Hockey Related

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.

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 legend * The blueprint: Ellen Weinberg-Hughes and the family’s international hockey legacy * The brain line: Dr. Warren Abraham Weinberg and why the Hughes hockey IQ is different * The fire line: NYFD Battalion Chief Marty J. Hughes and the family’s high-pressure DNA * The postgame reveal: the 1878 Polish record that connects to the 2026 Golden Goal Follow the show for more hockey stories, genealogy deepdives, and episodes that prove we’re all Hockey Related.

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 stardom * The legendary career of their father, “Big Walt” Keith Tkachuk * How the Tkachuks fit into hockey’s long line of famous brother duos * Deep genealogy: immigration, identity, and Eastern European heritage * The powerful historical moment the family is about to make Follow the show for more hockey stories, genealogy deepdives, and episodes that prove we’re all Hockey Related.

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.

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, Ontario * His biracial heritage, including AfricanAmerican, Belgian, English, Native American, Spanish, and Austrian ancestry. * The remarkable story of the Moody–Jackson line * A connection to Isabella I of Castile, sponsorof Columbus * Another royal connection to William the Silent,Father of the Dutch Nation * BizNasty’s NHL journey * From enforcer to entertainer * A deep dive into the evolution of the enforcerrole in hockey