39: Defection Perfection (Interview with Christian Humphreys)

0:00Justin: Hey, Andrew.

0:01Andrew: Hey, Justin.

0:02Justin: Hey, Christian.

0:02Christian Humphreys: Hey, Andrew. Hey, Justin.

0:04Andrew: Hey, Christian. Our guest today, believe it or not, has the distinct title of being the first American on the Aud pot. I think the first non Canadian altogether. Drafted by the Kitchener Rangers in 2022 and by the Colorado Avalanche in 2024. When the 2024, 2025 OHL season began, we had no idea he would be joining the team. Defecting from the University of Michigan in January 2025. The man who had the most points per game for the Rangers from the moment he showed up, the de facto number one center from the day he donned the Ranger silks. Welcome, Christian Humphreys Thanks for being here, man.

0:43Christian Humphreys: Thanks for having me, guys. Appreciate it.

0:48Justin: Welcome to the AudPod, where we're

0:52Andrew: talking Kitchener Rangers hockey with the AudBalls themselves, Andrew and Justin.

0:58Justin: Take it away, fellas.

1:03Andrew: All right, before we talk about last year and the year ahead, let's talk about you. As we said, you're not an Andrew boy.

1:12Justin: You're.

1:12Andrew: But you are from a hockey city. All right? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Your dad was a collegiate football player, but you and your brothers all chose hockey. I mean, obviously you're a bit young to, like, remember the first Crosby era Cup, which really makes me realize the age gap between us and you. But tell us what it's like to Dave Brown up in the city of the Penguins with three brothers watching that team go back to back.

1:37Justin: What.

1:37Andrew: And what is your earliest memory of hockey?

1:41Christian Humphreys: Oh, man. Yeah, I mean, I think just kind of growing up, I mean, we'd always be on the rink and, like, when we first got on, like, we were all freaking out and we had to get off ice. So I think that's when we kind of, like, my parents knew, like, know, like, they kind of have a, you know, aspiration for AudPod, I mean, obviously I played Penn's elite growing up, so it's like the Pence Jr.

2:01Andrew: Team.

2:01Christian Humphreys: And I remember. I don't remember what year it was, but when they won the 2016 cup against San Jose, we were in Toronto with my pen's elite team and we all rented out, like, conference room and yeah, it was like we were all watching live when they won. Like, I. I think we were all playing knee hockey from what I remember. Like, we were that young and of course. And, yeah, so we kind of just enjoyed that moment. And, yeah, we've been following ever since. So it's kind of hard to hate the hometown theme.

2:29Andrew: Of course. I mean, now we know you're.

2:31Justin: You're.

2:31Andrew: You're a Colorado Avalanche property now, but, I mean, you know, old habits die hard.

2:36Christian Humphreys: Oh, of course.

2:37Andrew: As I mentioned in that last question, you have three brothers as your one brother in a set of triplets, and you have an older brother. I'm assuming there were. You know, you mentioned the knee hockey. There's a lot of Stanley Cups being one either in the basement or the driveway. And just give me a little insight as to, like, what it was like for your parents to have that many kids involved in hockey. Because it's not cheap and it is a time commitment.

3:04Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I mean, it was. It's pretty crazy. Like, even my one brother, Spina Biffa, like, more playing knee hockey, he's just playing goalie, and me and my brothers are. We're just going at it. And especially the garage door is a bad one. So, like, in Andrew we'd set it up right behind the door. And it wasn't one of those nets that was like thick nets at one point. So, like now when we walk outside to go, it's just puck marks, like, all over the garage door. My mom's just like, you know, there's no point of getting this replaced in the house, so pretty funny. It's just. It's kind of like, been chaos, especially with all my brother's going to school now and my older brother going to play D3 at Cortland. Oh, wow. You know, they enjoy it a lot, so it's been a lot of fun, kind of just to see where, you know, we've all kind of gone throughout the years.

3:51Andrew: That's awesome. Yeah. I mean, you mentioned that your. Your older brother was born with Spinal Bifida and he. He plays sled hockey. And you mentioned in an interview with Sam Cosentino when you were getting drafted that he's like a huge source of inspiration. Can you. Can you tell me a little bit about him as a brother and how important your relationship has been with him?

4:09Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah, yeah. It's big. I mean, obviously I've kind of got a different perspective on life, and, you know, it's kind of like I don't take a day for granted, and he kind of just wants to be like a normal kid. And even when we go home this summer, he wants to do all the same stuff that we're doing, so he's kind of meant the world for me. He's been honestly, like, making me a better hockey player and just more thankful for who I am today. So, you know, we all have people on the way that help us, and he's Been a huge one for me.

