Playoff Hockey Stories and Listener Questions - FT Terry Ryan Sr. - 304B
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In this episode of Tales with TR, host Terry Ryan welcomes legendary hockey player Terry Ryan Sr. for a deep dive into his storied career and personal memories. The conversation kicks off with reflections on the recent Hockey Helps the Homeless fundraiser in Newfoundland, where Ryan Sr. reunites with old teammates like Brad Brown and James Shepard, leading to a touching revelation about Shepard’s aunt Susan, whom Ryan Sr. once dated in grade school. The discussion then shifts to playoff memories, with Ryan Sr. recounting his professional journey through the IHL and WHA, including a heartbreaking seventh-game loss in Muskegon where he was benched despite being a top scorer. He shares his belief that size and physicality are crucial in playoff hockey, advocating for the Leafs to prioritize a stud defenseman in the draft. The episode also explores Ryan Sr.'s favorite players, including his admiration for Ted Williams and Don Mattingly, and his love for classic films like Pulp Fiction and Cool Hand Luke. He reflects on his life in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, and shares his favorite month—July—along with plans for summer outings and the Churchill Festival. The episode closes with passionate commentary on the Edmonton Oilers’ management, criticizing their failure to support Connor McDavid despite his legendary status and sacrifice, and calling for a full rebuild to honor his legacy.
Size and physicality in hockey are critical in playoff battles, especially in tight corners.
Connor McDavid deserves a better supporting cast and should be given the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup.
The Leafs should prioritize drafting a top-tier defenseman over a centerman, even if it means trading stars.
Small-town Newfoundland had a vibrant sports culture despite limited resources, with hockey, baseball, and local rivalries shaping identity.
Personal connections—like meeting a teammate's aunt—are among the most meaningful memories in life.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Fundraiser Recap
The episode opens with a welcome to Tales with TR, highlighting the recent Hockey Helps the Homeless fundraiser in Newfoundland, featuring pros like Brad Brown, James Shepard, and Darren Langdon. Host Terry Ryan reflects on the event's success and introduces guest Terry Ryan Sr.
Reunion and Personal Memories
“I just burst out laughing. I couldn't believe that Susan was his aunt, and he gave me a bit of her life story. She became a doctor. She's living in Wisconsin, but I haven't seen Susan in, I'd say, 50 years, and I bet she's beautiful now as she was then. Small world.”
Playoff Journey and Coaching Lessons
“We had them down 3-0 and lost four straight. And I remember in the seventh game at home, I was fifth in the league that year in scoring over 100 points. The four guys in front of me went straight to the NHL. But I was owned by the North Stars then. But anyway, I remember I went out the first shift. And in his mind, I did something wrong. I don't know what. I was one of his best point getters. He benched me the rest of the game, one shift. Seventh game at home, we lost 9-2.”
Draft Analysis and Team Building
“If you're going to get in the playoff and it's going to go four rounds and you're going in the corner with a guy who's 6'3", 225, and I'm 5'9", 175. He doesn't even have to run me. We've just got to be battling for the puck, and he's got to lean on me. It takes so much more energy out of you. And that's why I think the bigger team with equal abilities is going to win.”
Favorite Players and Films
Ryan Sr. shares his favorite hockey players, including his childhood idol Darryl Keon, and his top two Quentin Tarantino films: Pulp Fiction and The Hateful Eight. He also praises Cool Hand Luke and its iconic line: 'What we have here is a failure to communicate.'
“I don't think anyone in Edmonton, any fan would say, oh, they could understand it. And they say, you're right. He fucking deserves it. And they should. I do. That's how strongly I feel. He's by far and away the best player and hasn't like they criticize him seven points in six games playing on one leg. And, you know, he could get so many goals and so many points and whatever and whatever. And they criticize him. I mean. I don't understand it.”
“We had them down 3-0 and lost four straight. And I remember in the seventh game at home, I was fifth in the league that year in scoring over 100 points. The four guys in front of me went straight to the NHL. But I was owned by the North Stars then. But anyway, I remember I went out the first shift. And in his mind, I did something wrong. I don't know what. I was one of his best point getters. He benched me the rest of the game, one shift. Seventh game at home, we lost 9-2.”
“They've had the best player in the world for 10 years. If you went and you ask an 80-year-old lady on her way picking up groceries, what do Edmonton need? She would have told you a goalie.”
Host
Guest
Terry Ryan Sr.
person
Edmonton Oilers
other
Connor McDavid
person
Toronto Maple Leafs
other
Brad Brown
person
James Shepard
person
Hockey Helps the Homeless
organization
Quentin Tarantino
person
Susan Shepard
person
New York Yankees
other
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