In Episode 3 of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad takes listeners behind the curtain of professional hockey to reveal a side of the game that fans rarely get to experience. While the action on the ice lasts just 60 minutes, the real story of minor league hockey unfolds during the countless hours spent on buses, in hotel rooms, at roadside restaurants, and in arenas scattered across North America. From overnight drives and early morning flights to unforgettable team dinners and locker room traditions, Matteen shares firsthand stories from his time traveling with the Athens Rock Lobsters that capture both the excitement and exhaustion of life on the road.

The episode explores the realities that come with working in professional hockey beyond the spotlight. Matteen reflects on the pressure of his first road trip, learning to earn the respect of players and coaches, navigating embarrassing travel mishaps, witnessing unforgettable moments of camaraderie, and discovering why the bonds formed during long road trips become the foundation of successful hockey teams. He also opens up about the personal sacrifices required to pursue a dream career, including the missed family events, long stretches away from loved ones, and the emotional balancing act that comes with dedicating your life to the game.

Joining the show is Columbus River Dragons broadcaster Devin Dobek, whose remarkable journey through some of the most challenging situations in minor league hockey provides an honest and often hilarious look at the profession. From bus breakdowns and emergency travel plans to unforgettable encounters on the road and the realities of working for developing organizations, Devin shares stories that perfectly capture the unpredictable nature of life in the lower levels of professional hockey. Together, Matteen and Devin discuss what keeps broadcasters, players, and hockey staff coming back despite the long hours and difficult conditions, while celebrating the passion, friendships, and unforgettable memories that make the journey worthwhile.

Whether you are a lifelong hockey fan, an aspiring broadcaster, or simply someone fascinated by the unseen side of professional sports, this episode offers an authentic and entertaining look at the people who sacrifice comfort, stability, and countless weekends in pursuit of the game they love. It is a reminder that while championships are won on the ice, some of the greatest stories in hockey happen long before the puck is dropped.

00:00 - The Bus League Begins

00:56 - Georgia Hockey News Around the State

06:05 - Life on the Road with the Athens Rock Lobsters

29:23 - The Hidden Cost of Chasing a Dream

33:18 - Meet Devin Dobek

41:50 - Broken Buses and Minor League Hockey Chaos

54:18 - The Sacrifices Behind the Microphone

56:52 - A New Beginning in Columbus

01:10:17 - The Future of Georgia Hockey