On episode 4 of On the Road with Jeff Marek, Jeff sits down lakeside in Muskoka with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson for an in-depth conversation about hockey, leadership, and life. From Muskoka Hockey’s rise as a summer training hub with NHL stars to unforgettable Sidney Crosby practice stories, Gudbranson opens up about his career journey, his development from a top draft pick with the Florida Panthers, and what it means to bring leadership and resilience to the Blue Jackets’ locker room. The two also dive into Gudbranson’s memories of playing alongside legends like the Sedins in Vancouver, what makes Montreal and Calgary such special hockey cities, and how becoming a father reshaped his perspective on the game. With stories that range from first goals at Madison Square Garden against Henrik Lundqvist to the emotional bond of teammates in Columbus, this episode captures the spirit of hockey both on and off the ice. Whether you’re a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Vancouver Canucks, you won’t want to miss this candid Muskoka cottage conversation with one of hockey’s true leaders.

01:30 – Erik Gudbranson on Muskoka Hockey & NHL summer training

03:40 – How training has evolved since being drafted 3rd overall by Florida Panthers

06:00 – First days with the Panthers & memorable teammates

07:40 – First NHL fight & first NHL goal at Madison Square Garden

08:45 – Playing with Sidney Crosby & the Penguins — practice stories

10:50 – Life with the Sedins & lessons from Vancouver

12:00 – Columbus Blue Jackets culture & Johnny Gaudreau effect

16:20 – Montreal vs Calgary — the best Canadian hockey cities

18:00 – Seeing the game differently from the press box

19:30 – Gudbranson on leadership, being a good teammate & handling criticism

21:20 – Becoming a father & how it changed his perspective on hockey

24:35 – What makes hockey special: sacrifice, brotherhood & family moments

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