4:35Justin: So you mentioned before we started today that you're back home. Is that right? You're hanging out with the family for the summer?

4:40Christian Humphreys: Yeah. Yeah.

4:41Justin: Good.

4:41Christian Humphreys: Yeah. Yeah.

4:42Justin: What. What have you guys been up to? What's a day? Like, what's the day like with the. The Humphreys family?

4:47Christian Humphreys: It's pretty. Pretty crazy, to be honest. You know, four boys, and obviously James is actually the one. He's like, it's crazy. He goes and works out, like, twice a day, and we're all like, oh, my God. Like, he'll work out in the morning. Like, I'll go work out. Like, I Normally skate around 8, and then I'll go work out at 10, and he's literally up at 7 o'.

5:10Justin: Clock.

5:10Christian Humphreys: He'll get up at, like, 8. And then as I'm home, I'm, like, dead for the day. And he's like, all right, I'm going back to workout right now. And I'm just like, what is going on? Kind of. So, yeah, it's just a bunch of hockey. And especially we've been golfing a lot as a family recently, so it's pretty funny. Like, my one brother's pretty good. Like, he's pretty close to scratch, so anytime he'll shank one, like, I'll give it to him as much as I can. Just getting his head. So. You got to practice those chirps, too.

5:35Andrew: You got to practice those chirps in the offseason, too.

5:37Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah. Yeah.

5:37Justin: We can't let anything get rusty.

5:39Andrew: No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

5:41Christian Humphreys: Gotta. No, no. Practice makes perfect, right, Andrew?

5:46Andrew: Especially with you being up here in the O. Because I don't know. I don't know if the chirp is at a different level here with these Andrew boys, because I've heard some stuff and it's. The stereotype is, you know, the letter Kenny stereotype. The boys go pretty hard, so. And I've heard from other Rangers that the Rangers go pretty hard on each other. So you gotta stay. You get. You can't get rusty.

6:08Christian Humphreys: Yeah, I wasn't like, obviously, it's never crossed your mind in school. Like, it's not really like, many troops thrown around. I got my own, like, first game, like, just flying around everywhere, and I'm just, like, turning my head. Like, guys are like, welcome to humps. And I'm just like, turn around. Like, oh, no, what did I get myself?

6:26Justin: You were disadvantaged because they already had half a season to get used to it.

6:30Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah. Big adjustment. Yeah, for sure.

6:34Andrew: I love that.

6:35Justin: But they gave it to you day one, though. That's great to hear.

6:37Andrew: Yeah, exactly. Yeah, they got.

6:39Christian Humphreys: Yeah, yeah.

6:40Andrew: Into the fire.

6:41Justin: Yeah.

6:41Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah, they got me quick. And so they. My head was on a swivel for the rest of the season. Pretty good. Good.

6:47Andrew: Speaking of, we should just, I think, launch right into this because this was actually thrown out to us. I think this is a good time. Speaking of chirps, speaking of teammates, Jack Pridham was our last guest, and he said to ask you about the mini eggs and. And that you'd know what that means. We gotta know.

7:04Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. No. So Prince and I kind of had this thing we had going, and our assistant coach, Jeff Kos, he would always bring, like, he has a sick caffeine of just some snacks. So Prince and I will always go, like, chop it up with the coaches and then, like, last crack so he has one. You guys. I don't know if you guys have been the Aud but in the media room, there's like a. Like a mini. Like one of those, like, things you twist, like, if you put 25 cents in. But, like, we don't put the. Yeah. So he, like, Frax would store them there to start, and Prince and I, like, every day, like, we'd go and have a couple mini eggs, and Frax would kind of start to get on slow, slowly and slowly. And like, when he'd say, like, all right, no, more like, we'd go back and grab a couple. And one day he. He. He caught us, and I think I bolted around like, the side and, like, tried to go back to the locker room, and Prince is trying to, like, play dumb. Like, oh, no, it's just me. And as cracks, like, walks back the coach's office, he sees me with, like, a handful of mini eggs, just stuffing them in my mouth. So, like, he. So he put us on a. A temporary ban for most, but.

8:17Justin: Okay.

8:17Christian Humphreys: Okay. They'll probably be back shortly.

8:20Andrew: All right. There you go. So maybe Sean Furfaro, our friend of the pod, could sneak a few mini eggs in the juju bowl there for. Oh, yeah, Christian when he's on the band.

8:30Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah. No, those things are. They're only Canadian too. They don't. I don't think they have those in America.

8:37Justin: Oh, this is a new thing for you? Like, brand new.

8:39Christian Humphreys: Yeah. Oh, yeah.

8:41Justin: Yeah.

8:41Andrew: Well, there you go.

