Skip to main content
On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

By Alex Blair

Get up to speed on the week in Vancouver sports in under 2 hours. The Athletic's Israel Fehr @israelfehr and former Hockey Night in Canada Feature Producer Alex Blair @thealexblair break down the big topics, answer the important questions and interview compelling guests from across the sporting and media landscape.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Craig Custance on the dynamics of player movement in the NHL

On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex BlairOct 03, 2020

00:00
20:55
The White Whale - Mike Gillis Interview

The White Whale - Mike Gillis Interview

Former Canucks President and GM Mike Gillis joins On Air's Alex Blair 

- Lookback at the highs and lows of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs
- Deciding to become a GM and the philosophy of communication and maximizing performance.
- Impact and evolution of sports science in hockey
- Canucks desire to return the franchise to "10 years ago"
- Integrating Daniel and Henrik Sedin into management
- Drafting and managing the media
- Why he hasn't returned to hockey....yet?
- Would he consider a return to the Canucks?

Jun 07, 202101:00:20
June 7th - Canucks, Leafs, Scheifele and Gillis

June 7th - Canucks, Leafs, Scheifele and Gillis

June 7th Episode of On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

Izzy is off this week

Quick Canucks thoughts
-Likely return of assistant coaches
-Positive comments from GM JB on return of Ian Clark
-Do you want the Sedins "mentoring" this management group?
-Likely 4-5 more years of flat cap - what that could mean for Pettersson and Hughes and other RFA extensions

The Maple Leafs collapse vs Montreal
-This is not on Shanahan or Dubas. This is on the players and they have to own it. The roster was talented, balanced and deep. The players just underperformed.


Mark Scheifele hit
Too often players egregiously cross the line - this was not one of those times. The result was bad but Mark Scheifele didn't do that much wrong based on the rules. The NHL has to take accountability for their vague rules so the players know where the line is and what is and isn't allowed in the game.


Is Morgan Reilly joining Seth Jones on the potential trade block?


Avs/Golden Knights - Hockey at it's finest.


32:30 - Former Canucks President and GM Mike Gillis 

- Lookback at the highs and lows of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs
- Deciding to become a GM and the philosophy of communication and maximizing performance.
- Impact and evolution of sports science in hockey
- Canucks desire to return the franchise to "10 years ago"
- Integrating Daniel and Henrik Sedin into management
- Drafting and managing the media
- Why he hasn't returned to hockey....yet?
- Would he consider a return to the Canucks?

Jun 07, 202101:32:15
May 21 - End of a Wild Week in Vancouver.

May 21 - End of a Wild Week in Vancouver.

May 21st Episode of On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

The 650 thing

Travis Green gets extended at the 11th hour. Why he resigned for less than he wanted.

Jim Benning doing what he can to try and help shape/change the narrative. Words are PR. Actions are what matters.

What we learned from the season ending media conference.

Biggest questions for Canucks heading into the offseason.. 

Why its so weird there is no discussion about Brad Treliving in Calgary

John Tavares and the Leafs situation

NHL Playoffs

Corey Connors and the PGA Championship.

May 21, 202101:19:58
May 15th: Patrick Johnston of Vancouver Province

May 15th: Patrick Johnston of Vancouver Province

Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver Province joins Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the potential changes coming to the Vancouver Canucks organization. 

Why the Aquilini family suddenly feels like major changes are necessary.

Who is involved in the discussion?

Who may be under consideration?

How much the Canucks brand has been negatively impacted on the past decade. 



May 15, 202146:11
May 15 - Aquilinis huddled in a bunker. What's the future of the Canucks organization?

May 15 - Aquilinis huddled in a bunker. What's the future of the Canucks organization?

May 15th episode of On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

Change is happening at Canucks Sports and Entertainment.
What we know; The Aquilinis are huddling (hopefully in a bunker) and discussing the future of the Canucks organization and management.
Change is going to happen. Who is likely gone and how far reaching will it go?

Israel and Alex explain what they know, what they believe is happening and what needs to happen for a successful attempt at reinstilling fan confidence.  

NHL playoffs start tonight. A preview of the matchups and predictions on each series.

45:00 - Patrick Johnston from the Vancouver Province joins to discuss what he is hearing about changes within the Canucks and discussing possible candidates for a new look Canucks management.

