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Peach State Puck

Peach State Puck

by Matteen Rad

Season 1

Ep. 7: How The Hockey Barn is Growing Hockey in Georgia with Kyle Kinzie

What does it take to build a hockey player? More importantly, what does it take to build a lifelong hockey fan? In Episode 7 of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad explores one of the biggest challenges facing hockey in Georgia and across the United States. How do you keep young players engaged, excited, and connected to the sport for years to come? After opening with the latest news from around Georgia hockey, including updates from the Atlanta Gladiators, Savannah Ghost Pirates, Athens Rock Lobsters, Macon Mayhem, and Columbus River Dragons, Matteen sits down with Hockey Barn founder and longtime coach Kyle Kinzie for an in-depth conversation about the future of player development. Drawing from more than two decades of coaching experience, Kyle explains why traditional development models often fail to retain players, why creating a positive environment matters as much as teaching skills, and how his vision for The Hockey Barn is designed to help players not only learn the game, but truly fall in love with it. Throughout the conversation, Kyle shares the personal journey that shaped his coaching philosophy, from growing up in Buffalo and Ohio to having his playing career unexpectedly cut short by a life threatening medical condition. He discusses how that experience redirected his passion toward coaching, leadership, and ultimately building a completely new model for hockey development centered around three core ideas: train, compete, and belong. Together, Matteen and Kyle examine the unique opportunities and challenges facing hockey in Georgia, including youth participation, player retention, access to ice time, community building, and the possibility of an NHL franchise returning to metro Atlanta. Whether you are a parent, coach, player, hockey fan, or simply interested in how sports communities are built from the ground up, this episode offers a fascinating look at the future of hockey in the Peach State and the people working to ensure its continued growth for generations to come. 00:00 - Welcome Back to Peach State Puck 04:02 - Around Georgia Hockey 09:55 - Meet Kyle Kinzie 17:14 - From Player to Coach 24:00 - Why Georgia Hockey Needs The Hockey Barn 31:42 - Building a Better Hockey Environment 40:08 - Inside The Hockey Barn 49:26 - Growing Hockey Across Georgia 57:18 - Closing Thoughts

Ep. 6: What It Really Takes to Broadcast a Hockey Game | Behind the Scenes with Matteen Rad

Every hockey game begins long before the opening faceoff. Before the lights come on, before the cameras roll, and before a single goal is scored, hours of preparation have already taken place behind the scenes. In this episode of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad takes listeners inside the world of minor league hockey broadcasting and reveals what it truly takes to bring a live game to fans from start to finish. After covering the latest news from around Georgia hockey, including offseason player movement, league rule changes, the Athens Rock Lobsters, Savannah Ghost Pirates, and the future Ice Cove development, Matteen shifts the focus to his own preparation as the voice of the Athens Rock Lobsters. He explains how researching every player, building spotting charts, studying game film, tracking transactions, and preparing storylines all become essential parts of telling the story of a hockey game long before the puck ever drops. Listeners also get an inside look at the technology behind a modern broadcast, from score bugs and Stream Decks to live graphics, production workflows, and the unexpected technical challenges that can derail a game at any moment. The episode also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the people who transformed the Rock Lobsters broadcast into one of the most polished productions in minor league hockey. Matteen shares how producer Stephen Turner helped build the visual identity of the broadcast from the ground up, while Steven Selph streamlined the technical side of the production to create an experience that rivaled broadcasts at much higher levels of the sport. Their passion and creativity became the foundation of a production that grew alongside one of hockey’s newest franchises. Along the way, Matteen reflects on some of the most memorable moments of his broadcasting career, including unforgettable playoff calls, lessons learned behind the microphone, and the emotional impact of remembering former Rock Lobsters forward Orca Wiesblatt. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire listener Q&A covering broadcasting influences, television versus radio, favorite arenas, difficult broadcast positions, pregame routines, and whether a hometown broadcaster should openly cheer for the home team. Whether you’re a hockey fan, a sports broadcaster, or simply someone fascinated by the work that happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a rare and personal look at the preparation, teamwork, and passion required to make every hockey broadcast come to life. 00:00 - Welcome Back to Peach State Puck 01:42 - Around Georgia Hockey 08:24 - How a Hockey Broadcast Begins 12:15 - Building the Perfect Spotting Board 15:20 - From Research to Live Broadcast 17:43 - The Team Behind the Broadcast 24:05 - When Live TV Goes Wrong 30:00 - The Moments That Matter Most 32:53 - The Future of the Broadcast 35:04 - Broadcaster Quick Fire Q&A

