The Seattle Kraken absolutely lit up the Utah Mammoth tonight, pulling off a 5-3 win that had Climate Pledge Arena buzzing. It’s the kind of victory that gets the blood flowing, but even with that excitement, a deep dive into hockey’s past is reminding us what true grit looks like. A recent podcast, “Weird Islanders,” is showcasing a legend whose stories resonate far beyond any single game, revealing the kind of toughness we all love in the sport.
One Game, One Moment: Morency Had Their Back
Mike and Dan, the hosts of “Weird Islanders,” brought in Blog Box veteran Tom Liodice to set the scene, talking about what it was like covering the Islanders as a fan in the early internet days. Then, the real talk began, diving into Pascal Morency’s impact. For many, his most memorable moment for the Islanders organization came in just one preseason game. It was a dark time for the Islanders, and seeing a bright young star like Kyle Okposo get laid out by Calgary captain Dion Phaneuf on a dirty hit in a meaningless game just twisted the knife. But Morency was there, instantly coming to Okposo’s aid. Players like Morency made fans feel that, at least, someone had their back when things got ugly. That’s the kind of loyalty and fire you just don’t forget.
Bridgeport Brawls and One-Handed Fights
Morency himself joins the podcast in the second half, candidly recounting his three seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, which was one of the toughest teams in the AHL. He’s had a well-traveled career, bringing grit, scoring, and community service across Canada, the US, and Europe. Morency quickly established himself as a physical force on the ice and a scoring option, becoming a leader in the community too, earning the team’s 2007 Man of the Year for his contributions. He shared stories of favorite teammates, his continued closeness with fellow Sound Tigers soldier Trevor Gillies, and some truly memorable fights. Imagine this: Morency had to learn how to fight with one hand after one particularly gruesome injury. He even recounts once tussling with a guy named Robin Big Snake. True story. And get this, he even had a bobblehead showcasing a famous pose after a fight. This guy was the real deal.
While we celebrate tonight’s Kraken win, these stories from the hockey trenches remind us why we love the game. And if you’re craving more, there’s a “Weird Islanders Extra!” bonus podcast with Tom where they dive even deeper into the Sound Tigers’ legacy, even discussing a photograph that captures the kind of team they were in the late 2000s. It’s the kind of hockey history that keeps the fire burning, win or lose.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Lighthouse Hockey.
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