In their weekly media spotlight;
Alex highlights "15 Years, 3 Stanley Cups and Brotherhood: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin’s Powerful, Quiet Relationship” - The Athletic by Josh Yohe and Rob Rossi. A thoroughly reported piece of feature writing on the relationship between Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin

Israel highlights Michael Wilbon's honouring at the Basketball Hall of Fame and the terrific Origins Podcast episode about ESPN's Pardon the Interruption.

May 15, 202101:52:51
May 8th - Daniel Wagner from Pass it to Bulis Interview

May 8th - Daniel Wagner from Pass it to Bulis Interview

Daniel Wagner - Co-founder and author of the Pass it to Bulis Blog on Vancouver is Awesome joins Israel and Alex to dissect the Canucks 20-21 campaign, discuss the key decisions ahead for the franchise and share his journey into sports media and how he started started and built one of the most successful hockey blogs in Canada.

May 08, 202159:50
May 8 - The Canucks 20-21 Season - What happened and how can they fix it? The Canucks biggest questions with Daniel Wagner

May 8 - The Canucks 20-21 Season - What happened and how can they fix it? The Canucks biggest questions with Daniel Wagner

May 8th episode of On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

With Canucks sitting 24th with 8 games remaining - The importance of a top-10 draft pick this year.
Travis Green's 2 year offer from Canucks
How best to rebuild Vancouver's defence.
Why Elias Pettersson may return for the final few games of the season.
Was moving the Canucks AHL team to Abbotsford a good idea????

The NHL self created yes with Tom Wilson and why it lead to the Rangers decision to fire Jeff Gorton and John Davidson.

The NHL on TNT and ESPN. Why Chris Pronger is a name that could likely jump to TV.

@49:49 The co-founder and author of the Pass it Bulis Blog on Vancouverisawesome.com Daniel Wagner joins the show to discuss the Canucks 20-21 season and how he started one of the most popular hockey blogs in Canada. 

In our weekly media spotlight: 

Alex spotlights "Ticking Clock - Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes" a book authored by longtime 60 minutes producer Ira Rosen on life inside one of the most popular and successful television shows in US history. 

Israel spotlights an Athletic feature on the evolution and connection between south London neighbourhoods and the north London Premier League team Arsenal.
"A north London heart with players still nourishing its south London soul" by Art de Roche, The Athletic


May 08, 202102:19:17
May 1 - Former TEAM 1040 Host David Pratt OnAir

May 1 - Former TEAM 1040 Host David Pratt OnAir

Longtime Vancouver sports broadcaster David Pratt joins the show to give his thoughts on the Canucks season and why he feels Travis Green won't be back behind the bench for the Canucks next season. 

Also a look at the evolving CFL XFL situation and David's insight's into the end of 1040 and the drastic and sudden changes across sports media in Vancouver and across Canada. 

May 01, 202143:15
May 1 - Virtanen Accusation Breaks and Former Team 1040's David Pratt joins the show

May 1 - Virtanen Accusation Breaks and Former Team 1040's David Pratt joins the show

On this episode of On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

News is breaking that Jake Virtanen is being accused of sexual misconduct. The Canucks announce Virtanen is going on indefinite leave from the the club investigates the report and accusations.

After 3 loses in 4 games vs Ottawa - Israel and Alex discuss the decisions that are now the focus for the Canucks including the latest information on the contract offer presented to head coach Travis Green this week.

Why the outrage over Edler/Simmonds was a classic case of Vancouver hypocrisy.  

Former TEAM 1040 Radio Host David Pratt joins the show to discuss why he thinks the Canucks and Travis Green are headed for a split and David gives his thoughts on the changing media landscape since he left 1040 in 2019.


In their weekly Media Spotlight

Alex highlights broadcaster Jim Gray's book "Talking to GOATS".

Israel focuses on the Mike and Kyle Shanahan feature story written by ESPN's Seth Wickhersham.

May 01, 202101:58:54
Apr 24 - How Fans Brought Owners to their Knees in the World's Biggest Sport.

Apr 24 - How Fans Brought Owners to their Knees in the World's Biggest Sport.

