Hockey Northwest - Home of the Canucks Outsider Podcast

TOO MANY DAVES - Dr. Seuss

Did I ever tell you that Mrs. McCave
Had twenty-three sons and she named them all Dave?

Well, she did. And that wasn't a smart thing to do.
You see, when she wants one and calls out, "Yoo-Hoo!
Come into the house, Dave!" she doesn't get ONE.
All twenty-three Daves of hers come on the run!

He of the perfect hair, the unheralded hockey career as captain of the Maine Blackbears, a law degree, and a noted contract expert is "relieved" of his duties {Nonis relieved of General Manager and Senior Vice-President}. Alas, as a life long Canucks fans (he and me both), I am sure he is far from "relieved" and likely quite frustrated, possibly embarrassed, and certainly thoroughly disgusted. He wasn't a perfect GM but also managed the team during a absurd lock-out, ongoing lawsuits x2, a messy ownership change and major front office personal changes.

It seemed to me, the GM, the owners, the coach and the players were a bit of an odd mix - also i am not seeing any brilliant young minds who can step into the gig with more valour then Dave.  Some say he wasn't experienced enough or didn't have sufficient respect from other GMs to take get calls answered and deals done but, when you compare his performance to other GMs in flux (Leafs ousted John Ferguson, Sens Bryan Murray, Floraida Jacques Martin, Atlanta's Don Waddell) or consider the mess Doug Maclean made of the ill-fated Blue Jackets or Jay Feaster in TB or Milbury/Snow of NYI, Dave did a decent job.  Unfortunately, when stacked against Detroit's Ken Holland, NJ's Lou Lamarello, Doug Riseborough of the Wilds, he didn't do enough to raise this team to the top.

I give some blame to injuries, a disconnect between coach's system and players' skills, and a legacy of mediocrity but those are part of the game. 

BTW, anyone really thinking Ken Holland will leave the most-successful franchise of the recent era to ressurect the flailing Canucks just cause he's from Vernon is in need of reality check. Ditto on Brian Burke. Pat Quinn is more likely (Is Quinn back IN? by Ian Bell), nevertheless i am leery of going back in time to attempt to recreate lost magic. If Scott Bowman would take the gig though, i'd pay him whatever he wants - he's only won *everywhere* he's worked. Pierre Lacroix used to make some deal magic for the Avs but seemed to be a no-salary cap kinda GM.

Also, no matter who's at the helm, i am convinced the Canucks need to find a solid, money centre to build around.  All successful teams have a clutch goalie (check), a steady, defensive-minded, somewhat intimidating blueliner (sorta check), and centre who wins faceoffs, skates well, knows hockey, and is a strapping - or at least durable - lad who can distribute and snipe as needed a la Lecavailer, Thornton, Sakic, Brind a'mour ... (no check) and, then a second line who can score and take advantage of 2nd tier defensive matchups (possible check). The rest of the team can slot in with the easier to find grinders, chippers, specialist, energy guys, PKers, and so on. 

Right now, i'd trade anyone on the team for Malkin and Jordan Staal and rebuild around them. Since that won't happen, and i don't see much beyond could-be-good d-man and the possibly-a-sniper-but-undersized wingers and a string of "the next great goalie" the new GM has some work to do. The question is: How much of a rebuilding will we see this time around? The old core are gone to make money elsewhere without the drama and lofty expectations we foist upon them and everyone is tradeable i think including the suddenly holy Kesler, the belaugered Sedins, the gotta-be-pissed-off Luongo and all the 3/4 liners.

Rypien ain't gonna save the team, nor is Raymond, Brown, Bourdon or McIver. Sure Edler and Burrows over-performed and we all love a bargain but they aren't guys who will hoist a Conn Smythe (as cool as that'd be). No ones holding their breath for Grabner to fulfill expectations and Patrick White is a complete unknown and Schneider will take time. So where will the next Trevor Linden come from? Trade/FA or possibly a Restricted FA offer sheet (heh to RJ Umberger maybe). And old Markus Naslund - from yearly hero to persona non grata - has a all-time leading scorer ever been treated with such indifference and borderline scorn. My two-nie is on him playing for MoDo next year.

I'd very much like to know about Dave Nonis outside of recent Canucks exploits ~ learn who cuts his hair, what he studied at law school, what kind of player he is/was, who was his fave Nucks growing up, experiences in NYC, and the like but alas, Dave, we hardly knew ya.

For my part, good luck and happy times ahead to Dave. 

