We've been posting classic revisits throughout the summer and keeping a weekly schedule, but we're going to be shifting to a more infrequent posting schedule with more finely curated episodes coming your way.

Keep us in your podcast feed and feel free to e-mail us at SignOffPod@Frameworth.com with any questions you'd like us to answer, guests you'd like to request for interviews, or just to say hi!

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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This week we take a break from talking about Sports Memorabilia to talk about an entirely different realm of sports occupation.

We're joined by ex Winnipeg Jets Captain and current Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Kris King as he recounts NOT ONLY his 14 year playing career, but his 20+ year career working in Hockey Ops for the NHL.

He opens up the doors to the NHL War Room to give us some inside information on what goes on each and every night as calls are sent to them for review.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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They called him "The Entertainer" for a reason. Eddie Shack was as exciting on the ice as he was off of it.

For a man who grew up illiterate, he managed to chart a path which brought him more success and accolades than some of the most well-read people out there.

Along the way he couldn't help but be loved by just about everyone he came across, and as a result his life's story could fill an entire book.

In 2019 Brian Ehrenworth, the President of Frameworth Sports Marketing and Frameworth Publishing, recruited Ken Reid to help tell the story of Eddie's life.

Before the end of the year, they were touring across Canada celebrating The Entertainer's return to the limelight.

In this episode we sit down to recount everything that went into making the book--from the exhaustion to the exhilaration.

You can purchase copies of this book in your local bookstore, or by following this link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/eddie-shack-hockeys-most-entertaining/9781999209803-item.html

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When we started this podcast we set out to give our listeners an inside look at the world of Sports Marketing. There is a lot of hard work that goes into our industry, but we wanted to make sure we also showed the lighter side.

As is the case with all industries, as an oasis in the middle of our more difficult times we have the luxury of taking part in events, meet interesting people, and let loose with some of the most incredible characters around.

In this episode we wanted to make a point to highlight some of these moments by outlining some of the funniest stories we've experienced over the years.

We plan on revisiting this formula plenty of times in the future, so let us know what you think!

Send us your thoughts, questions, and story requests at SignOffPod@frameworth.com!

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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Some of the most interesting names in sports are the ones you may have never heard of. This week, we're joined by someone who is living proof.

If you know the name "Rocket," it's either because you've been on the wrong side of an athlete interaction, or the right one.

Rocket has worked in the field of Athlete Security and Concierge services for decades, and he's known in the industry for having some of the most amazing stories from the inside.

We learn how he got involved in this business, and he shares some of his most memorable experiences.

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It's almost impossible to talk about the best teams or players to ever take to the ice without someone bringing up the fact that "the game is way too different today to start comparing eras."

While that might be true in a general sense, one aspect of the current NHL seems to be overlooked quite frequently: toughness.

Are modern NHL players less tough than the breed of athlete we used to see decades ago? Or have the rules changed so much around them that that type of play simply doesn't work anymore?

Who better to ask than one of the most well rounded, toughest players to ever lace up the skates? We're joined in studio by Wendel Clark to get his perspective on the modern NHL, and how the league uses the idea of "toughness" as a selling point to attract new viewers.

We all know Wayne Gretzky as "The Great One," but who does HE consider to be great?

We're joined by lifelong friend and self proclaimed "Male Groupie" of Wayne Gretzky -- "Jungle" Jim Jerome -- as he regales us with hilarious stories from a life spent hanging out with the NHL elite.

He's been described by Wayne Gretzky as "The funniest person in the world" and he's no stranger to broadcasting in his own right, with several successful podcasts including "The Suspendables" with Russ Courtnall, and "Inside Curling" on Sportsnet's podcast network.

If you're up for a laugh, this is one you can't afford to miss. We get into marketing and memorabilia, but this is a lighter episode compared to our usual tone.

No matter how hard you try, and how careful you are, every so often something is going to slip through the cracks.

This is a story of one of those times when the worst case scenario comes to light. When given an NHL Superstar's collection of his own game worn jerseys for framing, they somehow managed to seemingly vanish off the face of the earth.

Every element of this story is mind blowing: from how they disappeared, to the steps we had to take in order to rectify the issue.

Believe it or not: this is one of the stories which made us consider starting a podcast in the first place, and after listening to this episode you'll know why.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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You'll know Jon "Nasty" Mirasty from his unending YouTube fight clips, or his massive archive on hockeyfights.com, but his cult following only increased after the release of the Netflix documentary Untold: Crime and Penalties which followed the Danbury Trashers, as well as the new hit TV show Shoresy in which he plays someone akin to a modern day Hanson brother with an even meaner streak.

