NHL Wraparound Hall of Fame Edition - Bryan Trottier

When Bryan Trottier entered the NHL in 1975, it was noted, "he looks like and angel and plays like the devil." For 18 seasons, the Val Marie, Sask. native made and then left his permanent mark as one of hockey's best-ever two-way forwards. From his proud beginnings of First Nations descent, through a half dozen Stanley Cups as a player to a post-career life that has presented its share of challenges, there's little Bryan Trottier hasn't seen or experienced. This 90-minute discussion also touches on many aspects of human emotion and goes well beyond the hockey world Trottier was best known for. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:11] - Bryan is welcomed to the show as he and Neil reminisce about their early years getting to know each other in the 1970's with an admission coming from each. [03:48] - Growing up in Saskatchewan, the Trottier family didn't have much but they had enough thanks to work ethic and strong family values. [07:08] - With parents from very different heritage, Trottier was aware of racism from an early age and learned from that, the importance of acceptance. [09:37] - Ready to quit hockey at age 16, many would be surprised as to the man responsible for putting Bryan's NHL career back on the rails. [12:49] - The 1974 Amateur Draft where Trottier was selected in the second round by the Islanders. He credits Earl Ingarfield for instilling the disciplines which created the foundation for a Hall-of-Fame career. [21:48] - From 1974-75 back in junior to stories of a Calder Trophy-winning season the following year...and the expectations to come. [24:46] - The reality of both Trottier and the Islanders improving, yet suffering increasingly difficult playoff losses from 1976 through 1979. [29:59] - 1980. The pieces finally come together and a dynasty is born historic in nature. [35:03] - The biggest scare during the 1980-1983 championship run: Opening round in 1982 vs. Pittsburgh. [39:21] - The pain of the end of the dynasty in 1984, with a scheduling quirk possibly being a contributing factor. Trottier details the difference of the Finals with Edmonton in '83 and '84. [46:07] - A quick side story on a utility player who won four Cups with the Islanders and was on the Oilers for their first. [47:23] - Goodbye Islanders. Hello Pittsburgh and two more championships. [55:10] - Six Stanley Cups as a player earned with three legends behind the bench - the first four with the pupil, the last with his teacher. [1:01:20] - Naturally after learning from some of the best, the opportunity came, went and was filled with fulfillment on a more personal level. [1:10:27] - The most poignant part of the interview starts on the struggles away from the spotlight of professional athletics and the piece the public doesn't see. Trottier holds nothing back and also shares his support was more meaningful than he could have imagined. [1:15:43] - Continuing with Neil discussing loss. For Bryan, the passings of his parents and members of his extended Islanders family remains painful though being able to properly say goodbye to some has provided solace. [1:21:18] - Despite pain, there's still plenty that brings Bryan joy from family to music and it's never-ending importance. [1:25:17] - The recent honor of having a postage stamp released as part of Canada Post's Indigenous Leaders Series and the pride of having a grandson drafted by the Montreal Canadiens. [1:32:30] - Wrapping up the Hall of Fame Edition with Bryan Trottier. X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.co