8:42Christian Humphreys: Awesome, too.

8:43Justin: The.

8:44Andrew: The. The US doesn't have Christian Humphreys or mini eggs, so that's two. Nothing as far as I see it. Speaking of the Aud you you're talking about the inside of the Aud And, and your parents and your, your, your brothers had a chance to come see you play at the Aud at the end of the season, the final, the second last game of the season, as well as going down to Guelph. What was like their experience going to the Aud and seeing you. And on top of that, what was your experience, your first game, stepping out onto the ice at the Aud Yeah,

9:14Christian Humphreys: I mean it was surreal. I remember such a quick transition. Like we played Ohio State and I think we played him on a Sunday and I kind of just said to myself like, honestly like I just want to play hockey and have fun again and just enjoy it. So whenever Kishner called, it was obviously a no brainer. And so we flew up. My mom was with me and that first game she was there and we were both blown away. Like the fans atmosphere was just incredible. And you know, I'm so thankful that they gave me that opportunity to play and be a Kitchener Rangers because it means so much to me. So it was just, I can't even really put into words because my first game obviously I was expecting hockey to be like a little easier. Obviously you're going from school playing 20 to 24 year olds and then now I'm going to play against younger guys. And it was crazy. I remember first, I think first shift when I was out there, like I got a two hand in the back of my legs.

10:11Justin: Oh yeah.

10:12Christian Humphreys: And then like guys were obviously telling me like, welcome to own stuff. And we lost, I think we lost to Brampton that first game and I was just like, oh my God, like this hockey so good. And obviously guys are younger but the Aud like they were so skilled. And I'm just like, all right, like we, we gotta start like down in the rest of the year. Like you know, I thought the league was going to be like, honestly like the USHL almost. And I got there and I was very far off. So it's honestly. And it was so much like. And whenever I got the Kitcher, I was not planning on coming back for another year. The goal was just, hey look, let's go back to college for another year. And I think the organization kind of speaks for itself and the fans and everyone's kind of just so passionate about it. So it's, it's kind of just honestly a first class organization all the way top to bottom.

11:00Justin: So as you probably know, Andrew and I are also new fans to the Kitchener Rangers. So we're part of what drew us in Was like the crazy passion that comes with the fan base of the Rangers. So absolutely understand where you're coming from. We're like, this is. It's awesome. Like, the Aud has a great energy.

11:18Christian Humphreys: Oh, it rocks. I mean, in playoffs, I know Pred's talked about a little bit the fireworks. Like, we were sitting there, game one against Flint, and we're just like, oh, my God. Like, just surreal. And I think Prince and I are talking on the bench and, and. Or in the line or. No, we were starting that game and I was like, do you think, like, opponents are coming in and like, they're like, pretty scared? And I was like, I mean, if I was another site and I saw fireworks going off in front of, you know, 8,000 fans, I'd be pretty. I'd be pretty timid, too.

11:47Justin: Yeah, set the tone. Set the tone. Good.

11:50Christian Humphreys: Yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.

11:52Justin: Yeah.

11:53Andrew: I. I mean, we're jumping around here a bit, but we're. We're on it. We got to talk about the first period of that first game of the playoffs. Man, that was absolutely bonkers. Like, that was. I was like, these guys are going to kill each other. That I was fearful for both teams, honestly.

12:09Justin: Well, you watch first period, like, how are you going to keep this up?

12:11Christian Humphreys: I remember Ando. We. He came in the locker room before. I mean, he. He's really good with the guys. And before I even talk about that, I mean, the culture in that group, like, like Macar. Before I was leaving, he was kind of just like, hey, like, know we're going to take a little time, 24 hour check on you. Like, we have a really tight group, like, great culture. And a lot of teams say that. And so I just thought he was saying that it's one, like another one of those things. And I got there and like, right away, like, the guys were incredible. And like, honestly, like, anyone top the bomber lineup would just kill someone if, like, they were like, messing with the guys on our team. And like, that's how close our guys were. And before that game, Ando was kind of like, hey, like, let's wear him down. Like, first 10, 15 minutes. Like, honestly, like, just go out there, just get a body, like trying to run someone through the wall, basically. And we actually did. We. We executed that perfectly. And I remember UC came into that period and he's like, all right, guys, like, you know, we got the jitters out, but now stick on puck. Like, let's start playing hockey. So, yeah, honestly, like, that was really cool way to start the series. And like, you know, we, we switched up. Like, honestly, like, if you want our. Like, our team was so deep last year and like so dynamic. Like, we didn't even have missile in playoffs and like one of our best goal scores on our team. Like, and we still make it to Western Conference finals. Like, and obviously like getting hurt against London was tough and. And I think if we had, you know, a majority of our guys, like, you know, we find a way every single game, no matter what, if we're playing a skilled game, if we're playing a gritty game, like our team found a way and obviously Parse last year was a huge help for us. And you know, especially that Mercer line. Mercer, Frizz and Archie, like, I mean just lights.

