Episode 28: Brian Trottier

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Today’s guest on the Games People Play podcast can best be described in one word: Winner. In 18 NHL seasons as a player, his teams failed to make the playoffs only once, with six of those seasons ending in Stanley Cup glory. Individually, he’s won the Calder, Hart, Art Ross and Conn Smythe trophies. Join Bernie in welcoming Hockey Hall of Famer and nine-time All-Star Bryan Trottier to the program as they discuss Bryan’s formative years growing up on a ranch in Val Marie, Saskatchewan, the importance of his Aboriginal roots and how junior teammate Tiger Williams once convinced him to return to the ice after he’d nearly dropped out of the game. The pair also talks about the great Islanders teams of the early-80s, the origins of playoff beards, unusual NHL scoring records, the challenge of staying on top and the uproar Bryan caused by playing for the US at the 1984 Canada Cup. Later, Bryan talks about his family’s love of music, his continued support of the Aboriginal community and his current role as head coach in the newly-formed 3ICE 3-on-3 hockey league.