Ep. 5: The People Who Built Georgia Hockey | Behind the Ice with Kyle Schnitzer

In Episode 5 of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad shines a spotlight on the people who rarely receive the recognition they deserve but have helped shape hockey throughout Georgia for decades. While players score the goals and coaches draw up the game plans, the sport’s foundation is built by countless individuals working behind the scenes. Through an in-depth conversation with longtime ice technician, Zamboni driver, and Georgia hockey historian Kyle Schnitzer, listeners get an inside look at the passion and dedication required to keep the game alive across the Peach State. Kyle shares his journey from growing up during the Atlanta Thrashers era to playing youth and high school hockey, working for the Atlanta Gladiators, maintaining the ice at Akins Ford Arena for the Athens Rock Lobsters, and becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Georgia hockey despite never wearing a professional jersey. Along the way, he offers a fascinating behind the scenes look at ice maintenance, arena operations, equipment management, and the countless details that fans never see but are essential to making every game possible. The conversation also explores the remarkable growth of hockey throughout Georgia, from the expansion of youth programs and adult leagues to the arrival of new professional franchises across the state. Kyle explains why grassroots development remains the key to hockey’s future, discusses the possibility of the NHL returning to Atlanta, and reflects on why preserving Georgia’s hockey history is just as important as building its future. His work documenting the sport through the Peach State Hockey Collection has become an invaluable archive of the teams, players, and moments that have shaped hockey culture throughout the region. Part conversation, part history lesson, and part celebration of the people working behind the scenes, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how hockey has quietly flourished in Georgia. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, an aspiring hockey professional, or someone curious about what it takes to build a successful hockey community from the ground up, this episode reveals that the future of the game depends just as much on the people behind the glass as those on the ice. 00:00 - Welcome Back to Peach State Puck 02:17 - Around Georgia Hockey 06:45 - Meet Kyle Schnitzer 15:59 - Finding a Career in Hockey 23:15 - What an Ice Manager Actually Does 28:11 - When the Ice Doesn’t Cooperate 32:07 - Can Hockey Keep Growing in Georgia? 37:24 - Preserving Georgia Hockey History 40:28 - The Future of Hockey in the Peach State

Ep. 4: Can Hockey Finally Work in Augusta with Brian Patafie

For nearly two decades, the city of Augusta, Georgia has experienced one of the most fascinating stories in minor league hockey. Two professional franchises arrived with promise. Both eventually disappeared. Now, with the return of the Augusta Lynx to the ECHL, one question remains. Can hockey finally work in Augusta? In this episode of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad dives into the complete history of professional hockey in Augusta, tracing the rise of the original Augusta Lynx, the challenges that led to the franchise folding, the brief but memorable run of the Augusta RiverHawks, and the exciting future that awaits with a brand-new arena, experienced ownership, and renewed optimism across the city. Joining the show is longtime athletic trainer Brian Patafie, whose four decades in professional hockey include nearly twenty years in the NHL with the Calgary Flames before helping launch the original Augusta Lynx. Brian shares incredible behind the scenes stories about building a hockey franchise from the ground up, working in the NHL, wearing the first Lynx mascot costume, the unforgettable opening night in Augusta, and the difficult organizational decisions that ultimately led to the downfall of professional hockey in the city. More importantly, he explains why he believes Augusta is finally positioned for long term success. 00:00 Will Hockey Finally Work in Augusta? 02:49 The Rise and Fall of Augusta Hockey 10:46 Why This Time Could Be Different 12:39 Brian Patafie Joins the Show 20:59 Building Hockey in Augusta 39:18 When Everything Started to Fall Apart 51:43 Why Augusta Deserves Another Chance 55:15 Georgia Hockey Is Growing 57:19 Closing Thoughts