This week he joins the podcast to give his thoughts on how the game of hockey has changed along with the decreasing presence of fighting and enforcers.

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We wanted to throw in a few revisits to past episodes in order to highlight some of our earlier interviews for those who are new to the podcast. This is part one of two, which was released in August of 2021. You can find part two (episode 24) earlier in our episode feed!

This week we're joined by an absolute legend in the world of Sports Management. It's a man who helped write the book on sports agency, and taught players how to fight back against unfair contracts.

Before the world of superagencies, Gus Badali was a man who gave young players a voice, helped give rise to the WHA, and ultimately forever changed the way that contracts for younger players entering the NHL would be written.

In this first of 2 parts, Gus walks us through his rise to stardom from a young player to one of the biggest agents in the sport (representing the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux). He also sheds light on the major contract dispute between the NHL and John Tonelli which had the major members of the league try to sue him for $2 Million.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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If you managed to make it to the show, you would have seen the largest edition of this Expo ever completed. Behind the scenes, Mikey Singer, president and founder of MKEM, was working tirelessly to ensure that the show went off without a hitch!

But his responsibilities don't begin and end with the weekend of the show. This week he joins the podcast to talk about all the work that goes into planning, managing, and reconciling the largest Hockey Collectables show in the world!

Plus, he's a collector himself so he shares some of his most impressive finds from the show floor.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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Twice per year its doors open to collectors across the world, so this week we brought in Steve Menzie to talk about how he's driven its success since taking over in 2016.

He shares stories of what has gone right, and what has gone wrong, plus what makes this event so special to everyone who attends, plus what to expect this year in the realm of NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, Wrestling, and more!

Make sure to get your tickets to this event, taking place June 2nd - 5th 2022 at The International Center in Toronto.

You can find out more or buy tickets by visiting https://sportcardexpotoronto.com/

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From tearing up his junior league, to playing for one of the most infamous hockey teams of all time, The Danbury Trashers, Brent joins us on the podcast to share stories of a fascinating career spent in the realm of professional hockey.

Plus, he shares never before heard stories about his father, and weighs in on the one NHL game he played against Wayne Gretzky.

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He's dedicated his life to preserving, recreating, and sourcing some of the most iconic moments in hockey history. Without his help, and his expertise in archived footage, it's likely that we would not have the videos which have allowed fans to relive moments like the 1972 Summit Series, the breaking of the NHL's "colour barrier," and Bill Barilko's Stanley Cup winning overtime goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He shares some of the most fascinating stories we've heard to date. If you're a fan of the history of this great game, then this is one episode you certainly don't want to miss.

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However, it wasn't really until the 1970s that NHL players were seen in the same circles as the world's most popular people.

At the forefront of this movement was this week's guest on the podcast: Ron Duguay. He's a man who was written about as often in the tabloids as he was in the sports section, and he relished every minute of it.

He joins us to talk about what it was like creating an image for himself, and for the league, both on and off the ice.

You can find his podcast "Up in the Blue Seats: A NY Rangers Podcast" alongside Mollie Walker and Larry Brooks on any podcast platform!

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This week we're joined by Lindsay Hofford, the Founder and CEO of Pro Hockey Development Group who has spent time as a head coach for the London Knights, a scout for The Toronto Maple Leafs, and an Assistant GM for the Arizona Coyotes.

Lindsay and Pro Hockey Development will be working with Frameworth to find a way to help some of the world's top prospects better memorialize their paths to professional hockey through memorabilia.

You can find out more about Pro Hockey Development Group and upcoming tournaments at www.prohoc.com

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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But when it comes to wines? We'd look to John Peller: President and CEO of Andrew Peller Limited, and a mastermind behind Wayne Gretzky Estates which has become one of the most popular wineries and distilleries in the entire world!

John joins the podcast this week as he shares stories about how he found himself in charge of his family's legacy, and details the journey of how his enterprise has changed since partnering with Wayne Gretzky.

He even shares some stories about what it's like to play on the same line. It's The Great One, and The Grape One!

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It's much more of a "collectors" focused episode as we talk about some of the issues that go into maintaining exclusive relationships, some of our best and worst experiences with NHL, NBA, and MLB athletes, and what we do with signatures which don't quite meet our standards of quality.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer on a future episode make sure to send them to us at SignOffPod@Frameworth.com!

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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Ethan Werek began his pro hockey career being drafted by the New York Rangers, and has spent the past few years playing for a variety of teams across the globe. Most notably, he recently took part in the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing playing for the Chinese Men's National Hockey Team.