On this episode of On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair

The European Super League Collapse- How the collective supporters changed the course of the worlds biggest sport and reminded sports owners globally, the power of the fan.

Have the Canucks ever had such a promising collection of talent on the ice? While at the same time never having had this much disfunction off it.
This weeks fan uprising is a reminder that if you are not happy with the decisions being made by the team/ownership of the club you like, voice your displeasure by closing your wallet.

A look at two of the heavy favourites for NHL awards - Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov.

In our weekly media content spotlights - Israel recommends the 2018 book "The Club" by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg on the creation and formation of the English Premiership.

Alex looks back at one of his favourite documentaries - Free Solo directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

Apr 24, 202101:24:09
Apr 17 - The ramifications of Canucks COVID-19 and how it was handled

Apr 17 - The ramifications of Canucks COVID-19 and how it was handled

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss how cracks between Canucks players and management/ownership amidst the COVID-19 outbreak have become clear and what impact that could have on the organization.

What to look forward to over the last 19 games of the NHL season. 

A review of the NHL trade deadline.

Israel discusses Vlad Guerrero Jr's hot start for the Toronto Blue Jays

Israel can't believe Alex has never seen any of the Godfather movies.

Weekly spotlight looks at Sidney Lumet's book "Making Movies" and strong reporting done this week by The Athletic's Thomas Drance. 

Apr 17, 202101:13:13
Matt Sekeres on the sudden end at 1040 and deciding on digital with Blake Price

Matt Sekeres on the sudden end at 1040 and deciding on digital with Blake Price

The Voice of Record in Vancouver sports radio, Matt Sekeres joins the show to detail how he found out about the end of TSN 1040, his recollections of February 9, 2021, and how he and Blake Price decided on going digital for their new venture.

Matt also reacts to the recent signings of Tanner Pearson and Thatcher Demko and explains why the next few months are critical for the VANCOUVER CANUCKS.

Apr 10, 202145:57
Episode 31: The Boys are Back and Matt Sekeres joins the Show

Episode 31: The Boys are Back and Matt Sekeres joins the Show

On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair returns after a week away with their first digital only episode.

Explanation about the show going digital only for the spring/summer

Reaction to the signings of Tanner Pearson and Thatcher Demko

Look ahead to NHL Trade Deadline and most exciting possible NHL Playoff matchups

Matt Sekeres joins the show to talk about the end of 1040, the decision to bet on himself with his new venture and why the next few months are critical for the Canucks organization.

Apr 10, 202102:03:54
Episode 30: Trade targets for the Canucks

Episode 30: Trade targets for the Canucks

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Harman Dayal. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Mar 27, 202101:35:33
Harman Dayal on Canucks potential trade targets and values

Harman Dayal on Canucks potential trade targets and values

Harman Dayal joins On Air to talk about the Canucks potential trade targets ahead of the upcoming deadline and breaks down what they may get back in return. 

Mar 27, 202119:03
Episode 29: Accents and Umlauts

Episode 29: Accents and Umlauts

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Larry Olmsted (00:52). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media of any affiliates.

Mar 20, 202101:33:50
Larry Olmsted on his book "FANS: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Understanding"

Larry Olmsted on his book "FANS: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Understanding"

Larry Olmsted joined On Air to talk about his experiences being a fan of professional sports and the impact it's had on his life. 

Mar 20, 202118:47
Episode 28: NHL's big deal

Episode 28: NHL's big deal

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by John Shannon (00:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Mar 13, 202101:34:34
John Shannon on Darryl Sutter and the Flames, the Canucks and Strombo on HNIC.

John Shannon on Darryl Sutter and the Flames, the Canucks and Strombo on HNIC.

John Shannon joined On Air to talk about Darryl Sutter's impact in Calgary, the Canucks management situation and what it was like on the Hockey Night in Canada set with George Stroumboulopoulos.

Mar 13, 202117:04
Episode 27: Sutter makes waves in Calgary

Episode 27: Sutter makes waves in Calgary

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Irfaan Gaffar (00:51). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Mar 06, 202101:34:21
Irfaan Gaffar on Benning's comments, re-signing Hughes and Pettersson and Canucks season thus far.

Irfaan Gaffar on Benning's comments, re-signing Hughes and Pettersson and Canucks season thus far.

