AL IAFRATE | Chriping Zebras Podcast | Ep #98

Episode 98 is a heater — we’re joined by Al Iafrate, one of the baddest blue-liners to ever lean into a slap shot. We talk old-school NHL vs today’s game, fighting, toughness, and why guys like Al could play big minutes and answer the bell.

Al breaks down the hardest shot arms race, how power plays were run when defensemen actually shot to hurt feelings, and why the game was built on finishing checks, protecting teammates, and earning respect between the whistles. Plenty of stories about rivalries, refs, legendary barns, Olympic pride, and the locker-room culture that made teams tight.

Plus they talk about Mark Riley and Josh Dolan getting their asses handed to them in Montana at Kevan Miller’s place, watching Al casually hike past them on a Rocky Mountain in flip flops like it’s a Tuesday morning skate. No water, no whining, just straight veteran grit.