansion to Warman (44:09). We also announce the winner of our Instagram giveaway, touch on Week 2 of the NFL, the NBA Conference Finals, Bryson’s win at Winged Foot and the return of ASHL Hockey.
The boys talk to Jason Davidson of Thunder Creek Player Management in Saskatoon about his life as an agent and representing the likes of Chandler Stephenson, Ethan Bear and Damon Severson. We also get his thoughts on the NHL postseason, and what he expects this October when NHL Free Agency gets underway in October (22:11). We also catch up with Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Thomas Hasal to discuss what his emergence into the starting keeper during the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, what bubble life was like at Disney World, Alphonso Davies, his time in Saskatoon, and potentially representing Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil (57:16). The boys also discuss Week 1 of the NFL season, the NHL and NBA Playoffs, and wrap with the episode wrapping with Dhanush and Eric’s live commentary of the HFFL Draft last week (1:07:30).
Matt, Eric, Carter and Dhanush get the chance to catch up with Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell to talk about the 2020 MLB season, the Blue Jays chances of making the postseason, and what it’s been like covering the team since 2002 (6:06). The boys also got the chance to chat with Prince Albert’s Tanner Byrne a couple months back, as we talk to Tanner about his transition from bull riding to bull fighting, and much more as he told some unreal stories from his time on the circuit (35:26). The boys also provide some predictions for the remainder of the second round of the NHL Playoffs and talk about the Leafs/Penguins trade which sent Kaspari Kapanen back to Pittsburgh.
Matt, Eric, Carter and Dhanush talk with Arash Madani of Sportsnet to discuss many of the current issues within the MLB, including why Arash believes a bubble-format isn’t possible for the league, as well as his thoughts on the NFL season. We also touched on a number of subjects close to home, including U SPORTS reversing their ruling on over-age players and his thoughts on what is potentially next for Lisa Thomaidis, the current head coach of the University of Saskatchewan women’s basketball team (34:59). The boys also catch in with Chase Wouters of the Saskatoon Blades to discuss the 2020-21 WHL Season, his former teammate in the Bridge City in Kirby Dach, and more (12:27). The boys also touch on the NHL Playoffs, the PGA Championship, and the NBA bubble.
Matt, Eric, Carter and Dhanush talk with former Edmonton Oiler and Ottawa Senator defensemen and Saskatoon native Eric Gryba about his NHL career, playing alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisital, winning a national championship with Boston University and what it’s like fighting Ryan Reeves, as well as his post-professional career, including “Grilling with Gryba” and suiting up for the Kindersley Senior Klippers (41:50). The boys also get the chance to chat with Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic about the Oilers playoff chances and their impending matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks, what his coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs may look like, whether Edmonton as a bubble city is worth the risk to the public and more (11:03). The boys also chat about this weeks Sask Am at Legends in Warman, NHL getting back on the ice the Blue Jays not playing in Canada in 2020, and more.
Matt, Eric, Carter and Dhanush talk with Saskatoon native and current Michigan Wolverines forward Jimmy Lambert about life in Ann Arbor, his experiences at NHL Training Camps with the Calgary Flames and New York Islanders, and playing college hockey versus the likes of Trevor Zegras, Cole Caufield and Alex Turcotte (10:34). The boys also talk to the host of TSN’s Krown Gridiron Nation to talk about what lies ahead for U SPORTS football, and specifically the Saskatchewan Huskies, as well as the CJFL and Saskatoon Hilltops (38:45). The boys also touch on the the 2020 Wakaw Annual Golf Soiree, the resumption of the NHL season, quarantining in Disney World or Dubai, and U SPORTS decision to not give 24-year-old football players another season of eligibility in 2021.
