The Hot Seat Hockey Podcast

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.

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 StarsWe 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 gamesAnd 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 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 silverwarePlus 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 leagueReal fans. Honest opinions. Proper hockey talk.🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple PodcastsThe fans. The opinions. The hot takes.

In this episode we’re joined for a deep dive into life behind the mic and behind the scenes at the Guildford Flames.We chat about stepping into the commentary role in Guildford – how the opportunity came about, what preparation goes into every game night, and reflections on the Flames’ season so far. Who’s standing out? Who’s making the biggest impact? And what’s been the biggest surprise?We also take it league-wide – discussing the teams we’ve enjoyed watching outside of Guildford, the players catching the eye, and early predictions for league winners and the playoffs.On the international and NIHL front, we talk Team GB and the exciting crop of young talent being blooded into the squad. With Matt Robson now qualified, we debate dual nationals and what that means moving forward. Plus, which NIHL players could make the jump to the Elite League – and who would be the perfect fit to strengthen Guildford’s Brit core next season?We round things off by celebrating nearly 15 years of Banners On The Wall – how it’s evolved, favourite moments, and what keeps it going.Make sure you’re following the show on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and connect with us on our socials to join the conversation.