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.

Hosted by Rob Kowal. Guests on the show included former 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.

Also on the program was former 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.

Rob closed out the show talking with Randy Gorman, the chief WHL scout at McKeen’s Scouting Service, about the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship taking place in Alberta, in addition to prospects Stefan Matteau, Christian Thomas (former Islander Steve Thomas’ son), Rangers #1 draft picks J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider, and other top draft picks from the local New York teams.

The New York Islanders honored their 1992-93 team at the Nassau Coliseum on 10/29/2011. This video shows some of the highlights from the festivities that night surounding the event, as well as NY Hockey Talk host Rob Kowal’s interviews with former players Pierre Turgeon, Steve Thomas, Brad Dalgarno and captain Patrick Flatley.

Former Islander Pierre Turgeon talks with NY Hockey Talk host Rob Kowal on 10/29/2011, the night the Isles honored their 1992-93 team at the Nassau Coliseum. Turgeon talks about the trade that brought him to Long Island, his years with the Islanders and his chemistry with linemates Steve Thomas and Derek King.

Click here to listen to a longer interview (audio only) Rob had with Pierre on his radio show back on 10/7/2007.

This past Thursday, Elizabeth Turgeon, the 18-year-old daughter of former NHL player Pierre Turgeon, was killed in car crash that also left her passenger in critical condition. According to New Mexico State Police, Elizabeth Turgeon was killed when the pickup truck she was driving crashed into the trailer of a semi-truck at an intersection. Police say dense fog was a contributing factor in the crash, as well as Turgeon’s failure to stop at the intersection.

I was lucky enough to have had an opportunity to speak with Pierre back in October 2007, just after his retirement from the NHL. After spending so much time on the road during his playing career, Pierre spoke about how he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife and four children. He also spoke of how he had planned to spend time coaching his daughter. Elizabeth was a player on many youth hockey teams, and a member of the 2008 U.S. Women’s Under-18 team that won a gold medal.

I’m glad Pierre has had an opportunity to spend more time with his family after his retirement. Pierre was not only the Islanders best player during his time on Long Island, he was always a gentleman both on and off the ice. My heart goes out to him and his family. Please keep the Turgeons in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Pierre Turgeon played 19 seasons in the NHL with Buffalo, the New York Islanders, Montreal, St. Louis, Dallas and Colorado, scoring 515 goals with 812 assists in 1,294 games. You can listen to my interview with Pierre below.

Stan Fischler was on the show to talk about the early play of the New York teams, and to discuss some of his thoughts and memories of coach Al Arbour, who coached his 1,500th game the previous day. Former Islander Brad Dalgarno was on the show and spoke to Rob his hockey career, gave his thoughts on coach Arbour, and talked about what he is doing today. Rob’s interview with former Islander Pierre Turgeon, originally aired October 7th, was also re-run on the show.

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This show featured an interview with the recently retired former Buffalo Sabre and New York Islander Pierre Turgeon, who talked with Rob about his 19-year NHL career. The show will then shifted it’s attention to the AHL affiliated teams of the Islanders and Devils. Bridgeport Soundtigers head coach Jack Capuano spoke to Rob, followed by Lowell Devils head coach Kurt Kleinendorst. Rangers fan Margaret Hurley closed out the show as she joined Rob live in the studio to talk about the Rangers, and her popular blog, My Blueshirt Heaven.

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NY Hockey Talk host Rob Kowal talks with former Islander’s forward Pierre Turgeon just after his retirment from the game.