Neutral Zone Hotel
Neutral Zone Hotel is an unapologetically left-leaning, inclusive podcast about hockey, topics around hockey, and, sometimes, things that aren't hockey. The show features a rotating crew of six hosts and their special guests, who will discuss current events, take deep dives into interesting topics, and occasionally break for a bit of fun. We welcome all fans, new and old, to check into the Neutral Zone Hotel with us.Logo design by Emily Mowbray
Predilections
This week the NZH crew celebrates the Everett Silvertips winning the WHL Championship! They also discuss PWHL player salaries, GMs and coaches being hired and moving around, and then spend a grand time speculating about who existing teams should protect in expansion.
Benjamin welcomes Madison and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
01:31 Tips Talk
11:45 PWHL player salaries released
29:41 Discussion of PWHL GM and head coach movement
38:02 Who would you protect in PWHL expansion?
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
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Flagrant Violations of the NZH Media Policy
0:00 - Benjamin welcomes Trevor and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel.
1:44 - Benjamin deals with SJ's truancy in a fair and just manner.
3:14 - NHL Finals Preview Time!
22:38 - The gang discuss the recent dismissal of Craig Berube & Adam Foote and ramifications for the league, plus Cassidy shenanigans.
30:29 - The crew discusses the PWHL's new cities and ranks the new colour schemes.
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube...
Viva Las Vegas (and Hamilton)
The NZH crew brings you a PWHL-heavy episode, discussing the playoffs and making sense of the PWHL's decision to expand to Las Vegas and Hamilton.
Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
1:03 Junior hockey talk because SJ just can't help themself
11:12 PWHL playoffs and Ottawa's move to the Canadian Tire Center
23:30 PWHL expansion to Las Vegas and Hamilton
45:13 NHL playoff predictions, a tangent on PWHL refereeing, and the need for more diversity in hockey
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.<...
It's About Being Miserable In A Group
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew react LIVE to the NHL Draft Lottery! You, too, can experience Trevor's misery in the moment it occurs. After that, they chat about PWHL expansion news. Detroit is getting a team and the expansion process is very complicated!
Benjamin welcomes Trevor, Emily, and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
04:26 The Toronto Maple Leafs hire John Chayka and Mats Sundin
09:34 NHL Draft Lottery live reaction and continued Leafs talk
20:05 Live reaction to second draft lottery draw
27:48 Very brief NHL playoffs talk
29:37 PWHL expansion news...
Frankel the Tankel and Spinneth Gwyneth
Some celebration, some speculation, some PWHL playoff and expansion talk. And finally, a tribute to a great one. This episode has everything.
Benjamin welcomes Trevor, Emily, and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:47 Anže Kopitar retires
10:38 Will Brady Tkachuk remain an Ottawa Senator?
21:39 PWHL playoffs matchups
35:23 Current reporting on PWHL expansion cities
48:48 Trevor pays tribute to John Garrett after his sudden and unexpected passing
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.c...
It's Awards Time, Baby!
This week, the crew talks awards and playoffs.
0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
1:58 SJ gives an updated on the Everett Silvertips
10:17 It's time to announce the winners of the 2026 Neutral Zone Hotel Awards.
17:54 A discussion about the start of the NHL playoffs turns into wide ranging discussion on NHL ownership and history.
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube and all t...
Introducing the Jim Benning Memorial Trophy
The crew lets you know which teams to bandwagon in the NHL playoffs and then discusses the nominations for the 2nd Annual Neutral Zone Hotel End of Season Awards. You can vote for the winners on discord!
Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
01:45 Carney and Stubb skate with the Ottawa Charge
04:35 NHL playoffs bandwagon rankings
21:58 The 2nd Annual Neutral Zone Hotel End of Season Award Nominations!
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com<...
We've Returned to the Moon (And the Leafs Still Haven't Won a Cup)
The NZH crew contemplates the moon, the PWHL, and what a disaster this season was for a lot of NHL teams.
Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel
01:29 Artemis II has gone to the moon
04:24 PWHL Updates: Carla McLeod, Torrent on the brink, season ticket renewals going out, Charge arena news
20:20 NHL Team Distaster Ranking
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on...
Cody Glass has 16 goals for the Devils?!
The Neutral Zone Hotel loves junior hockey, the Habs, and talking about weird management decisions in the NHL.
Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:12 An unplanned discussion on Canadian junior hockey
11:39 John Tortorella in Vegas and what are coaches even for anyway
25:10 Brad Treliving is fired and the media's Leafs obsession
51:21 Benjamin really loves the Habs
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.<...
A Very Special Episode: The Downfall of Alan Eagleson
Because the last Alan Eagleson episode was really long and we didn't have a huge amount to talk about, here's Episode 7 of the History's Greatest Bastards series. Hope you have fun!
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.
You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined:
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
What Color is Your Medal, Luke?
0:00 - Benjamin welcomes Madison and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel.
5:31 - Mailbag time!
34:23 - Part 6 of the Alan Eagleson series.
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.
You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined:
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
I'm Starting to Think Chris Drury Isn't Good at his Job
The Olympics are over, the leagues are back in swing, and it's trade deadline season. The crew discusses the NHL deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the next segment of the Alan Eagleson saga.
0:00 Benjamin welcomes Emily, Madison, and Alex to the Neutral Zone Hotel
2:18 The crew recaps the NHL trade deadline. More like trade dudline, amirite?
29:09 Alex recaps the Penguins season so far.
55:38 Episode 5 of Hockey's Greatest Bastards: The Life and Crimes of Alan Eagleson.
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
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Big Salute to Fanfic Writers
Lively discussion this week as the LA Kings fire Jim Hiller, Elliotte Friedman says something gross, we play a very fun game, and we continue learning about all-time jerk Alan Eagleson!
Benjamin welcomes SJ, Trevor, and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:00 The LA Kings fire Jim Hiller (finally)
17:57 Discussing the gross thing Elliotte Friedman said on HNIC
29:43 Let's play Connexions!
1:03:40 Episode 4 of Hockey's Greatest Bastards - The Life and Crimes of Alan Eagleson
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
...
Hockey At Its Best and Worst
The crew discusses the Olympic gold medal games, post-game shenanigans, and the next chapter in the saga of notorious crime-doer Alan Eagleson.
Benjamin welcomes SJ, Trever, Madison, and Emily to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:25 Olympic women's gold medal game
12:46 Olympic men's gold medal game
23:51 Everything that happened after the men's gold medal game
49:47 We still love hockey
1:02:33 Episode 3 of Hockey's Greatest Bastards - The Life and Crimes of Alan Eagleson
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information...
Alina Müller Bronze Medal Winning Goal Prediction
The crew discusses the Olympics, a new PWHL documentary, and more on Alan Eagleson.
Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
05:03 Olympic women's hockey tournament
14:07 Olympic men's hockey tournament
20:19 Critiquing the Olympic hockey broadcasts
29:19 The inaugural season of the PWHL is covered on The Rise, a docu-series on the growth of women's sports
37:22 Episode 2 of Hockey's Greatest Bastards - The Life and Crimes of Alan Eagleson
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at...
Olympic Mans Hockey Time
0:00 - Benjamin welcomes Emily and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel.
2:15 - Trevor leads a discussion of the recently passed Jim Robson.
5:54 - USA thumps Team Canada 5-0 in Women's Olympic Round Robin action.
14:44 - Artemi Panarin is traded to LA for spare parts and a few extra pucks.
19:21 - Emily leads Olympic Mans Hockey Time for Canada and the USA.
32:46 - Benjamin talks about Teams Czechia, Finland, and Sweden.
40:00 - Trevor talks about Slovakia, Switzerland and Germany.
50:15 - Episode 1 of Hockey's Greatest Bastards - The Life and Crimes of Alan Eagleson
<...