14:02Andrew: They kind of lights. They kind of turned turn like the worm turned. When that line got matched up against the protest and green tree line in the Windsor series, those. That line, like don't get me wrong, everybody, everybody was playing kind of below I think what the Rangers have been playing, what you guys have been playing the first three games. Like, I think your best hockey had yet to be played in that series. But really that, that shutdown line, that just changed everything in that series. Was there a moment where like that line particularly. Do you remember that they were kind of like, don't worry, we got it.

14:38Christian Humphreys: Well, I think when we were down 30 and like I said, like this kind of speaks to the team. Like, we all were like, you know what, like what do we have to lose? Like, everyone counted us out. Like if we lose another game, so what? Everyone, everyone's counting us out. So we literally were like, let's take it 20 minutes at a time, like win a period. You know, we, we had to do that 12 more times. Like when 12 periods you're going to win a series. That's how we kind of took it as. And when that line, first shift, game four, I remember, like they were just throwing body all around and they were shutting them down and like Fred Swicky and I, like we were contributing. Not. I want to say game four is really where we started to turn it up because obviously they opened up so much space for all our, all our guys. Like, especially our top two lines. Like Windsor was really, really top heavy last year and like their top six was pretty legit and they were hard to play against. And if, you know, if we weren't a line going against one of those lines, our second line was going against, you know, their third line. We were just capitalizing, capitalizing, capitalizing. And I, I Told Arky. I was like, I don't know how you're doing this. You're probably playing 30 minutes a night. Yeah, like, they were. They were logging some legit minutes, and it kind of just like, you know, like, the best thing about our team last year was everyone adapted. Like, I remember there was one weekend where I don't think I played with Pridz or whatever, and he adapted right away, and I adapted right away. And. And I think when I got there, like, switching Prince helped me out a lot. Like, they did a bunch of stuff just to, like, get me ready. And I think my first game was with Ellie, Ellie and Pridz, and they switched me to Swicky. And right away, like, obviously those guys had great chemistry already, but I think after a couple games, like, I started to fit in a little bit. And it kind of just speaks to the majority of the group. We had.

16:37Justin: What was the. Aud transition did you have to make?

16:40Andrew: Yeah, I was going to say from the. From the USHL to the ncaa and then the NCAA to the ohl. How. How were you as a hockey player? Like, how did you prepare for that, both physically and mentally? And what was the difference, like, for that?

16:53Christian Humphreys: Yeah, I kind of think, obviously I had a great time playing at the program. You know, there's so many talented kids. And I think with the school, part of things that, you know, I don't think a lot of people are taking into consideration is then a day you have to develop and play. Yeah, but like, Sam O'Reilly Sam O'Reilly have a, you know, a younger kid, they're going to school and they're getting what I was getting, like eight minutes a night, maybe eight to ten. You're playing. It's a short season. You're playing 38 games a year. Like, in the OHL. I. I remember I left halfway through. I want to say, halfway through the season, and I got 50 games in with Kitchener.

17:29Andrew: Right.

17:29Christian Humphreys: Like, huge, huge, huge difference. And I was playing, you know, third, fourth line, second power play. And right. Right then there I was, like, starting to, like, lose my confidence a little, like, saying, like, you know, like, kind of questioning the hockey game. So. And I think you'll see it a little bit, like, coming, like, guys are from ncaa. Like, if they're. They, like, the young talent they have, like, there's going to be guys coming to chl, and I would not be shocked, like, at all, because at the end of the day, it's like, I firmly believe that the OHL is the best development path in junior, and that's coming from an American. And USHL does do a good, really good job to developing their players. And you know, I just think with the, oh like those seven game playoff series, like I never got those right. And right away I think the second I left school, we had a three and three. I've never had one of those either. When you turn pro, when you turn pro, like, you're going to get all those things. Like you're going to get three on threes, you're going to get seven game series. So I think it's been a really good adjustment period for me and I think Kitchener's done a great job just helping me kind of figure it out. Like, obviously I'm still a little new to it and obviously next year it'll be good to be like one of the veterans on the Tommy Kut yeah, like, I can't really thank them more.