Ep. 3: The Untold Reality of Minor League Hockey with Devin Dobek

In Episode 3 of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad takes listeners behind the curtain of professional hockey to reveal a side of the game that fans rarely get to experience. While the action on the ice lasts just 60 minutes, the real story of minor league hockey unfolds during the countless hours spent on buses, in hotel rooms, at roadside restaurants, and in arenas scattered across North America. From overnight drives and early morning flights to unforgettable team dinners and locker room traditions, Matteen shares firsthand stories from his time traveling with the Athens Rock Lobsters that capture both the excitement and exhaustion of life on the road. The episode explores the realities that come with working in professional hockey beyond the spotlight. Matteen reflects on the pressure of his first road trip, learning to earn the respect of players and coaches, navigating embarrassing travel mishaps, witnessing unforgettable moments of camaraderie, and discovering why the bonds formed during long road trips become the foundation of successful hockey teams. He also opens up about the personal sacrifices required to pursue a dream career, including the missed family events, long stretches away from loved ones, and the emotional balancing act that comes with dedicating your life to the game. Joining the show is Columbus River Dragons broadcaster Devin Dobek, whose remarkable journey through some of the most challenging situations in minor league hockey provides an honest and often hilarious look at the profession. From bus breakdowns and emergency travel plans to unforgettable encounters on the road and the realities of working for developing organizations, Devin shares stories that perfectly capture the unpredictable nature of life in the lower levels of professional hockey. Together, Matteen and Devin discuss what keeps broadcasters, players, and hockey staff coming back despite the long hours and difficult conditions, while celebrating the passion, friendships, and unforgettable memories that make the journey worthwhile. Whether you are a lifelong hockey fan, an aspiring broadcaster, or simply someone fascinated by the unseen side of professional sports, this episode offers an authentic and entertaining look at the people who sacrifice comfort, stability, and countless weekends in pursuit of the game they love. It is a reminder that while championships are won on the ice, some of the greatest stories in hockey happen long before the puck is dropped. 00:00 - The Bus League Begins 00:56 - Georgia Hockey News Around the State 06:05 - Life on the Road with the Athens Rock Lobsters 29:23 - The Hidden Cost of Chasing a Dream 33:18 - Meet Devin Dobek 41:50 - Broken Buses and Minor League Hockey Chaos 54:18 - The Sacrifices Behind the Microphone 56:52 - A New Beginning in Columbus 01:10:17 - The Future of Georgia Hockey