All-time Canucks Dave Team

L Dave Balon

D Dave Baybch

D David Dunn

D David Fortier

C Dave Gagner

D David Logan

L Dave Lowry

W Dave Capuano

G Dave Mclelland

R Dave Morrison

D Dave Richter

L Dave Roberts

L Dave Saunders

C Dave Scatchard

L Dave Williams

GM Dave Nonis 

In the shadow of the NHL trade deadline, Dave ~ and several late night beers ~ bid farewell to Matt Cooke and examine other possible player swaps. Then after some tasty rockin', peers down the road ahead to the hectic schedule of "must-win" games, and recounts of visit with Kent of We are all Canucksleheads while recording with the Crazy Canucks and the Ultimate Canuck Search guys at the Canucks open practice who asked "Can-U-Nuck?".

Download The Pressure Cooker! - Canucks Outsider #61 (.mp3, 43:22, 35MB)

Subscribe to Canucks Outsider podcast Feed and/or iTunes

See also The Crazy Canucks - We are all Canucksleheads 

Music by:

Rodeo Kill - "Outlaw Country Band from Olympia, WA" Old Hank, Hearbreak away from Hell

Derek K. Miller - Striking Silver 

Numbskulz - Wannabe

More Numbskulz: 

Meet the Numbskulz - Choogle on #19

Catching Up with The Numbskulz - Choogle on #26

The Numbskulz Grow Up and Rock Out - Choogle on #55

Canucks Outsider kicks off 2008 a little delayed but in grand style with Dave and Dan covering wealth of topics in-studio over all-star weekend. In between beers, topics include the recent Spengler Cup tournament in Davos Switzerland, World Juniors in Pradubice Czech Rep (and ask if Canada's domination is good for international hockey?), 2010 Winter Games hockey tournament format. 

Moving on to the Canucks, they discuss the first half of the season in relation to expectations plus Markus Naslund's leadership, Luongo's Vezina chances, revolving defensemen, evolving line combos, regaining divisional intimidation, international beverages, and what's ahead in the South East roadtrip.   

Download All-Star Forecasting and Drinking - Canucks Outsider #60 (.mp3, 49:58, 40MB)

Subscribe to Canucks Outsider podcast Feed and/or iTunes

See also The Crazy Canucks

Music:

DOA "Whatcha gonna Do"

Hoytis "the Bunker" "Leaving Town"

Derek K. Miller (Penmachine) "Striking Silver"

The Weakerthans "Tournament of Hearts" 

Made by Dave Thorvald Olson with Dan Funboy

A slow turnaround and a quick edit for this episode of Canucks Outsider with DaveO enjoying a couple conversations with Dan Funboy - one before the home Red Wings game and another chunk from a week or two earlier before the game versus the Sharks recalling twin wins versus Oilers.  Usual banter and wisdom about positions, linecombos, teamplay, faceoffs, with shoutouts to foreign lands - now fortified with Centre ice.

Download Shifting into Gear, Sorta - Canucks Outsider #58 (mp3, 43:15, 35MB)

Subscribe to Canucks Outsider Feed - iTunes

Photo DaveO, arted up by Bread the Producer

Music by: The Numbskulz, The Black Angels, The Crimea, Derek K. Miller (penmachine.com), Bill Janovitz, Rambling Canuck

With a couple of games in the bag, Dave and Dan Funboy comment on the loss versus San Jose, enjoy the OT win over Calgary, give props for Morrison's versatily and clutch-ability, ideas about a faceoff consultant, Luongo's knee and Cloutier's temper and legacy, thoughts on Sanford, and banter on Flames, Flyers and Oilers team building.  Mentions of Andrew Cassels, Joe Juneau, Team Canada Junior, and the Predators' Mason, Trotz and Martin Gelinas.

Download First Week Gone, Plenty to Come - Canucks Outsider #57

Subscribe to Canucks Outsider Feed - iTunes

St. Patricks Day Weekend bonanza begins with Dave O celebrating the win on HNIC vs Detroit and recounting a meeting with Chelios and teammates before catching up with Dan Funboy to recap OT games vs Blues and Wild plus review the Oilers situation over beers at the Cambie plus a quick visit with some Ultimate Fans heading out on the Seabus to make a video.

Download "Toe to Toe with Chelios on St. Patrick's Day - Canucks Outsider #51" (.mp3, 26:30, 24MB)

Music by One Eyed Jacks from North Van and snippets from Vancouver's St. Patrick's Day parade

Album art photo by Dave O, design by Bread the Producer

As Vancouver celebrates Cowan's emergence as a scoring force and the bra-legend is born, Dan Funboy and Dave talk about the streaking Canucks and face-offs, prospects, penalty killing and more while enjoying winter ales at the Cambie Inn.  Plus an idea from Darren Barefoot (featured on episode #27?) for a Google Map Mash-up of Canucks Pay Per View locations - possibly with reviews.

Download "Cup Crazy with Cowan at the Cambie - Canucks Outsider #50" (.mp3, 30:01, 20MB)

Music snippets: "Fake out" by Derek K. Miller

 

Subscribe to Feed and/or in iTunes   

Revised Audio Repost - original slightly screwed up, this one less so, download again as desired ...

Grab bag episode with host Dave Thorvald talking trade deadline and pre playoff prognostication with transit-riding Dan Funboy plus some South East division insight to set up the game night at the Thrashers (thanks Mark) extravagnaza including copious history and pre-game skate analysis of callups, veterans and stars.  Plus Dave checks in on the Jeff Cowan show vs. Gretzky's Coyotes with rec league dynamo Chris Bob Sugar.

Download Thrashers Game Night Variety Pack - Canucks Outsider #49 (44:11, 41MB, .mp3)

Music snippets: "Fake out" by Derek K. Miller of IHR (hear them review my beloved M Audio Microtrack) plus Bread and Av playing "$20 Bill" and Mark Olson playing "Flame."

Subscribe to Feed and/or in iTunes  

Before heading off to the rink, Dave checks in with Amigo Chris AKA Bob Sugar to break down the convincing victory over the Oilers.  Then, at the game, Dave rambles on abut the Hawks' rebuilding, Canucks' identity, Bieksa's mad fists, and discourses on beverage and hot sauce selection, while rocking out to the young rockstars Numbskulz and Soilent Green.

Download Blackhawk Thursday - Canucks Outsider podcast #48 (42:02, 39MB, .mp3)

Subscribe to Feed and/or in iTunes 

During CBC's Hockey Day in Canada, Dan Funboy and Dr. O join Dave Thorvald to discuss the Canucks' recent success, All-star game voting formats, and Leafs fans, before enjoying the Canucks 6-1 win over the Toronto squad. They also reminise about old time hockey in Regina and the impact of NHL players on Canadian towns while enjoying the coverage from Nelson to Tigsnit.

Download Canucks Outsider podcast episode #47 (23:30, 22MB, .mp3)

Subscribe to Feed and/or in iTunes

Music snippets from:

"New Years" from "Citrus" by Asobi Seksu
Friendly Fire Recordings Buy at iTunes Music Store

Randy Bachman Band "Prairie Town" (from live on KISW)

Oh Canada - recorded by DaveO at:

• Dalai Lama citizenship ceremony, GM Place, singer unknown, Summer 2006
• Canucks vs. Buffalo, GM Place 2005(?), Richard Loney (rules)
• Governor General official visit, Oslo Olympic flag ceremony, Vancouver City Hall, March 2006

Gather 'round while the whole batch of Crazy Nuckers rollick through 42 minutes of banter, served up tasty as TCC#14 - Five game streak high. 

During the winter of crazy storms, we - including Radio John, Miss Rebecca, J.J. Canuck and Alanah and Beyond (though she drops off, i still am on pace for the most disconnect +/- for the season.  What's that trophy called?) - enjoy the streak and check in on Rory, Burrows, Green, Linden, Luongo, and Naslund while i (DaveOutsider) also offer some lengthy discourse on the South East and North West divisions, building teams for the playoffs, Sedins scoring off the rush, World Junior tournament ... among other things i've forgotten.  oh yeah, we do some Canucks on the All-star team predictions.

Just roll on over to thecrazycanucks.com for more show notes and such or simply subscribe to the podcast for maximum handiness.

At the Pacific Coliseum to see the Vancouver Giants vs the Everett Silvertips duing the festive season, Dave enjoys some wine in a box seat and reminices with Mark about Canucks games past, prospecting prospects, win versus Flames, teddy bear toss while enjoying some Vince Guaraldi, Dean Martin, and JFA.

Download Canucks Outsider podcast episode #46 (40:11, 37MB, .mp3)

Subscribe to Feed and/or in iTunes

photo/art by Bread the producer

In the 2nd intermission versus the Blue Jackets, Dave talks about seeing the Blackhawks game with Karl from Winnipeg on Grey Cup Sunday.  Plus wins vs. Detroit, and drinkin' to forget the losses to Preds and Avs .

Moreover, an invite to Dave Nonis (former Cap'n of the Maine Black Bears) to chat over a beverage at the Queen's Cross and thoughts on the teams' ails,.