18:47Andrew: Well, we love to hear that. I mean, we love to hear that, that the OHL is the, is the best route. That's. We, I, you know, that's, that's poignant today. Thank you very much for that and I'm sure Kitchener Rangers fans appreciate hearing that when, when this releases. So you did mention the US National Development team. We, we don't really know too much about what goes on there. And like, I gotta be honest, your junior program is giving us fits here in Canada. Like, we don't know like what you guys are doing or what's in the water there, but it, it just seems like, it just seems like that program's got it going on. And, and can you pull back the curtain a little bit on that process of like being selected to that and just kind of going through that?

19:30Christian Humphreys: Yeah, I mean it's, yeah, I mean it's so special anytime you get to throw on your jersey. Like, I mean it was like whenever I first turned on, like, I got goosebumps and like I loved my time there. It was incredible. And you kind of get selected at a younger age. I want to say it's 16, so when you're like 16, 17, you might be turning 18, but around those ages, you know, you, they select a bunch of players to go represent your country for two years and it's different. Like I would say in the States, like you work out so hard, like you work out a lot. And honestly, like, I've been kind of both ways about it. Like, I love like especially our Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday workouts. They're really good and you know, I enjoy going through those, but they do a great job. Like Thursday like, if you're playing on a Friday, like, Wednesday, you're going to hit, like, a light workout and just kind of get your body move, and then Thursday, you might hit, like, a quick speed, lift, or recovery, and, like, I feel, like, so much better in the game, just, like, ready to go kind of mindset. So, I mean, it's. It's different. Obviously, it's hard whenever you're putting so many of the best players on one Tommy Kut they've done a better job about rounding out players, trying to give them, like, certain roles. But it's also, like, kids are, like, pretty young there, so it's like, you could have guys that are, like, I've known guys that, you know, barely make the team and then turn out to be, like, NHL superstars, so.

20:59Andrew: Right.

21:00Christian Humphreys: You know, it's kind of like a. A different aspect of it. And, I mean, they. For what they're doing, they're doing a very good job at developing players.

21:08Andrew: Very. Yeah, that's. We see that. We see that at the world. Yeah. So we've got to get into it a little bit. You were drafted in 2024 to Colorado. That's why I got the Nordiques hat on. I'm not willing to go all the way to Colorado for you as an Oilers fan, but I will. I will go to the defunct Nordiques. I read in an interview that you were slated to go earlier than you did and that you're using that as motivation. I'm not trying to pick a wound here or anything like that, but you still wound up getting drafted by, like, one of the most consistently run organizations in the league, man. It's also home to a Kitchener Rangers legend like Gabriel Landiscog. Did you know that, like, you were on their radar and, like. Like, you don't have to tell us about how it was, like, you know, falling in the draft, but how is it now knowing that, like, it doesn't matter where you get drafted because you've been drafted?

21:57Christian Humphreys: I mean, especially at the combine, like, you interview with a bunch of teams, and I was lucky enough to get interviewed by Colorado, and I'm not even saying this guy got drafted. I think I had the most fun, like, in their interview, and it was. It was like, so, like, you're playing, like, games the whole time, basically. Like, you know, there's a couple of those interviews where, like, you're sitting there and, like, you're, like, tensing up because, like, you're getting grilled by a couple teams or whatever, and. And they're like, we Just had fun or whatever. And they. I think they asked, like, one question when I was there, and it was kind of like Nathan McKinnon, Kale McCarr, and Andrew Cogliano. And they were talking about, like, who would. Like, they. I. I forget the question, but it was kind of just like, who would. Like. It was something about, like, being a leader or whatever, like, the most skilled guy who you'd go to in the locker room. And I chose Cogliano because he's been a veteran and been at the NHL for all these years, and they were like, wow, that's a good answer.

22:57Justin: So.

22:59Christian Humphreys: But, yeah, like, we were playing a bunch of, like, they. I think they just wanted to see how competitive you were, to be honest, in that interview. And, you know, I think a lot of guys after that weekend were like, man, like, guys were, like, excited to go on a Colorado interview, and some other teams were like, you'd be just terrified.

23:16Andrew: Let's just switch gears altogether. I know we've talked a little bit about this, but you're talking about talking to guys in the room, and you're talking about coming in, you know, being a little bit terrified. Jack kind of. He kind of insinuated that maybe Coach A Hocus is a little bit of an intimidating presence. I know for us, we. We no doubt, like, about. It would be terrified of the man. We said last. We said last episode that he's, like, if he showed up in a dark alley, like, brushing his hair back with a leather jacket on, you know, it's over. But you got dropped into, like, basically, what was a powerhouse team. Was it in the back of your mind? Obviously, like, Kitchener was always an option, and. And you got dropped in as, like, the number one center. So just tell us a little bit about, like, the. The transition was quick, but tell us about, like, did you talk to people in the organization, like, Coach A hocus or Mike McKenzie or whatever before you actually got to Kitchener?

