Windy City Benders Podcast

Kyle Davidson and the Chicago Blackhawks have taken their first major swing of the offseason, acquiring defenseman Bowen Byram in a trade that immediately sparked strong reactions across the hockey world.On this episode, Tanner and Jarom break down everything that went into the deal, why the Blackhawks targeted Byram, and what his addition means for the future of the blue line. While many fans are excited about adding a young, talented defenseman with top-pairing potential, others are frustrated by the cost of acquisition and concerned about what it could mean for the organization's long-term plans.The guys discuss both sides of the debate, making the case for why this could be a home-run move for Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks while also acknowledging the concerns and emotions surrounding the trade. They examine where Byram fits into Chicago's growing core, what this says about the team's direction heading into next season, and whether this signals more aggressive moves could be on the horizon.It's a trade that has everyone talking, and Tanner and Jarom have plenty to say about it.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

USA Hockey is back on top of the world.Both the Men’s and Women’s teams take down Canada to capture Olympic gold, and the guys break down both championship performances. They dive into what it means for the Men’s team to win their first gold medal in 46 years, and why—regardless of the political climate—they’re proud of what this group accomplished on the ice.Then it’s back to Chicago as the Hawks return to action. The crew previews the upcoming four-game road trip, discusses Gavin McKenna landing on draft boards, and highlights what to watch for over the final 25 games of the season.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The next era of the Windy City Benders Podcast is here! We’re excited to announce that we’ve officially joined the Inside The Rink Podcast Network to help take the show to the next level. As one of the top sources for hockey news, it only makes sense to call Inside The Rink home. Be sure to check out insidetherink.com for all your hockey coverage.In this episode, the guys break down the Frank Seravalli bombshell from last Friday regarding the conditions tied to the first-round pick the Blackhawks received from the Florida Panthers in the Seth Jones trade. Tanner offers a glass-half-full perspective, explaining how, with a little luck, that pick could still end up as high as 10th overall for Chicago.The conversation then shifts to a preview of the upcoming Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament. The crew discusses pool winners, medal predictions, and potential individual award winners. They wrap things up by taking a closer look at Team USA — evaluating the roster, expectations, and who could emerge as the hero for the Stars and Stripes.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

What looked like a weekend headed for disaster turned into a surprisingly solid stretch of Blackhawks hockey. The guys are back to break down all the action against the Hurricanes, Lightning, and Panthers, before looking ahead at the remaining schedule leading into the Olympic break. Jarom dives into the numbers to show how this team is improving, even if they still aren’t quite ready to be taken seriously as a playoff contender. They also react to TSN’s Face of the Franchise poll, and wrap things up with Tanner’s Farm Report.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The Flu Bug has hit the Blackhawks this past week and while things could have been much worse they still came out with a .500 record. The guys break down the games, talk about Korchinski’s timeline with the Hawks, Commesso’s readiness to make the jump next season and much more. Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get any worse, the last two weeks of Blackhawks hockey happened. The guys are back from the Christmas break and dive into the Hawks’ current slide. Jarom believes the team’s struggles without Connor Bedard highlight the need for roster changes this offseason, while Tanner argues that major changes aren’t necessary. They also discuss what the Hawks should do if they land the first overall pick this summer, and Tanner wraps things up with an in-depth Farm Report, including a look at the World Junior Championships.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast