NY Hockey Talk host Rob Kowal talks with former New York Rangers enforcer Chris Nilan, who spoke about his time playing in New York, his thoughts on fighting in the NHL, and the game today compared to when he played. Nilan also gave his opinion on the possible reasons for the rash of concussions throughout the National Hockey League, and the tragic deaths of NHL players Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak this past off season. Chris also talked a little about his coaching career, and some of what he is up to today, including his work on TSN Radio 990 in Montreal. 

NY Hockey Talk host Rob Kowal talks with former New York Ranger Stéphane Matteau, who spoke about his famous overtime goal against the Devils in Game #7 of the Eastern Conference Finals back in 1994 as the Rangers made their way towards winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in 54 years. Stéphane also talked about the upcoming Winter Classic and the Alumni Game played the previous day, his current assistant coaching position in the QMJHL, and recalls the time he played in the Little League World Series as a 12-year old back in 1982 with former Islanders forward Pierre Turgeon. Finally, Stéphane proudly speaks about his son Stefan- who is among McKeen’s Scouting top 30 mid-season 2012 NHL draft eligibles.

Long-time national anthem singer at Madison Square Garden John Amirante talks with NY Baseball Digest host Mike Silva about singing “God Bless America” before the first sporting event post 9/11, a pre-season game between the Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. John reflects about the emotion that day, as well as when he performed at a Yankee stadium at the end of September. John also talked about how he ended up singing at Madison Square Garden before Rangers games since 1980, as well the team’s magical season back in 1994. John also shared some funny stories throughout his career including a funny episode with Phil Rizutto in Baltimore, as well as a sing-a-long former with Knick Charles Oakley prior to a Knicks game at MSG.

On the January 30th edition of NY Hockey Talk, host Rob Kowal aired an interview with former New York Rangers defenseman Jeff Beukeboom. Due to time constraints, only 24 of the 30 minutes of the interview weres aired. Click below to listen to the interview in its entirety.

During the interview, Jeff discusses his childhood idols… his time in Junior hockey playing with former Rangers goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck and former Islanders forward Derek King… how he found his niche as a physical defensive defenseman… his early years playing in Edmonton, including the Oilers great rivalry with the Flames and his cousin Joe Nieuwendyk… playing with Brian Leetch, and how he was in some ways underappreicated… his thoughts on Mark Messier and some of the things he did as captain to lead the team… being on the ice for Stéphane Matteau’s famous goal against the Devils in the playoffs… how experience played a role for him when he won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in ‘94… how the game has changed over the years… his charity work, particularly with the Ice Hockey in Harlem program… his thoughts on Matt Johnson, who in essence ended his career when he suffered a concussion as a result of a cheap shot he received from him… his current job as an Assistant Coach in the Ontario Hockey League.

Guests on NY Hockey Talk this Sunday, January 30th at 10:00pm will include former Rangers defenseman Jeff Beukeboom, followed by McKeen Hockey’s Randy Gorman who will talk with us about the top prospects for each of the three New York area teams, and some of the top players available for this year’s draft. Click ‘PLAY’ below to listen to a brief excerpt from host Rob Kowal’s interview with Jeff, where he comments on longtime teammate Mark Messier.

Blogger Justin Bourne and son of former Islanders Hall-of-Famer Bob Bourne) talks with NY Hockey Talk’s Brad Kurtzberg about various New York hockey topics surrounding the New York area teams.

NY Hockey Talk host Rob Kowal talks with this former New York Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan about his hockey career, his time in New York, his very brief film career… and what he is doing to today.

NY Hockey Talk’s Rob Kowal talks with former Rangers forward Mike Gartner about his Hall-of-Fame career, including his time with the Rangers, a childhood visit to the Soviet Union to play hockey and some of what he is doing today.

Sports Talk NY’s Mark Rosenman talks with former Rangers forward Theo Fleury about his NHL playing career, including his time in New York and his struggles with alcoholism.

NY Hockey Talk’s Rob Kowal along with guest co-host Matt Sweetwood from NJDEVS.COM talk with former Rangers forward Kris King about his playing career, fighting in the NHL and some of what he doing doing today working for the National Hockey League.

Sports Talk NY’s Mark Rosenman and AJ Carter talk with former Rangers goaltender Mike Richter.

Sports Talk NY’s Mark Rosenman and AJ Carter talk with former Rangers denfenseman and captain Ron Greschner.