Southern Skates

In the final episode of Southern Skates, K.J. discusses the importance of racial and gender diversity in hockey. He encourages everybody regardless of race or gender to get into the game, and he encourages the development of youth hockey. K.J. ends the episode summarizing the process of "Southern Skates."

KJ discusses how community events such as service and outreach helps to draw fans especially in Southern markets. Such examples are the Macon Mayhem Whitey Tighty Toss and Teddy Bear Toss. Featuring special guest Zack Smith.

K.J. talks about how fans can get into enjoying ice hockey action. He talks about how people can get their first exposure to the game and make it a lasting experience. Featuring special guest, Zack Smith of the Macon Mayhem.

KJ discusses how game promotions can help people become hockey fans. He talks about how promotions make the games fun for casual fans, and how if they keep going to games with their favorite promotions, they might become invested in the game itself. This week, special guest Zack Smith from the Macon Mayhem hockey team joins the podcast and shares his thoughts.

In this episode, K.J. talks about how ownership can make or break a team. He gives examples of the Atlanta Thrashers terrible demise as well as the Nashville Predators rally to save their team from an owner ready to move them to Canada. K.J. also acknowledges the start of hockey season in Georgia. A team is only as good as its owner.

In this episode, KJ covers the history of the National Hockey League in Southern markets. From the original 1967 expansion to Wayne Gretzky's arrival in Los Angeles to the rabid expansion of the 1990s, he covers the long road the NHL has taken in the South. Throughout each team's history, there have been many successes as well as roadblocks. Such roadblocks include poor performance, ownership mishaps, and relocation threats. Join KJ for a trip through time!

In this episode, KJ discusses about how professional hockey has fallen apart in Atlanta, considered by many to be the "hub of the South." KJ talks about the three professional teams who have called Atlanta home: the NHL's Flames, the IHL's Knights, and the NHL's Thrashers. He points  out that the failure of the sport in each case had very little to do with location, but more to do with finances, team performance, and ownership issues. Additionally, KJ is hopeful that under the right circumstances, another NHL team could work in Atlanta.

KJ discusses the criticisms Southern hockey teams face. Featuring special guest, Grant Goupil.

KJ discusses some of the basics of the sport that fans should keep in mind when watching the game to better understand the sport.

In the first episode of this podcast, KJ recalls memories of being a hockey fan in the South as well as talks about why he thinks the sport can succeed in Southern markets.

Intro/outro music "8-bit Let's Go!" by HeatleyBros

Podcast logo designed on Canva, images from NeedPix.com and Wikimedia Commons

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