Olympic Women's Hockey Preview and Goalie Fights
0:00 - Benjamin welcomes today's guests to the Neutral Zone Hotel
2:32 - Swayman and Vasilevskiy tee off at the Winter Classic and a discussion of career Gordie Howe Hat Tricks for goaltenders
10:12 - Benjamin walks us through the recent history of international women's hockey
30:26 - Emily takes us through Team Canada and Team USA
47:43 - SJ brings us through a discussion of medal longshots Czechia, Finland, and Sweden
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.<...
Cowards and Villains at USA Hockey
The crew discusses USA Hockey's transgender participation ban, transphobic PWHL player Britta Curl-Salemme, and a special guest joins to discuss her own perspective as a transgender hockey player. At the end, we pivot to a discussion on the impact of Heated Rivalry across the pro hockey world.
Benjamin welcomes Emily, Trevor, and special guest Heather to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:47 The crew discusses USA Hockey's new transgender participation ban.
21:51 The PWHL still lacks a gender inclusion policy and Britta Curl-Salemme is sponsored by a vocally anti-trans organization.
40:49 Special guest Heather joins to...
1.5 Literal Poster Children for the PWHL
This week, we find out how Gary Bettman learned of Heated Rivalry and have a little chat about the failing New York Rangers. Discussion of two trades in two leagues and the most recent PWHL Takeover game round out the episode.
0:00 Episode 691 of As the Puck Spins.
9:10 Benjamin welcomes Trevor, Emily, and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel.
10:14 The gang discuss the most recent letter to NY Rangers fans from the GM, where the last Rangers retool went wrong, and guess whether or not the new retool will work.
37:09 Discussion of the...
Did Dark Web Witches Turn Around the Maple Leafs' Season?
This week, the minor leagues get fresh new CBAs, Benjamin travels to Halifax to see the PWHL, and the Columbus Blue Jackets have a new coach.
0:00 Benjamin welcomes Madison and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel.
3:13 It's new CBA time for the minor leagues, as both the AHL and ECHL have new labor deals.
32:24 Benjamin went to Halifax for the PWHL Takeover Tour game between the Ottawa Charge and Boston Fleet.
47:37 The Dean Evason Experiment is over in Columbus. The crew talks about the hiring of Rick Bowness, then examines the hot s...
One Hundredth Episode Celebration!
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew discusses the 2026 NHL Winter Classic outdoor game in Miami, the results, gameplay and attendance of the World Junior Championship that recently concluded in Minnesota, and then they celebrate their 100th episode by playing a hockey trivia game centered around the number 100.
Benjamin welcomes Madison, Trevor, John, and special guest Liz to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:49 2026 Winter Classic
33:35 World Junior Championship in Minnesota
46:05 100th episode trivia!
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
...
Welcome to the International Boy Invitational Tournament
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew talks about the World Junior Championship and wraps up their thoughts on hit TV show Heated Rivalry.
Benjamin welcomes Emily, SJ, and special guest Ben Krall to the Neutral Zone Hotel
04:16 World Juniors in Minnesota
35:57 Heated Rivalry wrap-up discussion
Make Canada sad by checking out the full World Juniors goal song for Sweden at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=durg2CHyADo
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design...
Happy Christmas, Craig!
It's Christmas Week and the crew is off. But they have saved up and pre-recorded some bits for your enjoyment. This year, there are outtakes, bloopers, and a game.
0:00 John welcomes himself to the Neutral Zone Hotel
1:22 The crew says hello to Craig
5:05 A discussion about arena names, Marguerite Norris, and the people the awards are named after
12:55 The Popcorn Report
16:09 The Third Annual Neutral Zone Hotel blooper reel
28:29 A Winter Classic preview game.
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Te...
Lamentations of the Canucks and Sabres
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew focuses in on the top NHL news items of the week.
Benjamin welcomes SJ, Trevor, and Emily to the Neutral Zone Hotel
01:39 Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner are traded for each other
10:46 Quinn Hughes is traded to Minnesota and Trevor is very sad
28:12 The Canucks roster is a disaster
40:30 The Buffalo Sabres fire GM Kevyn Adams and hire Jarmo Kekäläinen
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Em...
