Tales with TR: A Hockey Podcast · The Hockey Podcast Network

RA from Spittin' Chiclets is BACK! FT. "Rear Admiral" Brian McGonagle- 288B

January 7, 2026·35 min·3 clips

Brian McGonagle explains why leaving Jason Robertson off the Olympic team is a huge oversight.

This episode of Tales with TR features host Terry Ryan in conversation with returning guest Brian "Rear Admiral" McGonagle, a co-host of the popular Spittin' Chiclets podcast. They discuss McGonagle's recent life updates, hockey news, and shared interests in films and sports history. McGonagle details his improved mental state and new living situation in a basement apartment, where he watches multiple hockey games simultaneously on several screens. The conversation analyzes roster selections for the upcoming Olympic hockey teams, with McGonagle specifically naming Jason Robertson and Lane Hudson as American snubs and Terry Ryan citing Sam Bennett as a Canadian omission. They debate the NHL's Department of Player Safety, referencing a recent elbow from Mason Marchment they felt warranted a suspension and two roughing suspensions given to Logan Stanley and another unnamed player. McGonagle expresses frustration with the NHL's marketing efforts, citing the inability to stream the NHL Network and referencing rookie Zayne Parekh's recent comments about players acting like "robots." He notes the unexpected popularity boost the league received from the fictional TV show "Heated Rivalry," on which Terry Ryan appeared. The pair assess the Boston Bruins' playoff chances, acknowledging the team's reliance on heart, grit, and goalie Jeremy Swayman despite a perceived skill discrepancy. McGonagle shares vivid personal memories of attending historic Boston sports events, including the 2004 ALCS Game 7 and the 2001 "Tuck Rule" playoff game in a heavy snowstorm. Their film discussion covers recent viewings like "Battle of the Bands" and "Sinners," and they praise 1970s cinema, listing classics like "The Godfather," "Jaws," and "Animal House." McGonagle reveals a poignant piece of trivia about actor John Cazale, who was in only five films, all Best Picture nominees, before his death. When asked to choose, McGonagle picks Led Zeppelin over Pink Floyd and recounts seeing Jimmy Page perform live with The Black Crowes from a front-row seat. The episode concludes with McGonagle sharing that he is dealing with significant back pain, scheduling an MRI, and therefore not planning any immediate travel. The tone is casual and conversational, flowing freely between personal anecdotes, hockey analysis, and pop culture recommendations. Listeners who enjoy laid-back, wide-ranging discussions between hockey personalities with a strong Boston sports perspective will appreciate this episode. Those seeking tightly focused, breaking hockey news or in-depth tactical analysis might find the meandering format less engaging.

As heard by us

A conversational hockey chat that moves from alumni-night memories to the tight Eastern race and Boston lore.

Tales with TR brings Brian McGonigal back into a hockey chat that moves from Shorzy and the Bruins alumni to the tighter Eastern playoff picture.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a Boston hockey hang with playoff-race tension and a Red Sox memory at the center.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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