Windy City Benders Podcast

The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up the road portion of their season on a much more encouraging note compared to last year, and the improvement is starting to feel real. The guys dive into why this season should be viewed as a success when it comes to growth—whether it’s the structure, the competitiveness, or the way younger players are handling bigger roles. It’s not about the standings right now, it’s about building something sustainable, and you can see that foundation starting to take shape heading into next season.A big part of the conversation centers around Kevin Korchinski and the noticeable shift in how fans are talking about him. Earlier in his development, the criticism was loud, but now that people are seeing the progression, the tone has changed. That leads into a broader discussion about patience—especially when it comes to a prospect like Artyom Levshunov. Development isn’t always linear, and the Korchinski experience should serve as a reminder that young defensemen, in particular, take time.They also get into what the team should do with André Burakovsky and whether he fits into the long-term vision or if it makes more sense to move on. It’s one of those decisions that could signal how aggressive the front office plans to be this offseason.To close things out, the guys zoom out and look ahead to the playoffs across the league. With the postseason around the corner, there’s plenty to be excited about—even outside of Chicago—as the next wave of contenders and storylines begins to take shape.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Title: End Of Season Woes ~ Episode 360It was a rough week for the Chicago Blackhawks and the guys are back to discuss what went down and even though things seem really bad this just might be what is best for this team to take that next step in this rebuild.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back to break down another week of Chicago Blackhawks hockey, and it was almost like Groundhog Day as the team once again went 1-1-1. They dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly from last week’s games, but overall still come away with plenty of positives.Switching gears, the big news out of Chicago was the arrival of third overall pick Anton Frondell. The conversation turns to what expectations should look like for the young forward over the final 12 games of the season, and what his addition means for the roster at this stage.The future of this team continues to be the show’s favorite topic, as the guys check in on the rest of the prospect pool during Tanner’s Farm Report. They wrap things up by floating the idea of sending an offer sheet to a division rival RFA—and why now might be the perfect time to take that kind of swing.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back to break down another week of Blackhawks hockey, and there’s finally a real sense of momentum building.They dive into the strides the team is making and how it’s starting to turn heads around the league — including André Tourigny of the Utah Mammoth — as the Hawks continue to show growth in key areas.Former captain Nick Foligno returns to the United Center, and the guys reflect on the lasting impact he had in a short time. From leadership to setting the tone for the younger core, his influence on the culture is still being felt.Looking ahead, they break down what fans should expect next season and why there’s real reason for excitement. This rebuild isn’t just theoretical anymore — it’s starting to take shape in a way that should have Hawks fans on the edge of their seats.To wrap things up, they talk about the newest name in the mix, Sacha Boisvert, and why the criticism surrounding him just doesn’t hold up — especially when there’s little evidence to support it.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone, and once again Kyle Davidson delivered a masterclass in roster management. The guys break down the moves he made and what clues they give us about how the team could be built heading into the summer.They also dive into Frank Nazar’s recent hot streak, take a closer look at Connor Bedard and how he stacks up against other former first-overall picks through their first 200 NHL games, and discuss whether Drew Commesso is making a strong case to be the team’s backup goaltender next season.To wrap things up, Tanner explains his new “ideal” draft lottery finish and why it might be the best possible outcome for the future of the franchise or at lease most entertaining for us Hawks Fans.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

With the Trade Deadline here, the Chicago Blackhawks find themselves in unfamiliar territory. They’re not buyers — but they also don’t have much left to sell.The guys break down the Connor Murphy trade and why it was a strong, forward-thinking move for this team. From asset management to long-term roster flexibility, they explain how this deal fits the bigger picture.They also dive into who else could potentially be moved before the deadline and what that signals about the organization’s direction.Then the focus shifts to the future. With confirmation that youth will be a priority next season, the rebuild is clearly still in motion. The guys discuss why the commitment to developing young talent matters, what it means for the roster construction ahead, and why fans need to take a breath, trust the process, and understand that sustainable success doesn’t happen overnight.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 Olympic break rolls on, but the crew is back with another episode of WCBPodcast!In this edition, the guys dive into new information surrounding Chicago Blackhawks season tickets, including details about a still-to-be-announced event that fans may soon be hearing more about. They also break down potential trade scenarios as the roster freeze nears its end and the NHL trade deadline quickly approaches.Shifting to international play, they discuss the Olympic hockey tournament and why it has lived up to the hype — highlighting standout performances and the overall intensity of the competition.To close things out, the episode wraps with a fun Olympic jersey draft, as each host selects their favorite international sweaters.A packed episode blending Blackhawks updates, trade speculation, and Olympic excitement.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