It's a great butt and you see it a lot
It's Butt Week at Neutral Zone Hotel. The crew talks the Boston Fleet, Olympic ice sizes, and fictional hockey teams including the ones on HBO's Heated Rivalry.
0:00 Benjamin welcomes Emily and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
4:49 The Boston Fleet are the last undefeated team in the PWHL. Were Courtney Kessel and Hilary Knight holding them back? THe crew attempts to get to the bottom of this.
14:38 The crew discusses the finer points of Olympic ice rink sizes.
21:28 Benjamin presents a game based on fictional hockey teams.
26:47 The crew dis...
Turkey Fryer Safety Briefing
A spirited discussion from the Neutral Zone Hotel crew about the PWHL and the upcoming 2026 Olympics, followed by important safety tips.
SJ welcomes Emily to the Neutral Zone Hotel.
1:18 Olympic ice sheet debacle(s)
22:03 PWHL season 3 in flight and a discussion of the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent
40:08 SJ and Emily agree they are out of topics
40:21 The crew speculate on whether or not Alexey Toropchenko burned himself frying a turkey and then SJ talks about turkey frying for several minutes
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone...
Hockey Trash Cast Redux
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew reminisces on PWHL opening weekend games, then talks a major suspension in the OHL and labor issues in the minors leagues. Then Madison and Emily take a victory lap over the Colorado Avalanche's incredible season so far, and finish off with a little crack-a-pack!
Trevor welcomes Emily and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel
01:32 PWHL opening night
17:13 OHL suspends Luke Dragusica for the rest of the season
27:19 Labor issues in the AHL & ECHL
42:39 Are the Avs good?
59:33 Crack-A-Pack!
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of...
Simply Do Not Stick Your Hand in a Snowblower
In Madison's debut as a regular host, the crew breaks down the PWHL preseason, gives more updates on Lansdowne 2.0, has an extended discussion on the Toronto Maple Leafs, and wraps up the show remembering some freak non-hockey injuries in honor of Jack Hughes cutting his hand open on a glass at team dinner. They also take a minute to deliver the PWHL season preview limericks!
Benjamin welcomes Emily, Trevor, and Madison to the Neutral Zone Hotel
01:56 PWHL preseason, Lansdowne 2.0, and more PWHL logo talk
27:51 PWHL season preview limericks
29:54 Toronto Maple Leafs
47:34 Freak non-hockey injuries<...
That's a kind of duck? I thought it was a spy.
This week, Benjamin, SJ, and Trevor discuss all the sites for the PWHL Takeover Tour and try out a new game featuring Wikipedia.
0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel
4:39 In PWHL Corner, the Vancouver team has a new name and logo, the takeover tour dates have been announced. The crew has takes.
41:50 It's time for a new game, Hockey Stuff By the Third Line of their Wikipedia Page
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://n...
The Seattle Polly Pockets
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew gets very passionate about urban infrastructure planning. They then talk about the new Seattle Torrent PWHL team name and rank the bobbleheads that have been announced for the season.
Benjamin welcomes Trevor and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
06:14 Ottawa arena situation and Lansdowne 2.0 redux discussion
27:45 Seattle Torrent
39:11 Ranking the bobbleheads
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube and all the major...
Ryan Kesler, Mitch Love, and Hockey Culture
The crew takes the first half of this episode to discuss the recent news concerning Ryan Kesler being charged with criminal sexual conduct in Michigan and Mitch Love's 1 year suspension from the NHL after an investigation into domestic abuse allegations. While the crew does not discuss their conduct in explicit terms and instead focuses on wider questions around policy and culture, you can skip this segment using the links below, if needed. After the break, they turn to a discussion of Ottawa's plans to build a new, smaller arena that is not sufficient to host the Ottawa Charge and then...
It's Not Blue, It's Dark Slate Green
We discuss the new PWHL Seattle and Vancouver jerseys at length, then turn to overreacting to the first two weeks of the NHL season. Finally, we wrap up the show with the bummer topics of Carter Hart and Kash Patel. Blegh!
