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 talk about her own journey as a trans hockey player and fan and the personal impact of the ban.

1:08:17 The impact of Heated Rivalry on real life hockey.


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

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 Kiefer Sherwood NHL trade as well as the six player swap in the PWHL.

55:02 A brief discussion of Takeover DC that morphs into Takeover Denver talk.

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

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 seats of NHL coaches.


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 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
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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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 discusses the hit HBO Max show Heated Rivalry.


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

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 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 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 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