Finally, a thrilling opportunity to come on the show!  Just give me 2 free tickets to the games vs. Canes, Thrashers or Lightning ;-)) and a few other gift giving ideas for a diligent podcaster.

Canucks Outsider #44 (25:07, 23.1MB, .mp3)

Fine tunes by Silversun Pick-ups "Well Thought out Twinkles" from KEXP's Song of the Day podcast, "Drinkin'" by the defunct Frequency db - check out Mastan Music hour podcast with Sam Densmore (and Jeremy Wilson), now of Silverhawk with John C. Densmore, and Bread the proucer with some grooves.

Waiting for the Seabus, Dave catches up with a few game recaps (Washington Nashville, Minnesota, Colorado and Dallas) and chats about Jacques Lemaire's tan, Rolston's language, and identifies Canuck killers and recounts Nucks struggle to hold a lead and close out games. 

Canucks Outsider #43 (24:16, .mp3, 22.4MB)

Plus he comes across a talented and enthusiastic busker named Clayton, playing the Wayne Gretzky montge song before heading across the inlet to the North Shore mountains to watch the Nucks take on the Ducks (insert foreboding organ music here) and encouraging a listen to Choogleon podcast.

More music in this episode by The (savant-like) Numbskulz of Pe Ell Washington and Sam Densmore of Portland, OR (also the co-host of Mastan Music Hour podcast and a recording engineer at Mastan Music). 

As the Canucks return from an epic Central/Pacific division roadtrip and prepare to face the Capitals at home with new giant scoreclock, Dave and Mark the Motivational Speaker discuss the first few weeks of the season including evident heart, grit and confidence. 

Canucks Outsider #42 (.mp3, 28:48, 26.4MB) 

More topics include Stars from Dallas (i.e. Turco, Morrow) and Russia (i.e. Ovechkin and Malkin) and weighted schedule woes, Buffalo heroics, halloween worthy hockey uniforms, Nashville preview, Mitchell's injury, Team 1040 radio props and request for FM simulcast.

DaveO's season kick-off roadtrip continues with Dan Funboy driving the bus at a busy tavern in Olympia, Washington.  Along with Buddy Lance and a noisy jukebox, they offer analysis of most every Canuck player and breakdown the first two wins vs. Detroit and Columbus.

Canucks Outsider #40 (31:08, .mp3)

 
Dan Funboy and Buddy Lance, Canucks and beverage enthusiasts 

Season Kickoff Roadtrip Part 1, Northside.  One and a third games into the young season, Dave Thorvald harnesses the choatic fury of Mark the Motivational Speaker and Greg the Unstable German to disect Vancouver fans, Trevor Linden's career and lawsuit, Penguins homebase, marketing the league's players, US TV coverage, local media hacks plus the usual assortment of daring predictions and witty banter.

Canucks Outsider #39 (30:04, .mp3)

 

With the 2006-07 season looming, Canucks Outsider host Dave Thorvald checks in with Mark the Motivational Speaker. 

Canucks Outsider #38 (28:40, .mp3)

From a park bench in view of the Garage and mischievous dogs, they offer a quick and sloppy off-season wrap-up, random preseason predilections and studious regular season prognostication as well as highly speculative playoff hunches.  Besides getting to know the many new Canucks, they discuss topics from Coach Glen Hanlon to the art of face-offs to GM Garth Snow.

DaveO and Sweatpants Mark talk summertime Canucks, Whalers and more hockey news while cracking a few late night beverages on the porch. 

Listen to Canucks Outsider #37 (.mp3 31:52)

Topics include Whalers/Hurricanes winning the Cup, Canucks signing Louongo and Mitchell, new look defense, empty RW slots, refined strategy and other reasons for optimism.  Plus chatter on Moose callup, Coyotes overpaying players, Martin Gelinas, Brendan Shanahan, Gilbert Perrault, achy legs and preview of state of the franchise address.

The "missing interview episode" with Dave Thorvald chatting with hockey aficianados in Olympia, WA including fantasy champ Puget Ranger, KB Smooth & Funboy in a smoky van, plus John and Rebecca chime in.

Listen to Canucks Outsider Episode 30 (18:01)

photo by DaveO, more on Flickr

Belated due to technical difficulties, but ... On the Seabus, Dave offers comments on Crawford's release from duties, new coach speculation, insipid Vancouver reporters, Dave Nonis remarks, Jovo re-signing, and the future of the 'Nucks.

