American Hockey Story

<p>Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ben Lindbergh</a> relive the dual wins for Team USA's women's and men’s hockey teams and examine how MAGA has co-opted the victory. Then, they’re joined by journalist Chris Dalby, author of the <a href="https://www.sportsandcrime.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sports and Crime</a> newsletter, goes deep on <a href="https://www.sportsandcrime.com/p/why-president-trump-really-likes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why Trump seems to love pardoning athletes</a>. Next, the hosts get into the alarming expansion of sports betting via prediction markets. And finally, Ben brings us an Afterball on the demise of the European Super League.</p><br><p>On the bonus episode, available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts share their highs and lows of watching the Winter Olympics.&nbsp;</p><br><p><strong>Olympics Hockey: (--): </strong>Team USA brings home gold.</p><p><strong>Trump Pardons (--)</strong>: Chris Dalby breaks down what’s really going on.</p><p><strong>Prediction Markets (--):</strong> Who will reign in this new way of betting?</p><p><strong>European Super League (--): </strong>Ben eulogizes the failed league.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><p>Episode Notes:</p><ul><li>Alex in Slate on <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2026/02/usa-beats-canada-mens-hockey-wins-gold-2026-olympics.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">America’s reckless, brilliant strategy to beat Canada.</a></li><li>This New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/02/12/sports/chloe-kim-gaon-choi-snowboarding-halfpipe-olympics.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">breakdown of the move that beat Chloe Kim in the halfpipe</a></li><li>Chris Dalby on <a href="https://www.sportsandcrime.com/p/why-president-trump-really-likes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump’s love of pardoning athletes.</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)</p><br><p>Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show p