Episode 98 brings serious old-school fire as we’re joined by Al Iafrate — one of the most feared defensemen of his era and the owner of one of the hardest slap shots the game has ever seen.
Al takes us inside the difference between the NHL then and now — when defensemen logged heavy minutes, answered the bell, and power plays were built around cannon shots from the blue line. We get into fighting, toughness, finishing checks, protecting teammates, and the code that governed respect between the whistles. From legendary rivalries and Olympic pride to stories about referees and iconic barns, this one is a masterclass in how the game used to be played.
And it wouldn’t be Chirping Zebras without a little chaos. The boys relive getting humbled in Montana at Kevan Miller’s place — while Al casually hikes past them up a Rocky Mountain in flip flops like it’s a light morning skate. No water. No complaints. Just pure veteran grit.
Hockey history, hard-earned perspective, and plenty of laughs — Episode 98 is a heater.