In this episode of Hockey Related, we break down the unbelievable story of Nate Schmidt — not just the player, but the person, the heritage, and the family history that shaped his journey.

From going undrafted to becoming a cornerstone of the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season, to lifting the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, Schmidt’s hockey career is only half the story.

His family history includes:
🌍German, Austrian, Hungarian, and Dutch ancestry
🚢Two ancestors who crossed the Atlantic on the same ship and fell in love
🌾A cluster of relatives rooted in Stearns County, Minnesota
🌀A fascinating example of pedigree collapse
🎶And a moment in Austria that reconnected him with his grandfather in the most unexpected way

It’s hockey. It’s heritage. It’s humanity.
Discover why Nate Schmidt’s journey proves we’re all more connected than we think.

Welcome to Hockey Related, where we explore theincredible family stories behind the biggest personalities in the world of hockey. Today’s episode dives into the life and lineage of Paul “BizNasty” Bissonnette—enforcer, media personality, podcast legend… and descendant ofroyalty?!

From a biracial family in Welland, Ontario, to fightinglegends in the NHL, to co‑owning an ECHL team, PaulBissonnette’s story is one of grit, humor, resilience,and some truly surprising ancestral connections.

📌 Highlights:

• Paul’s roots in Welland, Ontario
• His biracial heritage, including AfricanAmerican, Belgian, English, Native American, Spanish, and Austrian ancestry.
• The remarkable story of the Moody–Jackson line
• A connection to Isabella I of Castile, sponsorof Columbus
• Another royal connection to William the Silent,Father of the Dutch Nation
• BizNasty’s NHL journey
• From enforcer to entertainer
• A deep dive into the evolution of the enforcerrole in hockey

Meet Lawson Crouse—the NHL power forward who polices the ice and once crushed a baseball out of Marlins Park! From backyard rinks in Ontario to captaining Team Canada, and from German roots in Nova Scotia to royal bloodlines, this episode dives deep into his family history and fearlessreputation.