Ep. 2: How Hockey Took Over My Life: From Georgia Kid to Hockey Broadcaster

In Episode 2 of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad pulls back the curtain and shares the deeply personal story of how hockey became one of the defining passions of his life. What begins as a childhood memory of Atlanta Thrashers games and hockey video games evolves into an unexpected journey that spans continents, family connections, professional sports, and ultimately a career behind the microphone. Matteen recounts his unique relationship with NHL star Mika Zibanejad, his cousin and one of the most influential figures in his hockey journey. Through family trips, NHL Draft memories, championship celebrations, and firsthand experiences around some of the sport’s biggest names, listeners get an intimate look at how those moments helped spark a lifelong love of hockey. At the same time, he reflects on the winding path that led him through college broadcasting, sports information work, Atlanta United, collegiate athletics, and countless opportunities that gradually shaped him into the broadcaster he is today. The episode also explores the pivotal moment that changed everything when a newly announced hockey team in Athens, Georgia opened a door that Matteen was determined to walk through. From submitting a last-minute audition tape to calling his first professional hockey game, he shares the challenges, excitement, and sense of belonging that came from joining the Athens Rock Lobsters and discovering the broader hockey community throughout Georgia. Along the way, listeners learn about the people, relationships, and experiences that fueled his pursuit of sports broadcasting, including his fiancée Paige, his mentors, and the fans who embraced him from the very beginning. Part origin story, part love letter to hockey, and part reflection on chasing opportunities when they appear, this episode offers a personal look at the voice behind Peach State Puck and the journey that transformed a curious sports fan into one of the leading storytellers covering hockey in Georgia today. 00:00 - Introduction: How Hockey Took Over My Life 02:14 - First Hockey Memories and Atlanta Thrashers Games. 04:22 - Meeting My Cousin Mika Zibanejad 08:00 - Watching an NHL Dream Become Reality 10:00 - World Junior Gold and NHL Life Behind the Scenes 14:50 - Finding My Path in Sports Broadcasting 16:15 - Kennesaw State and My First Broadcast 22:19 - COVID Changes Everything 23:48 - Working in College Athletics and Sports Communications 24:20 - Atlanta United and Professional Sports Experience 28:51 - Expanding as a Broadcaster 31:06 - Meeting Paige and Building a Future 32:32 - Discovering the Athens Rock Lobsters 34:08 - The Audition That Changed Everything 35:25 - Calling My First Professional Hockey Game 37:00 - Why the Hockey Community Feels Different 38:51 - Fan Questions 49:20 - The Hockey Barn and Growing Hockey in Georgia 50:24 - Will Atlanta Get Another NHL Team? 51:25 - Closing Thoughts

Ep. 1: The Rise of Hockey Across the Peach State

In the debut episode of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad explores a question that would have sounded absurd to many hockey fans just a decade ago: Has Georgia become a true hockey state? Drawing from his experiences as the play-by-play voice of the Athens Rock Lobsters, Rad takes listeners on a tour of the hockey landscape across Georgia, examining the teams, fan bases, and communities that are fueling the sport’s rapid growth throughout the South. From the stability and tradition of the Columbus River Dragons to the persistence of the Macon Mayhem, the momentum surrounding the Athens Rock Lobsters, the optimism of Augusta’s returning ECHL franchise, the resurgence of the Atlanta Gladiators, and the grassroots development efforts of the Savannah Ghost Pirates, Rad highlights the unique identity each organization brings to Georgia hockey. Along the way, he argues that Southern hockey culture has evolved into something entirely its own, blending the passion, pride, and community spirit often associated with SEC sports into an atmosphere that is helping hockey thrive in unexpected places. The episode also examines the broader future of the game in Georgia, including renewed NHL expansion conversations in Atlanta and the growing evidence that hockey is no longer fighting for acceptance in the Peach State. Instead, the question has shifted from whether hockey belongs in Georgia to just how far the sport can go. For longtime fans, newcomers, and anyone curious about the future of hockey in the South, this episode serves as both a snapshot of the current landscape and a celebration of the communities building it. 00:00 – Intro 01:01 – Meet the Host 05:28 – Columbus River Dragons 11:47 – Macon Mayhem 17:34 – Athens Rock Lobsters 21:57 – Augusta Lynx 23:42 – Atlanta Gladiators 26:09 – Savannah Ghost Pirates 29:03 – Recap for the Future

Preview: First Episode Coming Monday, June 22

The story of hockey in Georgia deserves to be told. From Columbus to Macon. Athens to Savannah. Duluth to Augusta. Every rink, every fanbase, every rivalry, every story. Peach State Puck was created to celebrate the people, teams, and communities that are growing the game in a place many people still don't think of as hockey country. Episode 1 drops next week. We'll explore why hockey feels different in Georgia, what makes our fan culture unique, and why the future of the sport in the Peach State has never been brighter. This is just the beginning. New episodes every week. Hosted by Matteen Rad.