The DAWG POD With Smalls and Cappy

Jake Schroeder, also known as Opie from Opie Gone Bad, shares his journey of music, life with the Avs,  and of course his role in inspiring us all with the National Anthem.  He also covers his incredible work with the Greatest Generation and the WWII veterans that have touched his life.  Jake's passion for using the lessons from these veterans to impact the lives of companies and underpriveldged youth resonates with all. He covers his conversion into a Jeremy Roenick fan. We also had the honor of visiting with Sam Beveridge, a recent amputee and DAWG Nation recipient.  Despite the amputation and near death experience, Sam is healing and overcoming  new barriers and setting high goals, all with a positive "can do" attitude. 

The DAWGPOD is back! This is a terrific episode as we sit down with Denver University’s David Carle and discuss his miraculous journey that began with heartbreak and ended with triumph! Coach Carle discusses life, second chances, recruiting, coaching influences, DU’s current squad and, of course, GIVING BACK! This is a must listen and we can guarantee you will have a new appreciation for the Pioneers head coach and his amazing and unlikely journey to the top of the NCAA coaching ranks.  In addition, we hear from recipient Patrick Donnelly, who is on the transplant list and waiting for a new heart.  

This episode features the Indiana native John-Michael Liles. JML covers his career as a defenseman in the NHL for the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins.  He shares important life lessons from the AHL and even stories from the wine cellar.  We also talk about making tough guys cry with our most recent recipient, Joe Bradley who was recently declared cancer free from prostate cancer.    

Episode four features a glass ceiling breaker, Samantha Hiller.  We cover her journey from an elite girl’s youth hockey player to a decision to be an hockey official at age twelve. From there, her skating abilities, hard work and perseverance opened the doors to being one of only ten women invited into the AHL as the first female ice officials. We also cover her time as an AVS ice girl and her road into the EMS world as a paramedic.  
In addition, you will be inspired by the Smith girls, daughters of recipient Todd Smith who lost his battle with cancer two years ago.  He would be proud of his girls’ resilience as they have loved one another through the grief of their father’s passing.  They are GIVING BACK as DAWG Nation volunteers and are constant reminders of the importance of continuing to walk alongside our recipients. 
Give these powerful ladies a listen!

Episode three features long time referee Dave Jackson. We cover his incredible career in the NHL spanning over 1500 games. Imagine the stories! That’s right, Dave is only one of five refs in the NHL to ref more than 1500 games! Talk about a guy who is part of hockey’s history and a good friend of DAWG Nation. Best crowd chirps, most witty player come backs, most harrowing moments, the many eras of the NHL, and Dave’s new position with ESPN…it’s all in there! In addition, we talk with Nicole Stone, wife of Van Stone, who inspires us with her love story as she helps Van recover and readjust to life after a traumatic brain injury. 

Episode two features current Avalanche Logan O'Connor. We look back to the playoff loss against the Vegas Golden Knights and ahead to the Avs preseason opener vs none other than... the Vegas Golden Knights.  Is there remaining animosity to work out with the Knights or is it a new team, new season?  We cover childhood, including first crushes. Logan O'Connor has been big part of Colorado hockey for a long time, from DU, to the Colorado Eagles and now for the Avalanche, and course the DAWG Bowl! It was a pleasure to have Logan, a long time DAWG supporter on the show!