Hockey Related

Mat Trotter

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Hockey
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As a new fan to the NHL and the Utah Mammoth I explore the sport and well as the people involved. I am in my infancy as a hockey fan but I am a 25 year veteran of genealogy research. I have researched players, coaches, broadcasters, and journalists to learn more about them and their families. I found so much great information I wanted to share.

Apr 10

Nick Olczyk: Between the Benches

What kind of family produces an NHLlegend (“Edzo”), NHL executives and scouts—and a broadcaster who’s fearlessenough to stand between the benches? In this episode of Hockey Related,we dive into the story of Nick Olczyk—Utah Mammoth ice‑level analyst andone of hockey’s most fascinating new voices. You’ll hear how Nick went from callingvideo games and junior hockey to a defining moment in 2022—when he jumped intoan NHL TV broadcast at the last second for his father and didn’t miss a beat. But the Olczyk story starts long beforethe NHL. We trace the family back through a 1943 arrest in Poland, a displacedpersons camp in Germany, and a 1951 crossing to America aboard the GeneralC.C. Ballou—then forward into Chicago’s Polish community and, surprisingly,a Mayflower connection. This isn’t just a hockey story.It’s a broadcast story.It’s a family story.It’s Hockey Related. In this episode you’ll hear: Follow the show for more hockey stories, genealogy deepdives, and episodes that prove we’re all Hockey Related.

6 min
Apr 2

The Hughes Dynasty: A 100-Year Fast Break

What kind of family produces three first-round NHLbrothers—and the player who scored the 2026 Olympic Golden Goal toend a 46-year drought? In this episode of Hockey Related, we go beyond thehighlight reel of Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes—and into the ancestry andinfluences that shaped their hockey IQ, competitiveness, and poise. But their story starts long before the NHL—and long beforeMilan. We trace the Hughes family through a mother who built theblueprint as a Team USA medalist, a grandfather who pioneered child neurology,a grandfather who rose to NYFD Battalion Chief, and an 1878 Polish record thatset the whole "fast break" in motion. This isn’t just a hockey story.It’s a family story.A century-long chain of cause and effect.A Hockey Related story. In this episode you’ll hear: The staggering Hughes brother milestones: three first-round picks, one Olympic legendThe blueprint: Ellen Weinberg-Hughes and the family’s international hockey legacyThe brain line: Dr. Warren Abraham Weinberg and why the Hughes hockey IQ is differentThe fire line: NYFD Battalion Chief Marty J. Hughes and the family’s high-pressure DNAThe postgame reveal: the 1878 Polish record that connects to the 2026 Golden GoalFollow the show for more hockey stories, genealogy deepdives, and episodes that prove we’re all Hockey Related.

5 min
Jan 30

Tkachuk Brothers: Built for Battle, Bound by Family

What kind of family produces two NHL superstars, a U.S.Hockey Hall of Famer, and a legacy built on chaos, toughness, and pure talent? In this episode of Hockey Related, we dive deep intothe story of Matthew and Brady Tkachuk—from basement mini‑stick wars and St. Louis youth hockey… to Stanley Cups, international brawls, and a moment in history where two brothers finally suited up for Team USA together. But their story starts long before the NHL. We trace the Tkachuk family back through Ukrainian,Austrian, and Croatian roots, immigration journeys, coal‑mining towns, wartime sacrifice, and the generations whose grit shaped the players we know today. This isn’t just a hockey story. It’s a family story.A legacy story.A Hockey Related story. In this episode you’ll hear: The rise of Matthew & Brady from St. Louis to NHL stardomThe legendary career of their father, “Big Walt” Keith TkachukHow the Tkachuks fit into hockey’s long line of famous brother duosDeep genealogy: immigration, identity, and Eastern European heritageThe powerful historical moment the family is about to makeFollow the show for more hockey stories, genealogy deepdives, and episodes that prove we’re all Hockey Related.