Irfaan Gaffar joined On Air to discuss the recent comments by Canucks GM Jim Benning, scenarios in re-signing Hughes and Pettersson and how things have gone for the Canucks so far this season.

Mar 06, 202120:32
Episode 26: Tough week in Calgary and Vancouver

Episode 26: Tough week in Calgary and Vancouver

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Iain MacIntyre (00:28) and Daniel Wagner (00:50). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Feb 27, 202101:35:07
Daniel Wagner on Canucks compared to the 2017-18 Oilers and the North Division.

Daniel Wagner on Canucks compared to the 2017-18 Oilers and the North Division.

Daniel Wagner joined On Air to break down the recent struggles of the Canucks and Flames and likening this Canucks team to the 2017-2018 Oilers team.

Feb 27, 202117:14
Iain MacIntyre on Canucks recent struggles.

Iain MacIntyre on Canucks recent struggles.

Iain MacIntyre joined On Air to talk about the Canucks struggles as of late and what’s next for the team.

Feb 27, 202118:18
John Shannon on NHL outdoor game postponement, Crosby and the Flames.

John Shannon on NHL outdoor game postponement, Crosby and the Flames.

John Shannon joined On Air to discuss the problems with the outdoor game at Lake Tahoe, Sidney Crosby playing his 1000th game and the Flames struggling as of late. 

Feb 20, 202119:00
Arden Zwelling on the Blue Jays chances this season and the latest signings around MLB.

Arden Zwelling on the Blue Jays chances this season and the latest signings around MLB.

Arden Zwelling joined On Air to discuss what this season will look like for the Blue Jays, their postseason chances and the latest signings around MLB. 

Feb 20, 202119:06
Episode 25: Trouble with the Flames

Episode 25: Trouble with the Flames

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Arden Zwelling (00:29) and John Shannon (00:50). The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 

Feb 20, 202101:34:24
Episode 24: Vancouver loses both on and off the ice

Episode 24: Vancouver loses both on and off the ice

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Scott Burnside (00:28). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Feb 13, 202101:34:19
Scott Burnside on Burke being hired in Pittsburgh and what’s next for the Pens

Scott Burnside on Burke being hired in Pittsburgh and what’s next for the Pens

Scott Burnside joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the Penguins hiring Brian Burke and Mike Gillis potentially being re-hired in Vancouver.

Feb 13, 202117:17
Episode 23: SuperBowl weeknd

Episode 23: SuperBowl weeknd

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Jonas Siegel and Arash Madani. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Feb 06, 202101:33:37
Arash Madani on Brady vs. Mahomes and covering SuperBowl's over the years

Arash Madani on Brady vs. Mahomes and covering SuperBowl's over the years

Arash Madani joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the SuperBowl matchup between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes and his experiences covering the big game across the years.

Feb 06, 202117:15
Jonas Siegel on teams in the North division

Jonas Siegel on teams in the North division

Jonas Siegel joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the North Division and all things NHL.

Feb 06, 202115:19
Episode 22: NWHL takes the lede

Episode 22: NWHL takes the lede

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Cassie Campbell-Pascall (00:28) and Jeff Benedict (00:51). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Jan 30, 202101:34:02
Jeff Benedict on Tom Brady and Tiger Woods

Jeff Benedict on Tom Brady and Tiger Woods

Author of "Tiger Woods" and "The Dynasty", Jeff Benedict joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to talk about Tom Brady making it to another Super Bowl and the Tiger Woods documentary.

Jan 30, 202120:27
Cassie Campbell-Pascall on the Flames, Canucks and NWHL

Cassie Campbell-Pascall on the Flames, Canucks and NWHL

Hockey Night in Canada host and former Olympian Cassie Campbell-Pascall joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the Flames, Canucks and the NWHL.

Jan 30, 202117:19
Episode 21: Columbus and Winnipeg swap Dubois for Laine

Episode 21: Columbus and Winnipeg swap Dubois for Laine

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Sportsnet's Dan Murphy and Stephen Brunt.

Jan 26, 202101:31:38
Stephen Brunt on the Blue Jays signing George Springer

Stephen Brunt on the Blue Jays signing George Springer

Sportsnet's Stephen Brunt joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the Toronto Blue Jays signing George Springer to a six year, $150 million dollar deal.

