The Hot Seat Hockey Podcast

Episode 6: Guildford Flames end of season review

We’re joined by Guildford fan Brian Greenwood for a full deep dive into the Guildford Flames season. We kick things off by looking back at pre-season expectations and how the squad shaped up, before diving into the big questions—how do the Flames turn around their cup fortunes, and is the answer more preparation or an earlier start? Despite some wobbles in the league, Guildford maintained their impressive record of never finishing below 6th in the Elite League—but was that enough, or a missed opportunity? Costly losses to Fife and Dundee ultimately proved the difference in the race for a top 4 spot. In the playoffs, it was a tale of two performances—grit and fight at home, but a familiar softness in Sheffield that’s crept into too many big games this season. We also break down the roster with a full imports deep dive—who stays, who goes, and what needs to change across the goalies, defence, and forwards. Brian brings his knowledge of European leagues to the table, suggesting potential signings that could take the Flames to the next level. We wrap things up with a quick-fire Q&A, covering: • Favourite Guildford player of all time • Best season and standout game • Top away venue • Toughest opposition and most disliked rival • One thing that needs to change at the club A must-listen for Flames fans as we close the book on the season and start looking ahead.

Episode 5 - Play offs Guildford vs Steelers

🔥 Playoff Agenda – New Episode 🔥 The EIHL playoffs are here and we’re breaking it all down. David Grant joins the show to give his insight into an exciting weekend of hockey. 🏒 Guildford vs Sheffield Preview Both teams have been inconsistent this season, but are the Flames peaking at the perfect time with 10 wins from their last 12? 👀 Big Questions • If Sheffield don’t win the playoffs… is that the end for Fox? • Which players would you bring back next season? 📊 League Season Head-to-Head Steelers wins: 4-3, 5-1, 4-3 (OT), 4-3 (SO), 6-3 Flames win: 2-1 (OT) 🩺 Playoff Health Check Who’s hitting form at the right time… and who’s struggling heading into the postseason? 🔮 Predictions Belfast vs Glasgow Coventry vs Cardiff Nottingham vs Manchester 🏆 And of course… our overall playoff champions. Give it a listen and let us know your predictions 👇

Episode 4: Zack Hoffman

In this episode we sit down with defenceman Zack Hoffman to talk through his hockey journey. Hoffman reflects on being drafted in the Ontario Hockey League by the Erie Otters (the former team of Connor McDavid), his junior career with the LaSalle Vipers, Utah Outliers and Navan Grads where he picked up major honours including CCHL MVP, Defenceman of the Year and 1st Team All-Star. We also discuss his university years with the Saint Mary’s Huskies alongside players like Nick Welsh, Mitchell Balmas, Stephen Johnson and Brett Neumann, and how COVID disrupted that stage of his career. Turning pro with the Fayetteville Marksmen in the SPHL led to a long stretch in the ECHL, where he played 170+ games with the Wichita Thunder, Rapid City Rush and Bloomington Bison. We also chat about his move to the UK with the Guildford Flames in the Elite Ice Hockey League — including his memorable debut scrap with Loren Ulett — before heading to Poland to join GKS Katowice alongside former Flames teammate Ian McNulty. From the passionate Polish crowds to topping the league title and playing in the IIHF Continental Cup, Hoffman shares some brilliant stories from a season to remember. 🏒 Tune in now to hear about his career, life in different leagues, and what’s next for the summer and beyond.

Episode 3 Dundee Stars

In Episode 3 we turn our attention to the Dundee Stars and a season full of questions. Joined by Larzo host of A view from section C podcast. With the Stars recently bought by the owners of the Glasgow Clan, we discuss what this could mean for the future of the club. Will the new ownership bring stability and investment, or could there be challenges running two teams in the same league? We also talk about head coach Marc Lefebvre and the end of an impressive run of playoff appearances. Is this just a blip, or could it be time for a change behind the bench? Another topic is the Stars’ roster construction this year. In previous seasons Dundee had physical players like Haas and Pouliot bringing toughness—has the lack of that edge affected their results? And what has really caused the season to derail: coaching, roster choices, or uncertainty around the club while it was up for sale? Looking ahead, we discuss which players should return next season and what fans will want to see change under the new ownership. Flames vs Stars We also dive into the matchup with the Guildford Flames. Dundee have beaten the Flames both times they’ve visited the DIA—so why have Guildford struggled in Dundee? We review the Flames’ season so far. Sitting around the middle of the table and not looking like a team pushing for a playoff final berth, is this simply where they are right now? Despite not challenging for major trophies in recent years, the Flames have been one of the league’s most stable teams. Is that down to consistency in ownership and coaching? Plus: •Flames players who have stood out this season •If Dundee could sign one Flames player, who would it be? •Score predictions for the upcoming games And finally, we make our predictions for the league winners, cup winners, and playoff champions this season. All that and more in Episode 3.

Episode 2: Guildford Flames fans

🔥 EPISODE 2 – Guildford Flames Fan Special 🔥This week on The Hot Seat, we hand the mic to the fans. Chris and Jamie join us to talk all things Guildford Flames — from the dominant title-winning years to life now battling as EIHL underdogs. We cover: • The recent departures of Kupsky & Gravelle • How injuries have shaped the season • Squad building – who was missed and what we lack • Standout players and who must return next season • Cup disappointment and whether the format needs changing • The tight battle for playoff positioning• Predictions for the league, playoffs, and silverware Plus our fan quickfire questions, including:🏒 Favourite player of all time🏒 Toughest and most skilful Flames players🏒 Favourite season, game, and rink🏒 Most disliked opposition and players🏒 What changes fans would make to the club and league Real fans. Honest opinions. Proper hockey talk.🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple PodcastsThe fans. The opinions. The hot takes.