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.

Join Hockey Related as we discuss Sidney Crosby’s rise fromCole Harbor to one of hockey’s greatest players. Discover how his family roots stretch back to a nine-year-old boy all alone on a ship called the Minnedosa, and even to the courts of Scottish kings.

Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of John Marino—from dented dryers in his family basement to becoming a cornerstone defenseman for the Utah Mammoth. Discover how a doctor’s advice put two brothers on skates, why Sicilian immigrants shaped his family’s story, and the shocking royal connection that ties Marino to European kings.

📌 Highlights:

• Marino’s rise from overlooked draft pick to NHLdefenseman
• The twin story: how Paul’s bowed legs led tohockey greatness
• Basement hockey battles inspired by SidneyCrosby
• Harvard years and the Beanpot dream
• Sicilian immigrants in Boston & Mayflowerancestors
• Royal lineage: King Frederick II of Denmark andNorway

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Join Hockey Related as we explore the incredible journey ofPatrick Kane—from his childhood rink in Buffalo to becoming one of the greatest American-born players in NHL history. Discover the Irish roots that shaped his family’s resilience, and how Kane’s heritage connects to his relentless pursuit of hockey greatness.

📌 Highlights:

- Kane’s rise from #1 overall pick to 3-time Stanley Cup champion

- The fight for 500 goals and the U.S. points record

- Irish immigrant ancestors who braved famine and fought in America’s wars

- Buffalo’s role as an immigration hub and Kane’s five-generation family legacy

We explore the journey of Belle Fraser—from her childhood inNew York City to becoming a voice of Utah’s first NHL season. Discover her family’s dramatic history, including a great-grandfather who escaped wartime Tokyo, and how Belle helped fans fall in love with hockey.

This episode explores the life and career of Kailer Yamamoto,a professional hockey player currently with the Utah Mammoth of the NHL. It’s a unique blend of hockey insights, personal background, and a deep dive into his genealogy and family history.

As someone new to the NHL—especially since the PhoenixCoyotes folded and Salt Lake City was awarded a new franchise—I’ve been learning about the game while combining it with my passion for family history research, which spans nearly 30 years. This series is part of my journey to understand the players not just on the ice, but through their lineage, heritage, and stories.

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