24:09Christian Humphreys: So, first off, UC is definitely intimidating. You know, there's. There's some days where, like, you know, the boys would love to go hang out with them or sit in the coach's office and kind of talk to them. There's other days where we're just like, all right, we're going to mind our own.

24:23Justin: Take an extra five feet. The door.

24:25Christian Humphreys: Yeah. Oh, yeah. Well. Yeah, well, my parents are always, like, on TV because they're always watching from home, and they're like, he shows no emotion. I'm like, yeah, that's. You see. So, yeah, it's kind of funny. But obviously the switch was quick. And I knew Cam Reed really well. Just coming. So we went to boarding school together. We became pretty good buddies there. And, you know, I think I. I think whenever I was thinking about it, I kind of just want to get some inside tell from him and so see how it is. And you know how he likes it there. And he spoke nothing but great things about it. And I think I remember it was like a Tuesday. It was that. That Tuesday before I came up on the Wednesday, apparently he got called in the Macar's office to kind of talk about, like, how I am as, like, a kid and stuff. And he was like, oh, I was so scared. Like, I thought I was getting traded because the deadline was coming up. So. Yeah, yeah. So kind of funny story, but, yeah, he's obviously such a great kid, and, you know, his hockey speaks for itself.

25:28Justin: And.

25:28Christian Humphreys: Yeah, you know, I think with a lot of our guys, like, it's pretty cool to see, like, this role's coming out. Like, in college, all guys can go. And, like, you look at all of our guys, like, all of us want to be in Kitchener. Like, it's the spot to be in. And, like, none of us are jumping ship. Like, Prince could have jumped ship. I could have jumped ship. Like, you know, you have those younger guys, Luca Romano, like, Reed, like, but all of us love it here so much, and this is where we want to be. Like, the Aud The fans, the passion. I mean, such a special place. And we're looking forward to next year.

25:59Justin: That's.

26:00Andrew: That's the clip for social media right there. That's the clip for social media right there. You can be sure of it. So, I mean, that. The atmosphere is amazing. We've talked about that. But one of the best goals of the year last year was your overtime winner against Sarnia, and you're talking about wanting to stick around. I looked at the timeline. February 28th, you scored that goal. And then, like, less than a week later, you were like, I'm not leaving. I'm not leaving. So. So was. Was it in your mind, like, at that time, were you. Or were you, like, from the beginning, like, when you just started going, were you like, I'm staying, or. Or was it just, like, did you slowly go? You know, the Sam O'Reilly that, like, we somehow we rubbed off on Pridz, that, like, you know, I. I gotta be a Ranger next year. How did that go in your mind?

26:43Christian Humphreys: Yeah, I. I hate to keep harping on the same thing, but, I mean, it's just. You Know, the whole organization itself and obviously, like, the first couple weeks, like, I'd say month, I was there. Like, you know, I was up in the air. When Prince and I, we started talking, and especially after we lost, we were like, let's go. Like, you know, we got another year. Like, you know, it's do or die next year. And, like, I think it's kind of been just that mentality and, you know, when you hear all the guys are returning and, you know, you get another year of what we had and, you know, it's just excitement, like, pure joy. Like, you know, I'm kind of getting goosebumps right now. It's five days now that I leave and, yeah, you know, I'm just so excited to be up there and, like, see the guys. So awesome. You know, I've had a. I've had a great summer and. But, yeah, it's time to get back and get to work. Oh, yeah, we're.

27:34Andrew: We're so excited for Rangers hockey this year. I think there's a special buzz. I think last year was such a special, magical year. But of course, like, you know, the job's not finished, so it's one of those things where I think there's such a great core coming back that we're all just, like, over the moon that both of you are coming back, and there's been some moves made to help the team, and the team was just so deep last year that it's. It's one of those things that I feel like if you just ran it back, even with the Overagers, that that had to leave and. And the guys who were kind of, you know, there was too many Overagers this year, which was heartbreaking, but that's just an aspect of the league. But I. I think that, like, we just all believe in you guys, and I think Rangers Nation is just like. Is just beating that drum and believing from the very start. I think something happened in that Windsor series, and I feel like Rangers fans are just. They just know it's this year. It's 2027, the Memorial Cup. Obviously, the bid is official, and there's just positive vibes around this team. So we're so excited to have you guys back and start the season, and we're really grateful that you. You joined us on the Aud bot. It's been an absolutely incredible interview. Christian. You can come back anytime. No stock hockey answers from.

28:47Justin: Not even one?

28:49Christian Humphreys: No. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Thanks for having me, guys. I enjoyed it. And we just got to get that Oilers, they gotta they gotta crack through one of these days.