Matt, Eric, Carter and Dhanush talk with TSN Soccer Analyst Kristian Jack about Alphonso Davies and his role going forward with Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team, whether Davies is the most well known Canadian athlete in the world right now, and the state of soccer in Canada (18:07). The boys also catch up with Pittsburgh Pirates draft pick and Muenster, Saskatchewan native Logan Hofmann about getting selected in the 2020 MLB Draft, the draft process, growing up on the prairies and his history on the mound versus Carter (40:48). They also touch on the PGA Tour’s return, Sahith Theegala’s debut as a pro, the NHL Draft Lottery, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Vince Carter and more.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk to Anaheim Ducks defenseman and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native Josh Manson about his hockey career, time at Northeastern, getting drafted by the Ducks, his time with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, and he shares a legendary Kevin Bieksa story (9:07). The boys also make a big announcement with Carter Boehm becoming the fourth member of the podcast, and get into the MLB Draft, Logan Hofmann, the PGA Tour's return, stories from the boys time on the bag, the UFC and a potential Huskies vs. Hilltops matchup.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk with Saskatoon native and Canadian women's hockey player Emily Clark on her experiences with Hockey Canada, her silver medal at the 2018 Pyongchang Winter Olympics, her national championship win with Wisconsin in 2019 and the state of women's hockey (8:51). The boys also talk with Lee Genier of the CEBL and Saskatchewan Rattlers about the league's hub-city model, which would get underway in July and the challenges lie ahead in the second season of the league (47:45). They also touch on the PGA Tour’s return to action at Colonial this week, as Dhanush chooses his winner, while also discussing the NBA playoff format and FN-EH’s summer 2020 collection.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk with TSN’s MMA Reporter Aaron Bronsteter about many of the current story lines in the UFC, including Dana White’s handling of the sport’s return and what it is like to interview White, plus what he thinks about Mike Tyson’s potential return, his stance on whether GSP is the GOAT, and more (5:58). The boys also mix in an interview with University of Saskatchewan Huskies and Saskatchewan Rattlers guard Chan de Ciman about his basketball career thus far and his experiences along the way, including winning six provincial championships (40:38). The boys also talk the cancellation of the MacKenzie Tour, tennis courts in the city opening, Hooters coming to town, and more.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk to Saskatoon’s Adam Beckman, who is a draft pick of the Minnesota Wild and current member of the Spokane Chiefs. Beckman, who recently was named the WHL’s Player of the Year, talks with the boys about his career thus far in the WHL, his friendship with Connor Zary, what it would be like for him to play on home soil in next year’s World Juniors, his favourite minor hockey coach and more (23:07). The boys also talk about their weekends, including their thoughts on Sunday’s Match between Tiger/Peyton vs. Phil/Tom, while also touching on the NHL’s revised playoff format.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush catch up with Saskatoon native and Bradley Braves Jashon Henry to talk about his NCAA career thus far, experiences winning back-to-back MVC Championships, what it was like playing in March Madness against Michigan State last season, his high school career with St. Joes and Notre Dame and more (34:45). The boys also catch up with Carter Boehm to hear how things are rolling at Willows with the course opening up on Friday and to get some stories from his years in the backshop (18:15). They also touch on Eric’s May Long, their match on Opening Day, Rickie/Wolff vs. Rory/DJ, Regina no longer hosting the Grey Cup and Joe Rogan’s podcast deal.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk to 2020 Haskins Award Winner Sahith Theegala to talk about his life as a collegiate golfer, his connections with Kobe Bryant and The Bachelor’s Chris Harrison, his experiences in tour events in rounds with Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, almost taking out Jon Rahm on the range as a freshmen and what’s next for him as he chases after a career on the PGA Tour (15:37). The boys also touch on their golf match on Friday with courses in the province set to open, news about Elk Ridge, the U of S going to online classes for fall of 2020 and UFC 249.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk to ESPN senior golf writer Bob Harig to discuss his opinion on the greatest golfer of all time, his evolving relationship with Tiger Woods, what it was like covering John Daly, and more (4:01). Next, the boys take a call with TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor to discuss Chuba Hubbard’s Jon Cornish Award, what his NFL future looks like, whether NCAA football in January is possible, the danger the CFL is in, and more (37:45). The boys also discuss lacrosse, vitamin C, moustaches, and give a quick update regarding the upcoming Tiger/Peyton vs. Phil/Tom match.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk to Adam Stanley, journalist for the PGATour.com, about the happenings of Canadian golf, including: the Canadian Open, Graham DeLaet, Saskatchewan hosting professional golf, as well as his experiences with Rory McIlroy and his Mount Rushmore of Canadian tracks. (6:36) The boys also discuss what’s up in the world of sports, Eric gives a Netlfix recommendation and Dallas Cowboys correspondent Kyle Twamley joins the show to give his thoughts on the signing of Andy Dalton, before the boys wrap up with a six-team NBA mock draft.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush talk to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic to discuss the implications of COVID-19 on NHL Prospects, his evaluation of Saskatoon natives Connor Zary and Adam Beckman, and whether the 2020 World Juniors in Edmonton is in jeopardy (8:48). The boys also give a rundown of the CFL Draft from a University of Saskatchewan Huskies perspective, as 2019 Canada West Rookie of the Year and Huskies linebacker Ramsey Derbas pops in to chat (4:02). Also, Dhanush throws in his pronunciation of salmon and discusses Eric’s kitchen game, before the boys wrap up with a roundtable on an outlook of golf in the province.
Matt, Eric and Dhanush are joined by Justin Dunk of 3DownNation to look at Thursday’s CFL Draft and potential with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies draftees, COVID-19's impacts on U SPORTS and CFL, and more. (6:08) Also, Dhanush gives the run down of rappers in jail and shares his belief that cats eat fish. Then the boys wrap up with a debate on college hoops vs. the G League.