So what was it like as a Canadian born athlete playing hockey AGAINST Team Canada in the Olympics? And what has his experience been playing in the KHL over the past few years?

Ethan shares this story and many more this week on The Sign Off: A Frameworth Podcast.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

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This week Christine Simpson sits down with The Sign Off: A Frameworth Podcast to talk about her early life, her time with the Hockey Hall of Fame, Her experiences as an NHL Broadcaster, and her mission to make hockey a space with a much more accepting and open culture for all of those who participate.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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This week on the podcast we're joined by AJ Galante who, at 17 years old, was given the opportunity to serve as the president of a hockey team. He took that opportunity and grew the franchise into one of the most notorious teams in hockey history.

It's Slapshot meets Professional Wrestling, with a dash of the Sopranos. AJ fills us in on all the details the Netflix documentary missed, and answers some listener questions about his influences.

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Mark Hebscher has been working in the realm of Sports Broadcasting for roughly 40 years. While it started with radio and television stations, more recently he's decided to take his game online and use his experience to carve out some real estate for himself.

This week we sit down to discuss his history in sports broadcasting, as well as some of the difficulties he's encountered while making the shift from covering the likes of the NHL, MLB, and NBA for a major network, to building a brand based around himself.

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So how does a coach take on the responsibility of shaping a young talent like Sidney's before he makes the NHL? We sit down with Maritime Sports Hall of Fame inductee Paul Mason who shares stories of what it was like coaching Crosby as a young athlete, and eventually being called the most influential coach Sidney has ever had.

We learn about his commitment to the community of Cole Harbour, and his belief in instilling such values into all of the kids he has coached throughout his career. Before he was a Pittsburgh Penguin, Sidney Crosby was a Cole Harbour Red Wing, and that's an institution that Paul Mason helped build.

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He's an icon in the hockey world, both to fans and teammates, and his career put him on a path through the WHA and NHL alongside the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Grant Fuhr. He may not have won a Stanley Cup with them, but there's a reason why Grant Fuhr wore number 1 in his first year, and Wayne Gretzky asked Eddie to be the Best Man at his wedding.

He's a fantastic story teller with tonnes to say about his experiences in the league, and the way in which the NHL Alumni has been supporting its past players.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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This week he joins The Sign Off: A Frameworth Podcast to talk about what it was like playing in the WHA around the time of the NHL merger, his experiences working with Harold Ballard, and his feelings around a career which he fees was cut short in spite of the fact that he had more to give.

You can read more about his life in his book Catch-22: My Battles, in Hockey and Life: https://www.amazon.ca/Catch-22-Battles-Hockey-Life/dp/0735280290

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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He's been covering the wide world of sports since the age of 19, and has worked with CTV / Bell Media as a TSN personality for roughly 30 years.

But how did the man born in Winnipeg, Manitoba who dreamed of being a Harlem Globetrotter end up earning the title of "The Voice of Canadian Figure Skating?"

This week we sit down with Rod Black to find out how he started, where he went, and what he's planning for the future.

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But it's precisely at these moments when people like this week's guest, Chris Broadhurst, decide to shine.

Chris Broadhurst has been working in the field of sports medicine for over 35 years, and during that time he has served as the head athletic trainer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Phoenix Coyotes, and has worked with the NHL All-Star Teams as well as Team Canada in multiple world tournaments.

We wanted to bring him on to get his unique perspective on the ways in which athletics, preventative, and rehabilitative training has changed and improved over the years.

The technology, knowledge, and resources at the time Chris worked with athletes like Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour's injuries were drastically different from those available to teams now, but at the core of it all remains the practice of ensuring the health and safety of the warriors who perform day in and day out.

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During his tenure as coach he amassed tonnes of stories and developed close relationships with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jason Spezza, Matt Duchene, and more.

Stan weighs in on how coaching has changed in the past years with the prevalence of Twitter, and the public's perception of "strictness" on the ice.

Plus: how much does the thought of "championships" weigh on a coach who has seen as much success as he has?

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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We pick up where we left off with Kerry walking us through his most significant moments as a professional hockey player in Germany, and outlining the unlikely events which lead him to a life in pursuit of making the lives of athletes more manageable and understood outside of the stadiums.

Kerry now works with Shoot for a Cure, Connected Mental Health, and StopConcussions (among others) to make the world of hockey a better place.

To take part in the live auctions in support of research, recovery, and awareness surrounding neurologic trauma taking place until February 14, 2022.

Find out more here: https://www.icehockeyclassic.com.au/product-category/jersey-off-my-back-auction/

You can find his podcast Gouche Live here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gouche-live/id1536841014 , or visit StopConcussions.com to find out more!