Listen Up! (.m4a) - Canucks Outsider #29

photo by Dave O

Plus, rambles on about first round playoff series, favorite centres, and mentions Radio Zoom, Sens Underground and Miss 604.

The day after the last game of consequence of the Canucks season, Dave and Dan discuss what went wrong and what might happen in the off-season with help from tasty beers.  Plus banter on about playoff match-ups, upcoming amateur draft, and what to do with all the free time.

Dave Thorvald, clearly affected by the end-of-season crunch, recounts the euphoria of the overtime win versus Calgary win and the disheartening loss versus Ducks, plus post-game report from Darren Barefoot and 'Nuck sightings by Austin Lee. 

Listen Up! Canucks Outsider #27 (.m4a)

Thanks to Mudhoney, Numbskulz and you.
Plus: Anson Carter's Big Up Entertainment 

Part Two of Two - Extended Canucks Outsider

Dave Thorvald - feeling the pressure of the final five Canucks games - rambles on about character, strategy and good luck charms in the hours leading up the critical Hockey Night in Canada matchup versus the Calgary Flames.  

Listen up! Canucks Outsider #26, Part 2

He waxes nostalgic while reviewing Canucks history and recapping the highs and lows of the Canucks' seasons since 1993-94, then indulges in a few thoughts from the 1970s while reading an article about Jake Milford flying to Sweden in the Pig Express.   Grab two beverages, it's a long one. 

Canucks.com Hall of Fame
Canucks Library

Part One of Two - Extended Canucks Outsider

Dave Thorvald - feeling the pressure of the final five Canucks games - rambles on about character, strategy and good luck charms in the hours leading up the critical Hockey Night in Canada matchup versus the Calgary Flames.  

Listen up! Canucks Outsider #26, Part 1

He waxes nostalgic while reviewing Canucks history and recapping the highs and lows of the Canucks' seasons since 1993-94, then indulges in a few thoughts from the 1970s while reading an article about Jake Milford flying to Sweden in the Pig Express.   Grab two beverages, it's a long one. 

Canucks.com Hall of Fame
Canucks Library

 

Dave Thorvald catches up on a smattering of Canucks topics including trade deadline deals, inter-personal relationship intrigue, playoff forecast and players knowing their role.

Listen to Canucks Outsider #25!


Canucks static montage

Plus updates on Giants playoff series versus Prince George Cougars, B.C. Women's Championship, Winter Olympic flag ceremony, and an unusual amount of housekeeping details where Dave pimps his other podcasts, encourages listener participation and schelps Bryght websites.

Mentions of:
Vancouver Canucks Op-Ed
Darren Barefoot
Radio Zoom
Vancouver Sun article about podcasting "Now hear this! Part 2"
Vancouver Canucks newsgroup
Postcards from Gravelly Beach (literature podcast)
Choogle on with Uncle Weed (podcast of adventures and hi-jinx)
Clubside Breakfast Time (eggs, bacon and Olympia music)
i am dave (at) olsonboys.org


VANOC CEO John Furlong

BC Women's hockey championship at Harry Jerome

Pics by Dave O

In post-Olympic hangover mode, host Dave Thorvald and Dan Funboy gear up for the stretch run of the Canucks season by talking about defensemen injuries and call-ups, impending trade deadline, and goalie ideas as Dave dozes off to some bluesy jazz riffs.

Canucks Outsider Episode #24 (.m4a)

Dave Thorvald is joined by Mark Sommer during half-time of the Seahawks' big battle to talk about the horrible Superbowl officiating plus the Canucks' recent wins versus Phoenix and Calgary and the Edmonton game. Topics include: Bertuzzi's desire, Olympic speculation, faceoff woes, Latvian fans, vodka, Dave's SLC 2002 photodiary, plus look ahead to games versus Blue Jackets, Blues and more.

Listen to Canucks Outsider #23!

self-pic by Dan Funboy

In-game as the Canucks beat the Buffalo Sabres, Dave in his Kansas City Blades jersey discusses injuries and line-up changes, silent auctions, east-coast Canucks fans, all-star centre Artem Chubarov, wins vs Pens and Isles and loss to Devils, and mentions of Sens Underground podcast and thrifty Last Seat tickets.

Listen to Game-night with Beers plus Roadtrip report - Canucks Outsider #21!

Woefully late to post however ... after the Dallas loss, Dave and Dan Funboy (rather objectively) discuss fine-tuning the Canucks, plus post-game comments from the Dallas game and Lance drops by for some fantasy league chatter.

Listen Tackling the Slide and Fantasy Chatter - Canucks Outsider #19!