Four current NHL stars and a retired legend taped a hockey-themed segment of The Price Is Right Tonight on Wednesday in Toronto, with the episode set to air in October on Rogers-owned CITY-TV. The show, hosted by Howie Mandel, will feature players helping studio audience contestants guess prices of everyday items for a chance to win prizes.
Players and Roles on Set
The NHL guests included 18-year-old Calder Trophy-winning defenceman Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders, Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, Brandon Montour of the Seattle Kraken, Jake Walman of the Edmonton Oilers, and former Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark. Audience members wore NHL sweaters instead of the traditional loud T-shirts.
Schaefer, the youngest of the group, said the daytime version of the show often serves as game-day entertainment for players. “My dad watched it, and my grandparents definitely did,” Schaefer said. “Any time you bring the show up with someone, it’s: ‘Oh my God, no way.’ My dad said to me: ‘You sure they don’t want me on there?’”
Nostalgia and Favourite Games
Clark noted the Canadian evening version has become popular since its debut. “It’s always there — and I don’t remember putting that channel on,” Clark said. “I loved the golf putting with Bob Barker, because he was so into it and the head-to-head, who won the showcase. But I’m thinking 1980s and ‘90s costs, so I’d be off on guessing pricing.”
Wilson recalled watching the show when home sick from school in Toronto. “It was before iPads, YouTube,” Wilson said. “The Price Is Right is what I had going on. I just like to hang in to the very end and see the new car and the trips they won. It was pretty exciting. Hopefully, people like the hockey theme.”
All the players expressed fondness for the game Plinko, but only Montour was set to play it with a partner. Teased about whether analytics would factor into his chip placement, Montour said, “I might have to look at old clips, see where the plinks have been dropping.”
Schaefer to Assist with Dice Game
Schaefer was assigned to help with the “Let It Roll” dice game. “You get the hang of it the more you watch,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s a fun show. I’m 18 years old and hopefully I can help people win prizes. It can definitely help people out financially. And you see Howie as you’re growing up, how funny he is, and what a great person.”
The NHL-themed episode is scheduled to air in October, coinciding with the league’s season-opening games.