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We had so much to discuss that we decided to split this interview into two episodes. In this week's episode, Kerry walks us through his earliest playing days leading up to his first shot at turning pro in Germany. We hear about everything from his tryout for John Ferguson Sr., to his Allan Cup victory, and how he managed to open the hottest bars bars in Manitoba and Thunder Bay along the way!

Kerry now works with Shoot for a Cure, Connected Mental Health, and StopConcussions (among others) to make the world of hockey a better place.

To take part in the live auctions in support of research, recovery, and awareness surrounding neurologic trauma taking place until February 14, 2022. Find out more here: https://www.icehockeyclassic.com.au/product-category/jersey-off-my-back-auction/

You can find his podcast Gouche Live here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gouche-live/id1536841014 , or visit StopConcussions.com to find out more!

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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Go over the @LosingmoneyWAB (DING) on Instagram and Twitter to get daily picks in between episodes.

You can also email the show with any thoughts on gambling or to tell us how we've helped you lose money. All the music was done by Nickie Minshall, check her music out on Instagram and Spotify. 

HAVE FUN LOSING MONEY

One of the most significant realms in the entire business of sports is something which most sports fans have tried at some point or another: gambling. With the increased awareness and relaxing rules around sports betting, it's becoming EVEN MORE popular than before.

Today we sit down with an expert in that regard, Andrew Bascom, to talk about the ways in which sports betting has been stigmatized, recommendations for beginners, and some of his strategies.

Andrew hosts "Losing Money with Andrew Bascom," which is a sports betting podcast and social media brand aimed at bringing a bit of levity, clarity, and community to the world of sports betting.

You can find the podcast on iTunes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/losing-money-with-andrew-bascom/id1530425599

Or just search "Losing Money with Andrew Bascom" wherever you listen!

You can also follow him @LosingMoneyWAB on all social media.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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Mike Wilson started as a fan but turned into an icon almost overnight when the world learned about his basement which housed a multi-million dollar collection of Toronto Maple Leafs memorabilia ranging from the ACTUAL turnstiles from Maple Leaf Gardens, to the original player contract of Tim Horton.

Mike shares his stories of how he got into collecting, why he decided to sell his collection, and why he ultimately decided to get into the world of appraisals and collectable consulting!

Plus, he regales us with tales of his year-long commitment to attending EVERY live Toronto Maple Leafs game (Home AND Away) in a single season.

Make sure to check out his website where you can purchase his books, find out more information about him, or listen to his podcast "The Squid and The Ultimate Leafs Fan" which he hosts with Rick Vaive!

https://www.ultimateleafsfan.com/

You can follow Mike on Twitter (@ULeafsFan), Instagram (@TheUltimateLeafsFan), or learn about his sports appraisal services at https://www.ultimatesportsappraiser.com/

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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Last week we couldn't get to all of your questions, so we decided to pick up where we left off and answer a few more of the best submissions!

We tackle topics such as the changing landscape of the collectables world with heavy hitters like Fanatics coming on the scene, how to keep your memorabilia in the best condition possible, and we even have some fun with questions about our athletes' favourite guilty pleasures!

As always, if you'd like to be featured on an upcoming Q and A episode, e-mail your questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com!

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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Since starting the podcast people have been reaching out to us with questions which they'd like addressed on the show. From questions about HOW we determine a product line, what's involved in obtaining a license, to whether or not some players refuse to sign certain products.

It's been a fantastic year and we appreciate all of the time our listeners have given us. We look forward to continuing with an EVEN MORE successful 2022!

A special thanks to everyone who reached out with a question! If there's anything you'd like to ask for a future episode, please e-mail us at signoffpod@frameworth.com!

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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Chris Ehrenworth was born into the world of Sports Marketing and Sports Management, but eventually branched out to a more traditional, unrelated industry. He joins us to tell us all about his early days helping the company figure out how to properly run their large-scale public and private signings.

Along the way he's been held up at the border, admired by hockey fans, and even placed in HANDCUFFS!

How could that have happened?

You'll have to listen to find out.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to check out Chris' restaurant Pig Out Barbecue located at 650 Spadina in Toronto, Ontario.

Tell him you heard him on the podcast!

__________________

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There's a lot to cover given everything he's accomplished, but we hear from him about his early days blindly sending his personal photos to The Hockey News, to running an entire operation within Getty Images as the Director of Photography for Hockey Imagery.

You're not going to miss this exclusive look at the man behind the camera of so many of the iconic images you see from our sport.

