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Breadth and depth. Contemporary and historical. Straight-forward
and experienced. The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith,
President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York
Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing
no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey
League. Bringing decades of experience from their respective
fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines
the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey
historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and
enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous
years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to
understand its past. With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the
Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is
planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating
behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus
on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table
amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of
NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed. Bio’s Neil
S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President
and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York
Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved
significant success, including three division titles, two
Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a
historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.
Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics,
Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four
different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and
acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne
Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.
Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the
impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that
shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York
Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas
Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. A
Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues
before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan
University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions,
including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in
1991. Currently, Smith works as an analyst for NHL Network and
Rogers Sportsnet, offering his unique insight into the sport he has
significantly influenced. Vic Morren: Born in New York City close
to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his
blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production
manager. A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated
for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the
first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working
New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He
co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before
moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original
deal the network had with the NHL. After departing in 1990, Morren
worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL
coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN
that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL
deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22.
Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night
Football coverage in 2003. His relationship with Neil Smith dates
back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late
ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL
Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an
experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an
overall enriching podcast experience.
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