19 min
Jan 20

Nate Schmidt: From Undrafted Underdog to Stanley Cup Champion — and a Family Tree Full of Surprises

In this episode of Hockey Related, we break down the unbelievable story of Nate Schmidt — not just the player, but the person, the heritage, and the family history that shaped his journey. From going undrafted to becoming a cornerstone of the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season, to lifting the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, Schmidt’s hockey career is only half the story. His family history includes:🌍German, Austrian, Hungarian, and Dutch ancestry🚢Two ancestors who crossed the Atlantic on the same ship and fell in love🌾A cluster of relatives rooted in Stearns County, Minnesota🌀A fascinating example of pedigree collapse🎶And a moment in Austria that reconnected him with his grandfather in the most unexpected way It’s hockey. It’s heritage. It’s humanity.Discover why Nate Schmidt’s journey proves we’re all more connected than we think.

12 min
Jan 9

Paul Bissonnette: The Enforcer With Royal Roots?!

Welcome to Hockey Related, where we explore theincredible family stories behind the biggest personalities in the world of hockey. Today’s episode dives into the life and lineage of Paul “BizNasty” Bissonnette—enforcer, media personality, podcast legend… and descendant ofroyalty?! From a biracial family in Welland, Ontario, to fightinglegends in the NHL, to co‑owning an ECHL team, PaulBissonnette’s story is one of grit, humor, resilience,and some truly surprising ancestral connections. 📌 Highlights: Paul’s roots in Welland, OntarioHis biracial heritage, including AfricanAmerican, Belgian, English, Native American, Spanish, and Austrian ancestry.The remarkable story of the Moody–Jackson lineA connection to Isabella I of Castile, sponsorof ColumbusAnother royal connection to William the Silent,Father of the Dutch NationBizNasty’s NHL journeyFrom enforcer to entertainerA deep dive into the evolution of the enforcerrole in hockey

15 min
12/17/2025

Lawson Crouse: The Sheriff Who Protects His Teammates

Meet Lawson Crouse—the NHL power forward who polices the ice and once crushed a baseball out of Marlins Park! From backyard rinks in Ontario to captaining Team Canada, and from German roots in Nova Scotia to royal bloodlines, this episode dives deep into his family history and fearlessreputation.

18 min
12/04/2025

Sidney Crosby: Skates, Waifs and Kings

Join Hockey Related as we discuss Sidney Crosby’s rise fromCole Harbor to one of hockey’s greatest players. Discover how his family roots stretch back to a nine-year-old boy all alone on a ship called the Minnedosa, and even to the courts of Scottish kings.

19 min
11/26/2025

John Marino – From Boston Basement to Royal Bloodlines

Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of John Marino—from dented dryers in his family basement to becoming a cornerstone defenseman for the Utah Mammoth. Discover how a doctor’s advice put two brothers on skates, why Sicilian immigrants shaped his family’s story, and the shocking royal connection that ties Marino to European kings. 📌 Highlights: Marino’s rise from overlooked draft pick to NHLdefensemanThe twin story: how Paul’s bowed legs led tohockey greatnessBasement hockey battles inspired by SidneyCrosbyHarvard years and the Beanpot dreamSicilian immigrants in Boston & MayflowerancestorsRoyal lineage: King Frederick II of Denmark andNorway🎁 GIVEAWAY – Win a 3-day RootsTech Pass, Breakaway Jersey, DNA Kit or NHL Team Hat! Enter here: https://gleam.io/ewJqE/hockey-related-subscriber-rewards Ends 12/9/25 at 11:59 PM MT. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to US/CA 18+. Void where prohibited.

18 min

As a new fan to the NHL and the Utah Mammoth I explore the sport and well as the people involved. I am in my infancy as a hockey fan but I am a 25 year veteran of genealogy research. I have researched players, coaches, broadcasters, and journalists to learn more about them and their families. I found so much great information I wanted to share.

Creator

Mat Trotter
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

23
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Mat Trotter
Show Website

Hockey Related