28:58Justin: No.

28:58Andrew: Oh man, they do not listen.

29:00Justin: They do not listen.

29:02Andrew: 2006, my heart broke, man. That was. I was a 16 year old kid watching that team in the old building. My parents had season tickets. That was the first year we had season tickets back when they were actually somewhat affordable. That was when my heart broke against Carolina. That was. That dates me. That'll tell you how much older I am than you are. And honestly, these past two years, I've just been sitting there like, yeah, yeah, that's, this is. Yeah, this is what happens. And Justin, I know you, you had it as well in 2004. So we won't, we won't skip over you.

29:33Justin: But.

29:34Andrew: And, and the puck went across the line in that series.

29:37Justin: It was so. Yeah, it was.

29:38Christian Humphreys: Oh yeah.

29:40Justin: Well, you must have been through the Florida teams.

29:42Christian Humphreys: Justin must have been freaking out this year. The Calgary, Calgary just literally I was like, oh, they're for sure getting in, right?

29:48Justin: I'm getting 92 points and missing the playoffs.

29:52Christian Humphreys: Yeah.

29:52Andrew: What league is this?

29:53Justin: Honestly, Honest, Especially the Pacific Division, like we've been the bottom division for so long.

29:59Andrew: Yeah, I have faith that, that Connor McDavid is going to get one. I mean, like, you know, whether, whether it's in Edmonton or somewhere else, I believe it will be in Edmonton. But he will get one. He's Connor McDavid. He'll make it happen. He'll just make it happen. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And, and I, and I, I believe that this group in Kitchener absolutely has. Has the heart and the, Aud the will to get it done this year. And man, we are going to be rooting for you guys so hard. We're so grateful that all of you have embraced us and come on the pod. And we're just excited to just keep, you know, recapping and previewing games this year and hopefully, you know, you guys will continue to get a kick out of us because that's what we're here for.

30:35Christian Humphreys: Oh yeah, yeah. No, we'll provide you guys some entertainment for sure. It's gonna be a fun year and you know, it's do or die. So like, let's go.

30:43Andrew: Let's go.

30:44Justin: Awesome. Yeah. Thanks, Christian. Really appreciate you coming on and looking forward to seeing training camp and seeing what's going on.

30:50Christian Humphreys: Oh yeah, yeah, it'll be fun.

30:52Andrew: We'll. We'll be down around the. We'll be down around the Aud I think potentially the preseason fan fest that, that Sunday, potentially. I don't know. Justin is like a full time parent right now. So it's. It's hard.

31:03Justin: That's also tomato.

31:04Andrew: It's hard to sign him up, sign him up for things, but if not, we'll be there opening weekend. So now, like, the funny thing is, we'll see you guys around. We'll have our. Hopefully we can try and drag our. Our little ones out to it at some point and maybe meet you guys when you guys are in an event or something like that. Because I know that it's. It's exciting even though they won't remember it. We'll be like, look, yeah, this is NHL superstar Christian Humphreys that's hanging out with you.

31:29Christian Humphreys: No, it'll be awesome. Yeah, I just found out that I'll be at Fan Fest. Like, they booked because we were talking about we have like, rookie term and stuff in Colorado, and we were back and forth with Mike just about dates. And so he. I'm leave the day after Fan Fest to fly out there. So.

31:44Andrew: Awesome.

31:45Christian Humphreys: So, I mean, that kind of speaks the volume of just our gm and because I had it booked earlier and he's like, hey, like, Fan Fest is, you know. You know, we. We give back basically. Like, you know, like, yeah, and like that, like, I didn't really think about it until it kind of sat in and I was like, like, that's a GM. Who cares? Like, most GMs are just like, you know, think about the players and.

32:08Andrew: But you. You mentioned that, though, in an interview. I did. I did quite a bit of research because you actually are one of the few players that had a lot of press that I could. That I could look at There. There hasn't been a ton on. On junior hockey players, and I think that's something that as like, Canadian, like, sports journalists, we need to get better at because we need to generate more buzz for the league and. And keep players in Canada and bring, you know, talent like yourself out of other countries. But, you know, you said that you like giving back and that's like a big thing for you. So maybe we'll just end the podcast here on. On that and how important that is to you, and we'll extend before if. Just want to talk about that, we'll extend to you that if you're ever doing anything this year and you want to plug it or you even just want us to share it on social media or anything. If you've got any sort of cause or something you want to do this season, think about it. We'll. And we'll support you no matter what in. In that. But yeah, just tell us about giving back and how important that is for yourself.

32:59Christian Humphreys: Oh, yeah. I mean, obviously we talked, we touched on my brother, so, I mean, just like, even little things. My mom, she started a foundation to support the Aud just, you know, like inner city kids that don't have a chance to play hockey, so she started a foundation. And so kind of just whenever I've been, like, younger, I've kind of been always just trying to give back to people as much as I can. Like, it's. It's a big deal to me. And, you know, we've been in the works a little bit. I'm not sure if it's going to happen. We're kind of just trying to map things out, but I for sure want to start a cause this year and. And try and just, you know, find the right group, find the right organization and, you know, if it works out, great. And I think it's just. I honestly think it's just not even for, you know, the photos or the videos or, like, I don't even want the attention doing it, you know, you kind of just like, even just to play hockey at a young age, you're so fortunate.

33:52Justin: And.

33:53Christian Humphreys: And especially having James as my brother, like, just like I said, it gives me a different perspective. So it's kind of bad in my. I guess it's in our family blood, but, yeah, you know, I enjoy doing it.

34:03Andrew: You sound. You sound like a wonderful family. Your parents have done an incredible job with all of you. You especially, because we've chatted with you. We're really impressed with you, man. Just one last thing. What position did your dad play in football?

34:16Christian Humphreys: He was a fullback. So, like, cracks and you're always getting on me. They're like, you gotta gain weight. I feel good. I put on £15 this summer. But, you know, they're. They're. They're kind of just like. I don't. I don't know if they've met my dad, but he's a. He's a bigger dude. And obviously, if he's a fullback, like.

34:37Andrew: Yeah, yeah, he was.

34:38Christian Humphreys: He was a pretty. He was pretty, pretty big guy. Lead the way.

34:41Andrew: Hit the hole.

34:42Christian Humphreys: Lead the way. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

34:46Andrew: Well, amazing, man. We're gonna end it here. Thank you so much.

34:49Justin: That was amazing.

34:51Andrew: Unbelievable. What an interview.

34:54Justin: Yeah. Like, I didn't even have to talk because he just. He's just got all the answers ready to go, and, man, he's candid, lovely, amazing. Got a lot to say. So much life experience. Oh, my God, I know.

35:06Andrew: Such a wonderful perspective to have as a young hockey player. And I just. I am just. I'm actually, like, flabbergasted at. At how good of an interview. What you didn't see was when we. When he jumped into our meeting room here was. He just started talking to us right away, chirping me about the Oilers right away. Like, it was like, unbelievable. Christian Humphreys we are just shocked. You took us by storm. You took the AudPod by storm. Christian Humphreys the Sam O'Reilly he's taken the OHL by storm this year, I'll tell you that.

35:36Justin: Yeah, for sure.

35:37Andrew: The man with the most points per game. That's right. And he's. Most points per AudPod, I think, as well. That was. That was quite the interview. Yeah. Mr. And Mrs. Humphries, you've done an incredible job. We appreciate you sharing him with the OHL and specifically the Kitchener Rangers Yeah, agreed. Yeah. We are like. We are dumbfounded by how great that that chat with Christian was. So we're just gonna go ahead and Sam O'Reilly can find us on the socials, at the AudPod on Instagram and tick tock. Rarely are we without words. We are without words for what just happened there. That was a awesome time. You can find us on YouTube as well. AudPod, Kitchener Rangers Just search it. You'll find us. We're all over the Internet now. In fact, when I was researching Christian Humphreys one of the results was us. So we made it. That's what I'm saying. Yeah. What do we got to Sam O'Reilly bet you we have some people to thank.

36:28Justin: We should. We should thank, of course, Ken Born the director of branding and marketing. We.

36:32Andrew: Papa Born You're going to be here really soon now when this airs, Papa will pretty much be here any day.

36:39Justin: Maybe a week and the Aud home opener. I think we gotta get them to the home opener.

36:44Andrew: So we do.

36:45Justin: That's the plan. Of course we gotta thank the prodigal

36:48Andrew: producer, Liam, the phenom.

36:50Justin: And do we thank anyone else? I don't know. I don't think so. We.

36:53Andrew: We thank Tommy Kut I don't. I can't imagine us needing Tim for this interview. I hope not anyway. But maybe we do. Thanks, Tim, for always being there if we do need you.

37:02Justin: You know what? Tomorrow is Tim's birthday, so happy birthday, Tim.

37:06Andrew: Tim's birthday. This is going to be like weeks late, but it'll be a week. Happy birthday, Tommy Kut thank you for listening as well as fixing.

37:12Justin: Yes.

37:13Andrew: Yeah, yeah.

37:15Justin: And yeah, as always, you can find

37:17Andrew: us at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. See you at the Aud