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In 1993 he met with The Great One, Wayne Gretzky, and worked closely with him over the course of the next 27 years to run one of the most iconic restaurants in the country, and a staple for hockey fans around the world: Wayne Gretzky's.

Along the way he helped grow his family's company in order to change the sports landscape of Toronto forever.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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This week he joins us on The Sign Off: A Frameworth Podcast to talk about how he has learned to maintain focus on the needs of his clients versus the growing demands of the media.

The world of sports agency, especially in the NHL, has changed drastically from requiring oversight in contract negotiations to being a one-stop shop for all that a client might need, be it concierge services, social media management, athletic health, and more.

Darren shares with us his thoughts on the concept of a "home team discount," the benefits and detriments of a Salary Cap, and why he feels the media has tried to paint him as "the bad guy" on occasion.

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Mike Zeisberger has been working in the realm of sports journalism for about as long as the Blue Jays have been chasing their third title. Over that time he's covered a variety of leagues, teams, and topics, and has had his work featured in Bleacher Report, The National Post, The Toronto Sun, and is currently featured as an NHL Insider.

This week he joins us in studio to talk about the changing landscape of sports writing, and the increasing fascination with the players' personal lives as opposed to traditional think pieces.

How does a modern sports writer compete in this new world of headlines, hit pieces, and hyperbole?

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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Shawn Chaulk has been referred to as the "Wayne Gretzky" of "Wayne Gretzky Collectors" because he's dedicated his life to amassing one of the most impressive lots of memorabilia you could imagine.

He decided early on to put a focus on collecting Game Used Wayne Gretzky memorabilia, but has also gotten his hands on an impressive collection of rare signed products.

In his downtime Shawn runs two Facebook groups which, together, include roughly 20 000 avid fans of the Great One.

You can find his group "Wayne Gretzky" here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1697550540511212

You can find "Wayne Gretzky Collectors" here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/110781702271212/?action_source=group_mall_recommendation_affordance

Make sure to check in with them after the episode!

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

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It's a rare occasion that you meet someone who has as much experience working with some of the biggest names in both sports and music as Joey Scoleri.

You may know him better by his on-air name of Joey Vendetta which he adopted all the way back in the 80's during his first stint with the Toronto Radio Station Q107.

From there he networked his way through the ranks of the music industry until solidifying a position with Live Nation and working closely with some of the most popular artists of all time.

Today Joey sits down with us to explain exactly how a radio personality in Toronto can end up helping Coldplay set up their tour, or throwing the most exclusive parties at the NHL All-Star Game.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

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 Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

Glen Gretzky (Executive Director of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and the Brand Manager of Gretzky Estates) and Lauri Holomis (VP of Sponsorships and Events at Biosteel) sit down with us to discuss everything from creating and managing one of the most well renowned wineries in the world, running one of the largest charitable organizations, and writing/publishing two best-selling Children's Books!

Great Too, their most recent book about Walter Gretzky and his life lessons taught through the game of hockey, is now available at a bookstore near you, or online HERE.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

We're joined by ex Winnipeg Jets Captain and current Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Kris King as he recounts NOT ONLY his 14 year playing career, but his 20+ year career working in Hockey Ops for the NHL.

He opens up the doors to the NHL War Room to give us some inside information on what goes on each and every night as calls are sent to them for review.

Thanks to 100yrs and Tree Picks for their 5 Star iTunes reviews this week! Submit your for a chance to be read ON AIR, and maybe even a signed giveaway!

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

We've been avoiding this topic as best as we could from the beginning of this podcast because we worried about picking at a fresh scab, but now feels like a good time to look back at all of the unique ways in which COVID affected not only our company, but the collectables world as a whole.

From the beginning news that Frameworth would have to cut back, to the realization that the only way we could survive was by a radical pivot in our customer base--we outline all of our decisions and opinions on how things have changed for better and for worse.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

Many collectors have been to public signings, but private singings are an entirely different beast.

From balancing the prep work and the efficiency to simply making sure the player stays happy--chances are there's a lot more that goes into it than you may expect.

This week Brian and Mikey sit down to discuss all of the work that goes into making sure these run smoothly... and also find time to share some of their best and worst experiences at these signings.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

More importantly: WHY is that your most cherished piece of memorabilia?

People collect for all sorts of reasons, but ultimately we each have specific items which we value over all others. For some of us, it's because they're worth the most money, or perhaps they're the most rare. For others, it's possible that their favourite items don't hold any monetary value; rather, they signify an important memory or event.

In this episode - the first in a series of close looks into the most valued collections of our guests and listeners - Brian Ehrenworth (President of Frameworth Sports Marketing) "opens his vault" and shows off some of the pieces which mean the most to him.

