The Hot Seat Hockey Podcast

The Flames’ cup hopes are hanging by a thread — can they keep the dream alive?We break down a deserved 4–3 win over Manchester Storm, with Guildford dominating large spells but costly turnovers keeping things close. Then it’s the one that got away against Sheffield Steelers, as the Flames led 2–0 and 3–2 before eventually falling in a shootout.With home and away wins over Coventry Blaze needed, alongside favourable results elsewhere, we assess the Flames’ chances of keeping their cup campaign burning.Are Guildford consistently inconsistent, or is a third successive year of injury trouble holding them back? We discuss the standout performers, what’s missing from a trophy-winning side and whether the Flames are already closer to silverware than some might think.Across the EIHL, we pick the teams that have impressed us and predict who will lift this season’s trophies.Plus, a quick-fire trip through favourite games, players, seasons and away venues, the opposition players we love and loathe, the one thing we’d change at Guildford, and three picks for an EIHL dream team.All this and more in The Hot Seat Hockey Podcast! 🏒

Episode 9 sees the Clan from the Stands boys — Ross, Phil and Colin — jumping into the hot seat for a deep dive into the Glasgow Clan’s season so far.We start with the Clan’s 4-3 regulation defeat in Guildford. Was it another battling performance from Glasgow, or did a lack of quality in the forward group ultimately cost them? We look at the departures of Halzedine, Neumann, Sami, Frame and Poolman, whether they’ve been adequately replaced, and how the Clan’s Scandinavian core is adapting to North American-style hockey.We also get into the bigger questions around the club. Has the Dundee joint ownership changed the direction of the team? Is the current roster a product of a reduced budget? And with the Clan struggling for consistency, what needs to change to get the season back on track?Then we turn the spotlight on Guildford. Is this the best Flames team of the EIHL era? Has a bigger, more defence-first group finally given the Flames the physicality they’ve been missing, and with two excellent goaltenders behind them, what can Guildford realistically achieve this season?We finish with the Clan from the Stands mailbag, tackling the big questions and talking points from the fanbase.

Guildford Flames fan Ian Ludgate joins Dean Carter in the Hot Seat to look back at an impressive opening to the season, including a fantastic home win over Cardiff and a statement performance away to Nottingham.With the Flames now having a genuine chance of progressing from the Challenge Cup group stages, we look at the new-look roster after a month of pre-season and competitive action.We discuss the longer pre-season, players who left that Ian would have kept, whether the Flames need another defenceman to truly challenge, and whether more ice time should be given to players such as Lewis.Ian also gives his thoughts on where the Flames can go across the Challenge Cup, league and playoffs, makes his predictions for the season and picks his three Guildford players for an EIHL fantasy Dream Team.And, of course, we finish with a quick-fire round covering Ian’s first Flames game, favourite season, favourite players, best and worst away venues, rivalries and the one thing he’d change about the Flames

This week, we’re putting the Cardiff Devils in the hot seat with Gregg Huish!🏆 Was the controversial price increase justified after their playoff success?👀 Which new arrival has impressed most in preseason — Nick Welsh, Thomas Caron, Jake Sacratini or Panu Mieho?🏒 Has the Devils’ playing style changed?💪 Have they assembled a complete roster?😈 And after the push for increased revenue, should two trophies be the minimum expectation?We also turn our attention to the Guildford Flames, discussing Cole Sanford, the new-look defensive core, squad depth and what the Flames can realistically achieve this season.Finally find out who our 3 EIHL Dream Team fantasy hockey picks are from our respective teams.

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 clubA must-listen for Flames fans as we close the book on the season and start looking ahead.