NHRA funny car driver Jeff Arend talks Kings vs Leafs

It doesn't matter what the field is, be it acting, music, racing or you name it - if you bring up hockey and there's a Canadian present, they're usually quick to jump into the conversation.

Over the last few months, a few of the stars of NHRA Drag Racing have stopped by MayorsManor to talk hockey and racing. Today, we'll share some highlights from a conversation with funny car pilot Jeff Arend.

"Of course, I'm a hockey fan," he proclaimed. "I grew up in Toronto! The winters are a lot longer there than they are in California. So, that's what we did all the time, play hockey and go and watch hockey."

It's been quite the journey for a guy who first got involved in racing at the age of 17, while still north of the border. Fifteen years ago he became the first Canadian driver to eclipse the 300-mph barrier. And the following year he began working at the prestigious 'Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School' - a place many NHRA racers have used to launch their careers.

"I'm still a bit of a die-hard Leafs fan. But, now that I've relocated out here, I like to watch the Kings," said the San Dimas, CA resident.

Like those Kings are experiencing this year, he knows all about the ups and down that play out over a full season - as well as the struggles to stay alive in the standings.

NHRA champ Tony Schumacher talks Blackhawks, Kings

Tony Schumacher (photo: NHRA)

Tony Schumacher may drive an NHRA top fuel car for a living, but he easily relate to the pressure that must come from playing in overtime of a game seven during the Stanley Cup Finals.

Yes, he's a seven-time World Champion. Yet, perhaps his defining sports moment was in 2006. Entering the final race of the season he and his U.S. Army sponsored crew needed to do just about everything to overtake the points leader - including win the race and set a new elapsed time record. In one of the most unlikely scenarios, it all came down to what's now known as 'The Run' - where he made one pass down the track to win the race, set the record and capture the championship.

Sudden death if there ever was one.

Away from the drag strip, his passion is simple to understand.

"I love hockey," said Schumacher during a recent conversation. "I grew up playing hockey with the St. John's Military Academy. If I'm not racing, and people ask me what kind of sports I'm watching, I'm watching guys on ice knock each other over and scoring goals. It's amazing what the sport has done since the rule changes a few years ago - it is so fast, so good. It's mind boggling, how a man can put on a pair of skates and be that good at anything."

When the Kings and Blackhawks battle on the ice tonight, you can bet 'The Sarge' will be watching.

"I live in Chicago, so I'm obviously a Blackhawks fan," Schumacher shared. "But, the only other jersey I have hanging there is an LA Kings jersey, signed about four or five years ago by the whole team."

Originally from Southern California, Schumacher still marvels that hockey has become so popular on the west coast.

NHRA driver Ron Capps with some UFC predictions

This is a big weekend in Southern California, not only are the Kings home tonight for another game, but the NHRA Drag Races are going on in Pomona - where they're wrapping up their season and crowning champions in the pro classes - plus, you have UFC putting on one of the biggest heavyweight fights in a long time down in Anaheim.

Earlier this week, we had Clay Guida on MayorsManor (link here). He's in the UFC's semi-main event tonight, where a lot is at stake as well. The winner between he and Ben Henderson will get a lightweight title shot early next year.

Guida, a Chicago Blackhawks fan, said he was up to the task, despite being an underdog according to odds makers.

The NHRA was represented by driver Courtney Force at Thursday's Kings game and she came on MayorsManor to talk hockey and racing just prior to dropping the ceremonial first puck (link).

In a further convergence of today's big three events, while out at the drags interviewing drivers yesterday, I stumbled into a UFC conversation with funny car pilot Ron Capps.

Courtney Force - she knows all about fast moving sports

If only everybody could just show up for their first hockey game, walk onto the ice following the National Anthem and drop the puck to start things off.

Life doesn't work that way for the average person.

Yet, Courtney Force was lucky to have that experience last night.

And although she's a native of Yorba Linda, she says she's not a Ducks fan.

"My brother-in-law is the biggest hockey fan, he's from Chicago and he plays all the time. I think this is going to be my new thing though. I've been watching it on TV and being around him and my sister, who are always watching it, I'm very intrigued by it."

Just prior to the ceremonial faceoff between the Kings and Canucks, we spent some time together, talking about where she's been and where she's headed. Sure, she's attractive, with her California blond hair and great smile. But, she's also charming far beyond her 23-years.

Even casual sports fans have probably heard of her father, John Force. He's one of the best drag racers of all-time. While it was Don 'the Snake' Prudhomme in the 70s and Kenny Bernstein in the 80s, it's been a sport largely dominated by Force for nearly two decades now, as he rewrote the record books and won 15 NHRA Championships.

As his career is slowly winding towards the finish line (at some point in the coming years), daughter Courtney's is about to begin. She's been testing in a funny car this season and is expected to debut next year. When, exactly, isn't clear though.