Ex-NHL Player Completely Destroys an Edmonton Oilers Legend on Podcast

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Skyler Walker
August 20, 2023 (10:40)

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O'Brien's Fiery Grudge Against Smyth

Former NHL player Shane O'Brien's podcast outburst exposed his deep animosity towards Ryan Smyth.

O'Brien criticized Smyth's perceived arrogance despite acknowledging his tenacity on the ice. A preseason incident, where Smyth allegedly claimed a young player's goal, amplified their rivalry.

i'll tell you why I hate Ryan Smyth, began O'Brien. First of all because he thought he was Wayne Gretzky, which he was nowhere even in the same f***ing breath. I don't care if he wore the long gloves and tucked his shirt in or what the f*** ever.

I used to want to kill him in front of the net, I'll give him credit, he could take a beating and he would go to the net hard," said O'Brien reluctantly.

Their clashes were frequent in the Western Conference, fueling O'Brien's ongoing resentment.

"But the reason I hated him is when I signed with Colorado I heard a story about him in preseason, began O'Brien. He just signed a huge ticket with the Colorado Avalanche, exhibition game, there was a puck in front of the net... this kid shot it. Some young kid that was just playing an exhibition game that I don't think ever played in the NHL. In an exhibition game and Ryan Smyth went to the ref 'It hit my pants' and took the kid's goal in an exhibition game, and this guy was in the league for 10 years by then or maybe more.

At that point I let him know every time I played against him, said O'Brien. You think you're Captain Canada Smyth? You're f***ing nuts! Every game I would chirp him 'You're such a f***ing nerd Smythy, no one thinks you're cool, not even people in Edmonton that you think love you'... I hate him, I hate him.

The podcast episode showcased O'Brien's refusal to let go of the feud. It's improbable that Smyth will be a guest on O'Brien's show due to their heated history.