Hawks are limping into the Olympic Break and the guys are back talking about the last week worth of games, dive into Connor Murphy most likely being dealt but questioning if they might not be the best move, Gavin Mckenna news, and so much more! 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

It was a rough week for the Hawks with lots of lows but despite the way the games went there was lots to be celebrated including the return of Blackhawks legends to the United Center. The guys talked about how good it was to see Toews back at the Madhouse and getting all the love he deserved and then some, they discuss what the trade deadline could look like for the Hawks and if they should take a shot at any Jason Robertson type players, and they wrap things up with Tanners 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 we thought this team couldn’t sink any lower, they totally redeemed themselves. After last weeks episode talking about vets not doing their job and rookies maybe needing more time in the AHL, they come out and prove us wrong. The guys recap the 3-0-1 week, discuss Connor Bedard being snubbed from Team Canada, and wrap things up with a mega Farm Report from Tanner. 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

On this week’s episode, the guys kick things off by breaking down the Quinn Hughes trade to Minnesota and what it could mean over the next year and a half for the Wild, Devils, and the rest of the league. From there, they shift gears into a recap of the past week’s games, including the tough loss of Connor Bedard to a shoulder injury. They discuss how big of an impact that injury could have on the team moving forward and what it might mean for Bedard’s Olympic aspirations. Jarom then puts Tanner on the spot, asking whether there should be any concern about this young roster and its lack of leadership experience. The episode wraps up with a mini Farm Report from Tanner.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back with another episode — and they’re kicking things off a little differently this week by trying to build the perfect mock trade to bring Quinn Hughes to Chicago. Along the way, they veer into plenty of side discussions, including Blackhawks prospects, Kyle Davidson’s work as GM, and some early Team Canada World Junior talk.They eventually circle back to recap the week’s games: the unlucky loss to the Golden Knights, a solid win over the Kings, and… whatever that was against the Kings and Ducks. They wrap things up with a debate about the Olympics and why it’s ridiculous there’s any question about Celebrini or Bedard heading to Italy.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back to break down a roller-coaster week of Blackhawks hockey. From hard-fought battles to shaky goaltending from Soderblom — plus another appearance from a feisty Connor Bedard — this week had a little bit of everything. They also dive into the Laurent Brossoit situation and debate whether there’s a realistic path to keeping him around longer than expected. To wrap things up, they revisit last week’s Quinn Hughes take, and Jarom puts Tanner on the spot: what would he do if the Hawks landed both the first and second overall picks in next summer’s draft?Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Happy Thanksgiving from the WCBP Crew!The guys are back after a week that started off great, hit a speed bump, and somehow ended… not so bad. They break down all the games from the past week (skipping over Buffalo — we don’t talk about Buffalo) and dig into the many learning moments along the way.They also get into the poorly executed launch of the Black jersey, featuring Jarom absolutely losing his mind for a bit. Tanner drops his Farm Report, and they wrap things up by looking ahead to Quinn Hughes coming to Chicago.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

With a short week of games the guys open up the show talking about NHL Free agency and if the league would ever adopt NBA/MLB style contract options or if it just isn’t in the nature of NHL players to want those clauses. They then shift to recapping the games against the New Jersey Devils and the Toronto Maple Leafs and finally wrap things up with the latest Tanners Farm Report.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

What a week it was for Hawks hockey. The guys break down the 3-0 finish to the long road trip and discuss how the team is defying all expectations and just playing some fun hockey. They also talk the absolute heater Connor Bedard has been on over the last eight games, talk Spencer Knight and Bedards chances at making their respective national teams for the olympics, take a trip to Tanners Farm, and then wrap things up with a quick NHL Talk feature lots of Ovi and Ducks talk.Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The Hawks were brought back down to earth a little bit so the guys break down the highs and lows from last weeks games. Despite the record Tanner is still happy with how this team is playing. They also discuss Connor Bedards play and compare him to where Patrick Kane was at through 163 games into his career and why people need to give Bedsy more credit. They wrap things up with 3 stars of the week, October recap, and as always Tanners Farm Report! Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

