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 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.