Tony Chapman breaks down why Canadian sports stars keep signing with American teams once free agency hits, and it isn't only about the paycheque. He walks through how currency, cross-border taxes, and something harder to quantify, the pull toward playing for a winner, all stack against Canadian franchises at once.

Tony argues one thing is more damaging to a team's brand than years of losing seasons: a star player walking away entirely. He points to one athlete who once left a championship roster rather than defend the title, only to return to that same city years later, as proof of how fractured loyalty in professional sports has become.

Only eight percent of Canadian kids are currently playing organized hockey, a number Tony says should scare anyone who assumes the sport's grip on the country is permanent. He names what he thinks fills that gap if the number keeps shrinking, and it isn't another winter sport.

Topics: Canadian sports teams losing players, NHL free agency Canada, hockey participation decline, star player leaving team, salary cap Canadian teams

GUEST: Tony Chapman | http://chatterthatmatters.ca

Originally aired on 2026-09-16

Tony Chapman breaks down why Canadian sports stars keep signing with American teams once free agency hits, and it isn't only about the paycheque. He walks through how currency, cross-border taxes, and something harder to quantify, the pull toward playing for a winner, all stack against Canadian franchises at once.
Tony argues one thing is more damaging to a team's brand than years of losing seasons: a star player walking away entirely. He points to one athlete who once left a championship roster rather than defend the title, only to return to that same city years later, as proof of how fractured loyalty in professional sports has become.
Only eight percent of Canadian kids are currently playing organized hockey, a number Tony says should scare anyone who assumes the sport's grip on the country is permanent. He names what he thinks fills that gap if the number keeps shrinking, and it isn't another winter sport.
Topics: Canadian sports teams losing players, NHL free agency Canada, hockey participation decline, star player leaving team, salary cap Canadian teams
GUEST: Tony Chapman |<a href="http://chatterthatmatters.ca"> http://chatterthatmatters.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-16

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.