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 petition urging the Vegas Golden Knights to not sign Carter Hart: https://www.change.org/p/urge-the-vegas-golden-knights-to-not-sign-carter-hart


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

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

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

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://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

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

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 the change.

7:14 Karill Kaprizov has signed the new largest contract in NHL history. The crew discusses how this is likely the future of NHL contracts.

19:22 The crew talks about the ban on team dress codes under the new CBA.

34:27 Benjamin presents a Very Special Segment on the NHL Guardian Project

Links:
A playlist of all 30 Guardian Project team intros: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Py0gFpFfEw&list=PLCB0D50D83ED1A34F

Television broadcast of the Guardian Project at the 2011 All-Star Game: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2TebuA4EAw

In-arena video of the 2011 ASG reveal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbZ6p2wjx0o&t=60s



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

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/discord

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 you're so inclined: 
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

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.

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: 
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

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 the moves Pascal Daoust made for the New York Sirens

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: 
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

This week it's the Stanley Cup Final, the New York Rangers offseason, and PWHL free agency. 

0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel

1:46 The crew discusses the Stanley Cup Finals as the puck drops on game 6.

15:35 The crew gives their thoughts on the New York Rangers.

30:50 The crew recaps and discusses the start of the PWHL free agency period.

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

It's a big week in the PWHL offseason. The crew recaps the expansion signing period and expansion draft. Also, NHL awards and something called the Stanley Cup Final.

0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel.

1:26 The crew briefly discusses the NHL and AHL finals.

6:13 The crew gives a quick update on NHL awards.

12:37 The PWHL signing period is over. The crew talks about the signings for Seattle and Vancouver. 

30:15 Next up is the PWHL expansion draft. The crew recaps the draft and discusses each pick.

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

This week it's PWHL expansion, the Stanley Cup Final, and more NHL coach and GM hires. 

0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ and Leif to the Neutral Zone Hotel.

2:37 The crew discusses the PWHL expansion draft, starting with the teams' protected lists.

21:17 The PWHL players have voted to make their salaries public. The crew discusses the decision and what it means for the next CBA negotiation. 

33:49 The crew gives their takes on the latest coach and general manager hires around the NHL. 

50:51 The crew previews the Stanley Cup Final.

You can find the PWHL player protection lists here: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/june/03/pwhl-announces-player-protection-lists-for-2025-expansion-roster-building-process


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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

The Neutral Zone Hotel crew simulates the PWHL Expansion Draft for your listening pleasure. Tell us how we did!

Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel.

02:32 The crew discusses the PWHL Finals and takes a quick detour into Goalie Number Lore.
11:16 Trevor and SJ simulate the PWHL Expansion draft, acting as GMs of Seattle and Vancouver, with help from several loyal listeners who have created protection lists for their favorite teams.
12:18 Protection lists are announced.
23:24 We spin the wheel to see who gets to start signing players first in our totally true-to-life exclusive signing window process!
37:45 Having completed the signing window, we move on to the actual (mock) expansion draft!

Huge thanks to Kyle Cushman for maintaining the PWHL Master Spreadsheet, which made this mock draft possible. You can find it at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Yd2UnTm4fqr6-nrlZ6UrF54ky5s92fFjX_Da9BWM0fE/edit?usp=sharing

Neutral Zone Hotel is a production of the Neutral Zone Hotel Team
You can find more information at https://neutralzonehotel.com
Logo design by Emily Mowbray
You can follow us on social media if you're so inclined: 
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social

Trevor and Alex catch up on the PWHL and NHL playoffs then open up the mailbag to our beloved discord!

0:00 Trevor welcomes Alex to the Neutral Zone Hotel

1:10 The crew chats about the PWHL's Walter Cup Finals between the Minnesota Frost and the Ottawa Charge.

7:50 They discuss the Stanley Cup playoffs matchups in the Eastern and Western Conferences. 

19:27 It's mailbag time at the Neutral Zone Hotel!
The Jarome Iginla hockey card referenced in the mailbag: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/NUUAAOSws4hjvekT/s-l1200.jpg

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

Book it. This summer, all Formula One, all the time. But first, it's the first round of the PWHL playoffs, more NHL front office changes, and a complete ranking of all the NHL team names.

0:00 SJ welcomes Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel. Trevor tells SJ about the Lego F-1 video, which you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdxiNBwxYxU

2:54 First up, the crew talks the PWHL playoffs. 

17:55 It's time to talk about NHL coaching changes. First up, the Ducks hired disgraced coach Joel Quenneville. Also, updates on the Vancouver Canucks coaching search, the L.A, and the Kings GM search.

39:43 The crew ranks each and every NHL team name. 

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

This week at the Neutral Zone Hotel, it's NHL playoffs recap, PWHL playoffs preview, the first televised NHL draft lottery, and Big Thoughts(tm) on Mike Sullivan. 

0:00 First, Benjamin welcomes Alex and Trevor to their shifts at the Neutral Zone Hotel.

2:01 Alex has Big Thoughts(tm) on Mike Sullivan.

28:15 The NHL has finally televised its draft lottery. Benjamin and Trevor watched and give their thoughts. 

39:04 The crew recaps the first round of the NHL playoffs.

53:53 Finally, the crew previews the PWHL playoffs.

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

This week, it's PWHL expansion, the NHL coaching carousel, and a simulated draft lottery.

0:00 Benjamin welcomes Trevor and SJ to the Neutral Zone Hotel

1:40 The PWHL has announced expansion to Vancouver and Seattle. The crew talks about the new teams and where they'll play. Then they talk expansion draft. 

28:20 The crew discusses the situation in New York and whether the Sirens might move. 

36:35 Everyone's been fired. The crew has takes. 

53:24 The crew simulates the NHL draft lottery.

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

It's the time of year where NHL teams fire coaches and members of the front office. Or, they do nothing because they might hire someone even worse next time. Also, the crew talks about two sexual assault scandals. One old, one new.

0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel.

2:37 First up, the crew discusses the new Katie Strang article, about the Rangers and Artemi Panarin settling a claim from a former Rangers employee that he sexually harassed her. 

10:06 The crew discusses the start of the sexual assault trial of the five players from the Canada World Juniors team in London.

19:47 Benjamin welcomes Alex to the Neutral Zone Hotel.

19:58 The crew talks through the changes to NHL coaching ranks and front offices. 

55:43 Benjamin leads a medium dive into the career of new Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill.

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

This week, the crew talks PWHL draft, NHL awards, and Robidas Island.

0:00 Benjamin welcomes SJ and Trevor to the Neutral Zone Hotel

2:24 The crew discusses the upcoming 2025 PWHL draft, taking place in June in Ottawa and the effects of possible league expansion. 

18:06 The crew prognosticates the NHL awards and proposes their own awards.

54:27 San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture has called it a career and now he's heading to Robidas Island. Benjamin shares his picks for the all-time team from the Island. 

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord

This week, Alex Ovechkin beats the NHL goals record set by some guy named Wayne Gretzky, the Habs are probably going to make the playoffs, and it's the first round of the WHL playoffs. 

0:00 SJ welcomes Benjamin to the Neutral Zone Hotel

2:35 The crew discusses Alex Ovechkin's record setting goal and the legacy of Wayne Gretzky in Canada. 

22:15 The Montreal Canadiens are very close to making the playoffs. Benjamin recounts the team's path back to the playoffs. 

50:32 SJ and Benjamin discuss the first round of the WHL playoffs.

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:
Instagram: @neutralzonehotel 
Bluesky: @neutralzonehotel.bsky.social
You can join our Discord server at https://neutralzonehotel.com/discord