Let us know your most cherished pieces of memorabilia! Send us a note on social media or e-mail us directly at SignOffPod@Frameworth.com for a chance to be featured on the show!

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

We've spoken with agents, managers, social media personalities, security personnel, players, business owners, and more--but what we HAVEN'T done is turn the spotlight onto YOU: The Collector!

This week we sit down with Matt Ellenberger, an avid collector and Business Technologies specialist who has worked in the realm of sports for quite some time, but in his spare time manages a community of like minded individuals who are keen on sharing their love and passion for collecting.

We wanted to get some insight into what the collector wants, and how they view some of the larger companies who enter the scene with a goal of commodifying the collector's hobby. We take the positive feedback along with the criticism as we try to grow this world into something more fitting for everyone involved.

Join Matt's "Sidney Crosby Memorabilia Collectors" group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2948011468660172/

Or his Mario Lemieux Memorabilia Collectors" group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2518627558403162

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

#SportsRadio #SportsTalk #HockeyTalk #SportsPodcast #HockeyPodcast #TMLTalk #GoLeafsGo #NHL #NHLPlayoffs #FunnyVideos #MontrealCanadiens #SportsMemorabilia #SportsMarketing #SidneyCrosby #SportsCollectables #Signatures #Autographs #Signatures #Collectables

It could be an athlete, or a movie star, or even a celebrity chef! We all have idols, and there has always been something appealing about having those idols sign items for us.

But WHY do we do it, and HOW did it become so commonplace?

This week we discuss the evolution of the autograph industry and how Frameworth help shaped the way we interact with our favourite athletes.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

At first glance this episode may not seem as though it has all that much to do with the world of Sports Marketing, but that's on purpose. We're joined in studio by Chris Soutsos (of Thrashed TV) and Brian Glazer who have been navigating the world of social media, influencing, content creation, marketing, and more for longer than most people have had a YouTube account.

While he managed to reach whole new levels of fame in the world of Thrash Metal, Chris decided to break from his original group and pursue a solo journey in a world which can incorporate more of his passions than just music. With his sights set to include a focus on sports, we thought it was a great opportunity to sit down and share stories, experiences, and opinions on how to market old sports to young people.

Follow Chris on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/chrissthrash/

You can also find links to all of his social media, videos, and merch at: www.thrashed.ca 

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

Mike Brown ran WGA (Wayne Gretzky Authentic) from its incarnation, and, together with Brian Ehrenworth of Frameworth, changed the way the world would view an elite superstar's memorabilia.

Mike and Brian shared several years together pioneering new ideas, and this episode is dedicated to reliving that legacy.

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

If you haven't heard part 1, we recommend starting there. In this episode we focus more heavily on his relationship with Wayne, Walter, and Phyllis Gretzky which began all the way back when Wayne was only 15 years old.

He walks us through what it was like navigating a junior league which thought he was too small, an NHL which thought he was too young, and a WHA which thought he was too good to pass up!

We also have some time to talk about Gus Badali's influence on Mario Lemieux's now-famous draft day incident.

If you're unsure what that's all about, make sure you listen to the end!

Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to SignOffPod@Frameworth.com

Twitter: @FrameworthSports

Instagram: @FrameworthSport

Mikey's Twitter: @RetrogradeMikey

www.frameworth.com

Before the world of superagencies, Gus Badali was a man who gave young players a voice, helped give rise to the WHA, and ultimately forever changed the way that contracts for younger players entering the NHL would be written.

In this first of 2 parts, Gus walks us through his rise to stardom from a young player to one of the biggest agents in the sport (representing the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux). He also sheds light on the major contract dispute between the NHL and John Tonelli which had the major members of the league try to sue him for $2 Million.

Part 2 is coming up soon, so make sure to let us know your thoughts!

For a man who grew up illiterate, he managed to chart a path which brought him more success and accolades than some of the most well-read people out there.

Along the way he couldn't help but be loved by just about everyone he came across, and as a result his life's story could fill an entire book.

In 2019 Brian Ehrenworth, the President of Frameworth Sports Marketing and Frameworth Publishing, recruited Ken Reid to help tell the story of Eddie's life.

Before the end of the year, they were touring across Canada celebrating The Entertainer's return to the limelight.

In this episode we sit down to recount everything that went into making the book--from the exhaustion to the exhilaration.

This week we're joined by Philadelphia Flyers Legend and Hall of Famer Bernie Parent who's post-career work has been just as influential if not MORE influential than his time in the league.

Bernie tells us stories of struggling to make a name for himself in a market dominated by English-speaking players, making the best of difficult roster situations, finding himself being mentored by his idol Jacques Plante, and controlling his demons in order to make his life even better than it had been before.

This is a fantastic interview which ranges from hilarious to heartfelt, and offers yet another angle of insight into how the world around professional sports operates.

As is the case with all industries, as an oasis in the middle of our more difficult times we have the luxury of taking part in events, meet interesting people, and let loose with some of the most incredible characters around.

In this episode we wanted to make a point to highlight some of these moments by outlining some of the funniest stories we've experienced over the years.

We plan on revisiting this formula plenty of times in the future, so let us know what you think!

Send us your thoughts, questions, and story requests at SignOffPod@frameworth.com!

We're joined by lifelong friend and self proclaimed "Male Groupie" of Wayne Gretzky -- "Jungle" Jim Jerome -- as he regales us with hilarious stories from a life spent hanging out with the NHL elite.

He's been described by Wayne Gretzky as "The funniest person in the world" and he's no stranger to broadcasting in his own right, with several successful podcasts including "The Suspendables" with Russ Courtnall, and "Inside Curling" on Sportsnet's podcast network.

If you're up for a laugh, this is one you can't afford to miss. We get into marketing and memorabilia, but this is a lighter episode compared to our usual tone.

According to the man himself, Dennis Maruk, this is exactly what has happened in his career. There are a variety of reasons he gives, but most significantly is his insight on how ANY NHL player's career can be forgotten in some capacity.

Dennis Maruk joins us to discuss how his post-NHL career, in tandem with his book "Dennis Maruk: The Unforgettable Story of Hockey's Forgotten 60-Goal Man," has helped bring about a change to the climate surrounding the treatment of NHL Alumni.

However, after the arena clears out and the players take their trophy out for a night on the town, there's an entire industry which is just beginning their work. For those of us in the world of Sports Marketing, one of our busiest moments begins at the very point in time that the season ends, and that's because an entire new realm of work, responsibility, and opportunity, has just opened itself up.

In this episode Brian and Mikey Ehrenworth sit down to talk their way through what the end of an NHL season looks like to them--from the onslaught of work, the rush to get new product into the marketplace, and an attempt to build inventory when the rest of the league is deciding to take some time off.

In these cases, they turn to people like this week's guest, who goes by the name "Rocket."

He and his company Rocket Security provide an all encompassing service to ensure that the players we know and love are looked after when they want to let their guard down a little bit.

Having worked in this field for his entire life, he joins us for a second time to share some of his personal stories which have never before seen the light of day.

Nowadays, sports fans are developing their own voices and amassing enormous followings simply by taking to social media to express their views.

Frank Crupi of The Hockey Illuminati has done it all. He left a job in broadcasting to start up his own podcast, then pivoted to a social media centric presence which has seen his brand skyrocket.

This week he sits down to give us his thoughts on the state of the industry, and explain how a person can go about gaining a following of their own.

Follow Hockey Illuminati through the following links:

Instagram - @HockeyIlluminati

Twitter - @HKY_Illuminati_

TikTok - @Hockey_Illuminati

There are a few names in the world of hockey equipment companies which everyone knows: CCM, Adidas, Warrior, Easton...

But what does it take for a new company entering the scene to make a name for themselves?

Brad has worked for the biggest names, as well as some newer names, and he's here to tell us all about the differences in each.

While that might be true in a general sense, one aspect of the current NHL seems to be overlooked quite frequently: toughness.

Are modern NHL players less tough than the breed of athlete we used to see decades ago? Or have the rules changed so much around them that that type of play simply doesn't work anymore?

Who better to ask than one of the most well rounded, toughest players to ever lace up the skates? We're joined in studio by Wendel Clark to get his perspective on the modern NHL, and how the league uses the idea of "toughness" as a selling point to attract new viewers.

This is because the ideas which work well in sports often work well in entertainment fields such as music, movies, etc. Join us this week for a behind the scenes look at how we managed to secure a project supplying the VIP gifts for worldwide concert tours for artists such as U2, Madonna, Phil Collins, Black Sabbath, and more!

We also dig into how this got us on the path to co-author, market, and publish Eddie Shack's biography.

However, few of us are aware of the battle which takes place in the locker rooms between equipment companies fighting to get their products into the hands of the athletes. Players are given every opportunity to test out their desired selection of sticks, gloves, helmets, skates, etc., and because of this the industry can get fairly cut-throat.

We sit down with a man who made a career out of convincing the top athletes in the league to use his products, and over his career he's become one of the most infamous non-players to make his way into a locker room.

