Name any sporting event on the planet and Stephen Brunt was probably in attendance. Whether it was the Olympics, World Cup or Super Bowl, he was likely in the press box covering the event for The Globe and Mail or Sportsnet. As a sports columnist and national radio host, Stephen witnessed some of the biggest moments in sports while covering the athletes and executives that created them. This interview series talks to the people who are responsible for creating the moments we remember and understanding how they got to where they are today.
This series is made possible with the support of GroupM Motion Entertainment
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Name any sporting event on the planet and Stephen Brunt was probably in attendance. Whether it was the Olympics, World Cup or Super Bowl, he was likely in the press box covering the event for The Globe and Mail or Sportsnet. As a sports columnist and national radio host, Stephen witnessed some of the biggest moments in sports while covering the athletes and executives that created them. This interview series talks to the people who are responsible for creating the moments we remember and understanding how they got to where they are today.
This series is made possible with the support of GroupM Motion Entertainment
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On paper, Jim Rutherford's hockey journey started 60 years ago as a goaltender for the Aurora Tigers of the SJHL. Since then, Rutherford has carved out amazing career for himself winning the Jim Gregory Award as General Manager of the year in 2016, being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and winning Stanley Cups with the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
At age 76. Rutherford is facing what may well be the biggest challenge of his NHL life. Navigating the Vancouver Canucks through a period of turbulence that has included a player conflict that divided the dressing room and forced an uncomfortable trade, a Jack Adams-winning coach choosing to walk away from a contract extension, and questions about whether the team will be able to keep its best young player.
In a hockey market known for its passion, volatility and cuthroat media, it has been a rough ride this season. A stark contrast to last year, when the Canucks were celebrated one of the NHL’s good news stories, pushing the oilers to seven games in the second round of the playoffs and the now departed Rick Tocchet was named coach of the year. Through it all, Rutherford has responded with his characteristic mix of calm, good humour - and especially - refreshing candour. In a world in which so many executives behave like they are protecting state secrets, he’s a relative open book
Stephen sat down with Jim at the Presidents Club at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia to talk about his early years in hockey, transitioning from player to executive, working for three distinct owners, the challenges in Vancouver, and manages superstar players.
TIME STAMPS
2:30 - Playing for Eddie Bush
4:30 - Transitioning to the front office after his playing career
9:10 - What he learned during his first couple years on the job as a general managers
12:15 - How goaltenders understand the game differently
12:45 - Managing up and managing down
15:30 - After Carolina, what was the plan?
16:50 - Taking the job in Pittsburgh
19:40 - Coaching a superstar (Crosby)
24:50 - Leaving Pittsburgh
29:50 - Challenges in Vancouver
30:50 - Anything compare to what he has faced in Vancouver
34:00 - What gets Jim up in the morning
36:13 - Working in a Canadian hockey market
38:20 - When is the job done?
Audio Credits: NBC Sports.
This series is supported by GroupM Motion Entertainment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