Jan 26, 202118:36
Dan Murphy on the Canucks and the Dubois/Laine trade

Dan Murphy on the Canucks and the Dubois/Laine trade

Sportsnet's Dan Murphy joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the Canucks season and the blockbuster trade between Columbus and Winnipeg.

Jan 26, 202116:14
Richard Deitsch on the challenges facing sports broadcasters in a pandemic

Richard Deitsch on the challenges facing sports broadcasters in a pandemic

Richard Deitsch of The Athletic and Sportsnet 590 The Fan joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the challenges facing broadcasters and media stations trying to broadcast sports as normal as possible in a pandemic.

Jan 17, 202119:59
Satiar Shah on the Canucks, Maple Leafs, and the North Division

Satiar Shah on the Canucks, Maple Leafs, and the North Division

Sportsnet 650's Satiar Shah joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the latest from around the Canucks and their first two games of the season leading into Calgary. They also talks about the Maple Leafs and what really changed for them over the offseason.

Jan 17, 202120:40
Episode 20: NHL season is underway

Episode 20: NHL season is underway

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest in the world of sports and are joined by Richard Deitsch of The Athletic and Sportsnet 590 and Satiar Shah of Sportsnet 650.

Jan 17, 202101:33:03
Episode 19: Gearing up for the NHL season

Episode 19: Gearing up for the NHL season

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest from around the world of sports. They are joined by Kyle Bukauskas with Sportsnet and Harman Dayal of The Athletic.

Jan 09, 202101:33:35
Harman Dayal on Nils Hoglander: 'His development will be such an interesting process'

Harman Dayal on Nils Hoglander: 'His development will be such an interesting process'

Harman Dayal of The Athletic joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss Canucks training camp and how much Nils Hoglander has stood out to this point. They also talk about the rest of the squad ahead of the regular season starting in just a few days.

Jan 09, 202120:10
Kyle Bukauskas previews the Canadian Division in 2021

Kyle Bukauskas previews the Canadian Division in 2021

Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to preview the North Division in the NHL and what team may end up on top. They also discuss the moves teams across Canada have made throughout the offseason, including the Montreal Canadiens.

Jan 09, 202117:01
Episode 18: Year in Review

Episode 18: Year in Review

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest news from the NHL and around the sports world. They also touch on some of their top sports stories of 2020.

Dec 19, 202001:35:07
Episode 17: The Future of Masai in Toronto

Episode 17: The Future of Masai in Toronto

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest, including the NHL's return to play rumours and what the upcoming season could look like. They are joined by Sportsnet's Michael Grange to talk about the Raptors and the future of Masai Ujiri.

Dec 12, 202001:35:18
Michael Grange on Masai Ujiri's future: 'This is a pivotal moment for the Raptors'

Michael Grange on Masai Ujiri's future: 'This is a pivotal moment for the Raptors'

Sportsnet's Michael Grange joined Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss the latest from around the NBA including giving a preview on what we can expect to see from the Toronto Raptors this season. They also discuss Masai Ujiri's impact on the Raptors and what he's done to turn around the franchise.

Dec 12, 202018:36
Episode 16: An Extended Conversation with Jeff Vinnick

Episode 16: An Extended Conversation with Jeff Vinnick

Israel Fehr and Alex Blair discuss the latest headlines from around the world of sports. They are then joined by Jeff Vinnick as he shares what it's been like to cover the Vancouver Canucks and other major sporting events as a professional photographer.

Dec 05, 202001:37:58
Episode 15: World Junior Prep

Episode 15: World Junior Prep

Israel and Alex discuss the week’s headlines and take a look ahead to the World Juniors and potential NHL season. They are joined by Scott Wheeler of The Athletic and Professional Trainer Andy O'Brien.

Nov 28, 202001:35:15
Andy O'Brien on how athletes are staying in shape during the Pandemic

Andy O'Brien on how athletes are staying in shape during the Pandemic

Professional Trainer Andy O'Brien joined On Air with Israel Fehr and Alex Blair to discuss how athletes, including top NHL stars, are staying in shape during the pandemic when they have to work from home. Additionally, they speak about the challenges athletes face during a regular season.

Nov 28, 202018:36