FUEL BLOG: Q&A WITH JUSTIN KAPELMASTER

We all know this Justin Kapelmaster –

But what you might not know is that Kap is a content machine. Kapelmaster is one of the hosts of The Latke Room, a funny and engaging podcast started in March of 2020 that brings guests of all different backgrounds into their “locker room” to talk about sports, entertainment, pop culture, dating, etc… with a unique Jewish twist. I’ve listened to The Latke Room and it’s fantastic. No matter your background, there’s something in it for everyone to enjoy. 

When you see these guys on the ice, it’s easy to only think about who they are as athletes, but we want you to get to know them off the ice too. So without further ado, it’s time to meet the man behind the goalie mask...and the mic.

ABOUT THE LATKE ROOM

FUEL: Tell us about the start of the podcast – how was the idea created and how did it come to be?KAPELMASTER: The podcast The Latke Room was started in a funny way. I woke up one day and thought to myself that there are all these unique and different podcasts out there and I had the idea to interview influential Jewish people in sports. Thankfully I immediately called my close friend Jonny Lazarus who was immediately on board and had the idea to interview not just people in sports but other backgrounds such as comedians, actors, broadcasters ect…

FUEL: What has been the most fun part of having this podcast? If people are to take anything away from it, what do you want that to be?KAPELMASTER: I would have to say the best part of the podcast is the people we have met throughout this crazy journey. Some of the names we have spoken to and the stories we have heard I could have never imagined this is something I would be doing. Something people should take away from the podcast is that it’s very diverse and I believe everyone can relate to it in some way or another.

FUEL: Who’s the coolest person you’ve ever gotten to interview?KAPELMASTER: So many amazing interviews but my favorite would probably have to be Nate Thompson.

ABOUT THE HOCKEY

FUEL: How did you get your start playing hockey?KAPELMASTER: Started playing roller hockey when I was about 4 years old. Being from Florida my brother and my cousin always threw me in the net but I actually started as a defenseman. When I was six years old my team was going to the NARCH roller hockey championships and our goalie backed out and our coach asked if anyone knew or was interested in being our goalie. I jumped up and said yes and the rest was history.

FUEL: Tell us a bit about your hockey journey.KAPELMASTER: I played youth hockey for the Florida Panthers AAA until I was about 14 and then made the choice to leave home and start my junior career. I was grateful to play for some amazing teams and programs like the NY Applecore, NY Bobcats, Trenton Golden Hawks and the Wichita Falls Wildcats. Once Juniors was over, I made my commitment to play hockey at Ferris State University and eventually transferred and finished my senior season at Robert Morris University. I’m currently in my second year of pro. I spent my first season with the Allen Americans, Cleveland Monsters and eventually won a Kelly Cup with the Fort Wayne Komets.

FUEL: What’s one of your favorite memories playing hockey?KAPELMASTER: Some of my favorite memories playing hockey was honestly having the opportunity to live with all my different billet families while I was playing junior hockey. I was extremely grateful to have some amazing families. Some name drops – the Pues, as well as my billet mom in Wichita Falls, Dorris Nan.

FUEL: What do you like most about this team and being in Indy?KAPELMASTER: There are so many things I love about this team in Indy and the whole city, but mainly it is the team and how close everyone is. Not just the players but the staff down to everyone in the locker room. Everyone respects each other and it’s really nice being part of such a close group of guys.

FUN FACTS ABOUT KAP

FUEL: Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!KAPELMASTER: I love trying new foods and being from Florida, I love to be at the beach and hang out with friends as much as possible.  

FUEL: What do you like to do on an off day / in your free time?KAPELMASTER: On an off day I like to just relax, not do anything crazy. I love to bowl, so bowling occasionally.

FUEL: What is a social / community cause that you care about?KAPELMASTER: Probably breast cancer awareness I’ve had a lot of family members affected so if any it would have to be that.

FUEL: Would you rather fight a horse sized duck or 10 duck sized horses?KAPELMASTER: A horse sized duck I feel like I’d have a better shot then 10 duck sized horses 

FUEL: Is a hot dog a sandwich?KAPELMASTER: Yes, I’ve spoken about this on social media before. Between 2 buns, it’s a sandwich.

LISTEN TO THE LATKE ROOM

FOLLOW KAP & THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL

JUSTIN KAPELMASTER

Twitter: @jpkappy  |  Instagram: @j_kappy35

THE LATKE ROOM

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  TikTok  |  Spotify  |  Apple Music

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