E53: Mike Johnson

Send us Fan MailThis episode features a deep dive with TSN Hockey analyst Mike Johnson on the upcoming 2026 IIHF U20 World Hockey Championship aka The World Juniors, (1:32) Steve & Paul debate the most notable number 53s in pro sports, (7:41) Steve shares an bizarre story tied to E52, (12:42) Mike Johnson intro, (14:34) his tournament preparations, (16:00) shifting gears from mid-season NHL to analyzing the top under-20 players in the world, (18:37) the amount of resources TSN invests in these broadcasts, (19:20) TSN’s philosophy of celebrating the greatness of the game & skill of best under-20 players in the world, (22:17) focus level of Team Canada versus their opponents, (23:50) Canada’s emotional investment in this annual event, (28:50) the competitive balance of the under-20 landscape, (32:12) the TSN-IIHF partnership, (35:00) a holiday season staple for Canadians, (35:40) TSN Play-by-Play announcer Gord Miller, an integral part of TSN’s coverage for 30+ years, (39:30) favorite moments from tournaments past, (42:07) thoughts & predictions on this year’s tournament in Minnesota, (43:45) supplemental programming & how TSN stick-handles 80+ hours of television over the two weeks, (47:55) the boys talk about their World Juniors experience with a peak behind the curtain of Paul’s 16-year run at this tournament, (52:55) the episode wraps up with social media promotion and a shout-out to our newest Truckers in Sydney Australia, Abilene Texas & Yorkton Saskatchewan.Find us on social media at:X - @insidethetruckIG - @insidethetruckpodcastTikTok - @insidethetruckYouTube - @insidethetrucktv