The Power of Storytelling
On a Tuesday night in Allen, Texas, a hockey podcast gathering drew a crowd far larger than anyone expected, even though no professional game was scheduled nearby. The buzz was enough to fill a local restaurant, whose manager welcomed the unexpected business.
The event was organized by Gavin Spittle, who produced a live recording of his *Spits & Suds* podcast on the spot. His dedication turned a simple meetup into a memorable experience for attendees.
Fans arrived from unexpected places, including one who drove from Arkansas just to be there. They shared personal stories that stretched back years, many of them first encountered through Twitter/X, illustrating how the sport’s community can span continents.
Steve, the creator behind the Sportstoons brand, was on hand to chat with the crowd, and his enthusiasm was matched by a beer‑league team that projected *The Late Game* onto a garage wall for a shared viewing experience.
The author took the opportunity to sign a copy of *100 Things Stars Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die* for a young fan, while Stephen Meserve, co‑author of *We Win Here*, expressed excitement at meeting the audience that had followed their passion project.
Reflecting on a career that includes stints as a Dallas Stars beat writer and a rivalry with Matt DeFranks, the writer praised the steady, respectful coverage of current reporters Robert Tiffin and Lia Assimakopoulos. Long‑time friend Brien Rea also attended, recalling a lunch from more than a decade earlier that had set the stage for the evening.