Brad Janson joins us to talk about his life as an equipment rep, as well as his role in the continuing story of Rick Nash's missing jerseys.

For most people these little curiosities have moved the world of Cryptocurrencies from the misunderstood and dismissed realm of fads to the mainstream (albeit still often misunderstood).

For leaders in the field of Sports Marketing and Sports Memorabilia, change is not new to us. However, seldom has a single topic so quickly and so publicly shaken up the grounds on which our industry has been built.

In this episode we take some time to explain what NFTs are, how they relate to this industry, and how past changes -- both externally and internally -- have brought about significant changes to our world.

This week anthem singer, and legendary Canadian Tenor John McDermott joins us to talk about his life in sports. He's spent 20+ years singing anthems and serving as an ambassador to the teams he loves.

It turns out there's much more to this element of the game than most fans might realize. The anthem singers themselves often become firmly entrenched in the culture of a team, giving the spectators a touchstone, or an element of tradition to which they can cling in order to feel more like "part of the team."

After all, who doesn't like an opportunity to take part in the same actions as their favourite players in the stadium? For those brief minutes, athletes and fans alike stand together listening to the songs.

This week, he's making his way into our podcast studio at Frameworth to sit down and talk about his most notable memories before he made the NHL, and after he retired.

What does an NHL superstar do with their time after they retire from the sport they love? Some of them make appearances, some enter the business world, and others find ways to prop up the sport from off the ice.

Doug Gilmour has done all this and more, and he's here to take us behind the curtains.

This is a story of one of those times when the worst case scenario comes to light. When given an NHL Superstar's collection of his own game worn jerseys for framing, they somehow managed to seemingly vanish off the face of the earth.

Every element of this story is mind blowing: from how they disappeared, to the steps we had to take in order to rectify the issue.

Believe it or not: this is one of the stories which made us consider starting a podcast in the first place, and after listening to this episode you'll know why.

Lucky for us, Bob McCown was around for the early beginnings of both of these mediums. After leaving Sportsnet, Bob managed to climb his way back up the charts with a new undertaking produced by his own company Fadoo Productions.

With The Sign Off being a proud member of his team, we were pleased to have him on to talk us through his experiences and tell us some insider stories.

You won't want to miss him telling us about his time spent with Muhammad Ali before his final match.

You may not realize it, but before companies like Frameworth, Upper Deck, Fanatics, and A.J.'s solidified themselves as go-to sources of trusted signed memorabilia, fans and resellers alike had to do a lot of work to determine the proper avenues through which they could source legitimate items.

Early on in Frameworth's existence, Brian Ehrenworth set out to change this, and through a combination of fortune and strategy, he was able to help set a new standard for creating trustworthy avenues of sale and resale.

This week he sits down with us to explain how things have changed since those early days, and the troubles he experienced along the way.

Ken Reid, Sportsnet Broadcaster, Author, and all around sports fan joins us in studio to walk us through what first got him into his obsession with trading cards.

We also take the opportunity to get his opinion on NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens) and the craze surrounding NBA's Top Shot, and other similar digital products.

Finally, we recap the fantastic time we had putting together Eddie Shack's biography.

This is an episode you don't want to miss!

**NOTE: We experienced some audio issues in the recording (some clicks and distortion) which we did our best to fix. The finished audio is certainly much better now, but it's still not perfect. Past the introduction the quality seems to get much more acceptable**

If you know the name "Rocket," it's either because you've been on the wrong side of an athlete interaction, or the right one.

Rocket has worked in the field of Athlete Security and Concierge services for decades, and he's known in the industry for having some of the most amazing stories from the inside.

We learn how he got involved in this business, and he shares some of his most memorable experiences.

Long before you could log online and purchase a signed photo of your favourite player, no one had considered that an entire market could exist for a line of products which would serve not only as collector's pieces, but as works of art.

Brian Ehrenworth, president of Frameworth Sports Marketing, sits down and recounts how he found his way into this world and grew from a picture frame company into a pioneer in a business which hadn't yet begun.

Today we're lucky enough to be joined by Toronto Maple Leafs legend and NHL Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler!

Everyone is familiar with the infamous game in which Darryl Sittler scored 10 points for the Leafs, but what most people don't realize is just how much of an impact that moment had on the world of Sports Marketing and Sports Memorabilia.

Darryl shares stories of his influence on this business and shows us how much of an effect he's had not only on the ice, but off of it as well.

Away from the arenas, there's a lot more that goes on behind the scenes, and it's often precisely where some of the most amazing stories take root. 

Join us as we explore how every day people come together with a passion and fandom towards sports to form the web of industry which serves as an integral element of the games we all know and love.