Benjamin welcomes Emily, Trevor, and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:29 PWHL Seattle and Vancouver jersey reveals
26:10 Let's Overreact! to the first two weeks of the NHL season
38:16 Carter Hart signs a PTO with the Vegas Golden Knights
46:16 The monkey's paw curls and Kash Patel is a hockey fan
Sign the...
Martin St. Louis Is A Real Hockey Coach
The crew goes deep on the Montréal Canadiens rebuild, from contracts on the ice and in the front office to Martin St. Louis's performance as head coach. Then they review some takeaways from the first week of the NHL season and predict the first coach fired.
Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel
02:42 Lane Hutson contract extension
12:45 Habs front office executives Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton extend in Montréal
24:32 Takeaways from the first week and Ken Dryden tribute
41:22 Predicting the first coach fired
50:57 A brief swerve into talking about baseball
Ketchup and Mustard and Batteries
Benjamin, Emily, Trevor, and SJ talk Connor McDavid's absurd contract and Women's World Championships. Then they rank the PWHL schedule release videos and cap things off by playing a rousing game of Who He Coach For, which they definitely didn't rip off from any famous basketall players.
Benjamin welcomes SJ, Emily, and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel
03:51 Connor McDavid's contract extension
15:30 Women's Worlds
25:36 PWHL Schedule Release Videos
39:14 Who He Coach For
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https...
The Return of A Very Special Season Preview
The haikus are back! In this special weekend edition of Neutral Zone Hotel, the crew previews the new NHL season by offering a haiku for each team.
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.
You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined:
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord
Sidney Crosby is Going to Miss Fitness Testing When It Goes Away
Welcome back! It's a new hockey season and a new season of Neutral Zone Hotel. It's still the preseason, so this week the crew talks about some new features of the NHL CBA, the Kaprill Kaprizov signing, and Benjamin walks SJ through the biggest marketing failure in the history of major professional sports, the NHL Guardian Project.
0:00 Benjamin welcomes John, Trevor, SJ, and new host Emily for their shifts.
2:27 Several provisions in the new NHL CBA, starting next year, change various aspects of the preseason, including a ban on fitness testing by teams. The crew discusses...
Season 3 Trailer
Neutral Zone Hotel will back for a third season starting in early October. While you're waiting, check out this preview of the new season featuring all seven hosts. Seven? That's right. Seven.
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.
You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined:
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/di...
This is the August episode, I swear
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew checks in on the off-season and plays a rousing game of Jeopardy.
Benjamin welcomes Trevor, SJ, and special guest Kyle to the Neutral Zone Hotel
07:37 The crew goes around the table to discuss some off-season news.
34:34 We play Hockey Jeopardy!
Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team.
More information is available at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray.
We're available on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms.
You can follow us on social media if...
That's a Wrap!
The Neutral Zone Hotel crew wraps up the last week in the NHL with the new CBA, entry draft, and free agency. This is the last regular episode of the season. Stay tuned for a few special episodes during the summer. We will return to weekly episodes in October.
Alex welcomes Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel
03:30 The crew discusses the new NHL CBA set to go into effect in the 2026-2027 season.
22:01 They chat about the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
43:05 Finally, they cover the first day of NHL free agency and some notable trades.
<...
I'm In A Group Chat with Lesbians
It's an all PWHL episode this week as we cover the Awards and Entry Draft.
SJ welcomes Benjamin and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel
03:28 The crew discusses the 2024-2025 PWHL Awards.
They recap the 2025 PWHL Entry Draft:
10:15 Broadcast and in-person experience
24:23 Admiring the fits
27:16 First round selections and New York trades Ella Shelton for 3rd overall
32:25 What is Mike Hirshfeld doing?
43:56 Kristen Campbell traded to Vancouver
48:41 Abby Roque and Kristin O'Neill are traded and Danièle Sauvageau is voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
51:24 Analyzing t...
