Hank Snow’s classic, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” could be the soundtrack for Brian Patafie’s life. Patafie has done and seen it all when it comes to the world of hockey, but also comedy. From stitching up hockey players to leaving people in stitches, Patafie’s path from hockey to the comedy stage has been a long and winding road and one he wouldn’t change for the world, but four years ago everything changed.
In 2021 when I had my heart ailment and almost died, I looked at my wife Dawn and said “Sweetheart, God is giving me another chance and I’m quitting hockey and going to grab the biggest thing in my bucket list. I jumped in both feet at once and this ride has been an absolute blast.”
Patafie called Saint John, Moncton and Halifax home during his American Hockey League days as Athletic Therapist and Trainer. A return to his old stomping grounds for the tour is incredibly special and important to Patafie. “I love the opportunity to bring my form of humour to so many of the places I’ve “called home” at one time or another.”
“I love reconnecting with old friends and catching up on their lives,” Patafie said.
“I love seeing all of the huge changes in the communities like Moncton, they have a new multipurpose arena and a huge casino and they still have some of the great things I remember like Magnetic Hill and the greatest Donair spot I’d ever been to, Greco,” Patafie said with famous wry grin and smile.
Life on the road and applying your craft in the hockey and comedy world isn’t sunshine and rainbows. All of the sacrifices and life lessons out there hit different. So how did a life in hockey help him put himself out there every night in front of complete strangers and does that vulnerability help his creative process? “I’ve always said the trainers in hockey are the support staff for the entertainers, so I decided I wanted to be an entertainer, but found out real quick I don’t have any support staff,” stressed Patafie.
In the hockey world the spotlight never shines on the support staff, but ask any player out there and they will undoubtedly credit those selfless people for being the glue of any team or organization. Brian Patafie is one of those glue guy’s and his time behind the scenes as certainly helped him under the bright lights of the stage.
“Having a lisp and working in a locker room for forty-four years can set you up for some constant teasing and I took it in good fun.”
“That being said I gave it back twofold. Over the years I became an in “arena master” at retorts and I must say some of them are legendary.”
What has he learned about himself as a person and comic being out there on the road in such weird times? “I’ve learned to not take myself too seriously,” said Patafie.
“I’ve had some people in the business criticize my comedic style much like I’ve had some coaches not like or respect me as a trainer.”
“I’ll listen to their words, but it’s me and only me looking into my mirror and so while I enjoy what I’m doing and I’m getting as many laughs as the attendees at my shows, I love going off script and just pounding on some point if it’s bringing laughter,” Patafie said.
“That’s something I couldn’t do as an Athletic Trainer or Physical Therapist because we had strict protocols and I don’t think any of the athletes would’ve appreciated me trying something new because it was making his teammates smile.”
When it comes to Patafie and his comedy there’s not a lot that’s off limits, but he understands the value of entertainment. “I don’t do politics in my shows. I feel a comedy show should be a place we can all gather and leave life’s bull shit at the door.”
“There’s enough stuff in our everyday lives that I will make fun of without stepping into someone’s right to choose whatever leader they want to lead their respective country,” Patafie said.
Brian Patafie’s presence, command of the stage and comedic timing is about as natural as a Brett Hull snapshot. Patafie has been scoring laughs all across the United States, Canada and even the UK for a multi show, multi city tour in 2022 ever since taking that leap of faith in 2021. Perhaps Patafie has his son Dominic and former NHLer Peter Ahola to thank for his iconic branding.
“Years ago, Peter Ahola who was traded to Calgary from Los Angeles labeled me as “The Enter-Trainer” and it stuck,” said Patafie laughing.
“My son Dominic also wanted me to brand my show “FUNNY AS PUCK” and it’s working.”
Brian Patafie has traveled every road in this here land and he’s been making people laugh a long the way. He has been everywhere and he’s probably coming to a city near you. Life and laughs on the road, Brian Patefie wouldn’t change it for the world!
Patafie along with special guests Chris Connolly and Chad Noonan are performing at the Empress Theatre on Saturday June 21 at 8 pm with the doors opening at 7:30.
For more information and tickets click the link below: Brian Patafie’s FUNNY AS PUCK Tour 2025 – Capitol Theatre
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