A short week for the Hawks doesn’t mean a short episode for the boys. They discuss the Lucas Reichel trade to the Vancouver Canucks and why they wish him nothing but the best. Jarom goes on a Demidov rant after another dumb tweet connecting him to the Hawks. They guys breakdown the two games the Hawks did play, name their three stars, look ahead at the next week and wrap things up with the latest addition of Tanners Farm Report! Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back with another episode as the Hawks continue to play fun hockey. Before they get in to that they talk about an interesting take Jarom heard on the What Chaos Podcast about knowing hockey and wearing the correct letter on a jersey. They recap the last week of games and how its just so much fun watching this team again. They give their three stars of the week, the latest Tanner’s Farm Report, and then wrap things up with a little NHL Talk!Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Hockey is officially back and after one week the guys agree on one thing, the Hawks are fun to watch. The guys talk the 1-2-1 start and why what we are seeing from the team is already a major step in the right direction. Game recaps, three stars of the week, and the latest Tanners Farm report all in this episode!Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Opening Night is finally here! The guys wrap up the 2025 preview season talking a look at the the Chicago Blackhawks. They discuss the roster, see who is poised to do better, who can make an impact, which future stars sees time and so much more. They then wrap up the episode with Stanley Cup and individual award predictions. Intro: 0:00Initial Hawks Thoughts: 3:18Opening Night Roster: 10:39Whose points will improve: 24:01Tanners big on Dach: 33:57When will we see them?: 36:16Final Thoughts on The Hawks: 39:50Tanners Farm Report: 44:22Stanley Cup and Award Predictions: 48:02Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The final season preview episode is here as the guys wrap things up with the Central Division (minus the Hawks)! Nashville Predators: 3:08Utah Mammoth:17:03St. Louis Blues: 27:53Minnesota Wild: 33:05Colorado Avalanche: 43:36Dallas Stars: 50:35Winnipeg Jets: 58:17Final Predictions: 1:05:15Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Preview season makes its way to the Western Conference as the guys make a stop in the Pacific Division. There is a lot at play this year in this division and the guys do their best to break it down!San Jose Sharks: 2:28Seattle Kraken: 10:45Anaheim Ducks: 19:30Vancouver Canucks: 29:13Calgary Flames: 36:18Edmonton Oilers: 45:26LA Kings: 59:43Vegas Golden Knights: 1:07:14Final Predictions: 1:17:18Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Preview season continues as the guys make their way to the Metro division in the East. They don’t agree on much but one they do agree on is this division stinks. Philadelphia Flyers: 3:06Pittsburg Penguins: 12:45New York Islanders: 22:31New York Rangers: 30:19Columbus Blue Jackets: 40:58New Jersey Devils: 50:46Carolina Hurricanes: 59:37Washington Capitals: 1:05:44Final Predictions: 1:13:11Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The 2025/26 NHL season is just around the corner which means its time for divisional previews! The guys kick things off with the division of the 2 time defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, Atlantic Division! Is this the best division in hockey? Boston Bruins: 2:09Buffalo Sabres: 13:56Detroit Red Wings: 26:37Montreal Canadians: 38:27Ottawa Senators: 50:08Florida Panthers: 59:12Tampa Bay Lightning: 1:11:11Toronto Maple Leafs: 1:17:10Final Predictions: 1:24:29Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The Guys are back with a big episode. They open up the show talking about the Frank Nazar contract extension and how good this contract is going to look in the next season or two. Then they are joined by Author Kirk McKnight who wrote books The Voices of Baseball and The Voices of Hockey. We deep dive into his passion for the game of hockey and what made him take an interest in the broadcasting side of the sport. We discuss the amazing broadcasters he interviewed for his book including Blackhawks Legend Pat Foley and current Hawks play by play man Rick Ball. He told the guys some of his favorite memories from the book and some of the stories that couldn’t get put in. They also discuss Patrick Kane and how happy he was that showtime came to his favorite team the Detroit Red Wings.Check out the audio book a the links belowApple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-voices-of-hockey-broadcasters-reflect-on/id1814320327Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ebERgFjVQoGFSwYWB5E6P?si=87487aa765f549f8Audible coming soon!Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTannerX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Hockey news is few and far between so the guys welcome Nolly back to the show as he takes on Tanner in a game of WCBP Jeopardy! Let us know what you think because we think this is something we can do much more of! Hosts:Jarom @ZachJaromTanner @BroliethegoalieX: @WCBPodcastInstagram: @WCBPodcastFacebook: WCBPodcast..#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast