Hockey Press Pass
Chris Botta
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Hosted by longtime NHL and NWHL PR executive and New York Times Hockey writer Chris Botta, the Hockey Press Pass Podcast shines a light on the hockey media like never before.
Each week, Chris speaks with leading broadcasters, writers and executives around the NHL and all areas of hockey. We will learn about how they got here, their process, their triumphs and challenges. And every so often at the end of the show, Chris shares some of his experiences as Communications VP of the New York Islanders, and from his days and nights on the hockey beat.
Whether you’re a dedicated and knowledgeable fan, interested in a career in sports or even just in what goes on behind the curtain, Hockey Press Pass is for you. Presented by InStat Hockey.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Apr 6, 2022
The Season One Finale with John Buccigross of the NHL on ESPN
For the Season One finale of Hockey Press Pass, we were proud to be joined by John Buccigross for this discussion on the NHL's return to ESPN, his approach to play-by-play, the work of colleagues John Tortorella, A.J. Mleczko Griswold, Kevin Weekes and Ryan Callahan, the next steps for women's hockey, his approach to nutrition, and so much more. On behalf of the Hockey Press Pass and Islanders Forecheck team, thanks to all of our guests this season and also to the listeners for the fantastic response to the show. We'll see you down the road.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer: Lou Pellegrino
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington Village
Go to HelloFresh.com/presspass16 and use code: presspass16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts!
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Apr 4, 2022
Ex-NHL Referee Tim Peel on Accountability, the Dangers of the Job, State of Officiating, What to Expect in the Playoffs, and Potential for Historic Hires Next Season
Should referees be made available to answer questions from reporters after controversial calls? How have the refs enforced the new standard for crosschecking? What should fans expect from the refs in the upcoming playoffs? Will the success of female officials in the AHL this season result in history being made in the NHL in 2022-23? Former NHL ref turned Daily Faceoff rules analyst Tim Peel tackles every question, tells us about his love of the job, favorite colleagues, and advice to officiating prospects, and surprises us with a revelation about his childhood in this candid conversation.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer: Lou Pellegrino
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington Village
Go to HelloFresh.com/presspass16 and use code: presspass16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts!
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Apr 1, 2022
Your Questions, Part 2: On Garth Snow, Women's Hockey, the Gluckstern-Milstein Era and Budget Cuts, Favorite Players, and More
This episode is the finale of a two-parter in which Chris answers some of the questions you've sent during the season about his time in the media and as a PR executive with the Islanders and in the National Women's Hockey League.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer/co-host: Lou Pellegrino
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington Village
Go to HelloFresh.com/presspass16 and use code: presspass16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts!
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Mar 30, 2022
Your Questions, Part I: On the Coliseum, 2002 Maple Leafs Series, Spano, Chris King, Milbury, Favorite Teams, and a Missing Chest Protector
This episode is the first of a two-parter in which Chris answers some of the questions you've sent during the season about his time as the Islanders' VP of Communications.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer/co-host: Lou Pellegrino
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington Village
Go to HelloFresh.com/presspass16 and use code: presspass16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts!
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Mar 28, 2022
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: From PR to the NHL Beat; Chris Shares a Personal Story About Al Arbour
Kevin Kurz, who took over the Islanders' beat for The Athletic in the middle of this season, made the atypical jump a decade ago from the PR staff of the Flyers to covering the NHL. Kurz is a skilled, dedicated and diligent reporter with a distinctive voice in his articles and Twitter posts. Over 35 minutes, we get to learn more about his career, process, and approach, and his early views on the Islanders. After the interview, Lou Pellegrino relays a listener's question about Chris's favorite coaches. The discussion leads to Chris sharing a personal story about a moment involving Al Arbour.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer: Lou Pellegrino
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Mar 24, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 16: Brian Compton on Lamoriello's Next Moves, Plus Your Questions About Trotz's Future, Fisherman Jersey and More
On the day the NYI announce long-term injuries for Cal Clutterbuck and Scott Mayfield, Brian Compton of NHL Dot Com joins the show to help us interpret Lou Lamoriello's direct comments about the need for "hockey trades" in the offseason. In addition, Chris gets to a series of your questions about Barry Trotz, the fisherman jersey and aspects of his time working for his hometown hockey team.
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer & Co-Host: Lou Pellegrino
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Mar 21, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 15: NY Acquire No Assets, Bring Back Clutterbuck and Parise, Look to Offseason
As the Closing Bell rang on the NHL Trade Deadline on Monday, Chris and Lou discussed the Islanders' lack of deals, the contract extensions for bottom-six veterans Cal Clutterbuck and Zach Parise, and why attention turns to Jakub Chychrun, Filip Forsberg, other unknowns, and hopes for the offseason. But as a PR colleague of Chris always says, "Hope is not a strategy."
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer & Co-Host: Lou Pellegrino
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Mar 19, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 14: Martin Biron Guest Stars on A Very Special Pre-NHL Trade Deadline Show
With the NHL Trade Deadline near, Chris Botta and guest producer/co-host Lou Pellegrino got together Saturday morning to try and deliver the kind of pre-deadline show you’d expect from Hockey Press Pass/Islanders Forecheck. The show opens with former NHL goaltender and current Sabres analyst Martin Biron providing his viewpoints on goalies available at the deadline, including Semyon Varlamov. Later on, the hosts debate the merits of moving certain Islanders before 3 p.m. Monday, and Lou asks Chris about his experiences as the Islanders’ PR guy at the trade deadline.
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer: Lou Pellegrino
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Mar 15, 2022
Brendan Burke of the NHL on TNT & the New York Islanders on MSG Networks
Thanks to the generosity and class of Brendan Burke, this episode has it all: an inside look at his preparation for his next game; the crucial and challenging years in the minors while wondering if he’d ever get the call to the NHL; the job interviews and process leading up to a contract offer to do Islanders play-by-play; the dynamic in the booth with Butch Goring and Darren Pang; keys to staying sharp (and rested) while traveling across North America in his work for the NHL on TNT. There’s a lot here for hockey fans, broadcasting aficionados, and aspiring announcers to learn from enjoy.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Guest Producer: Lou Pellegrino
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
Stick Taps: Blair Cofield, Sean Dennison
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Mar 11, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 13: Michael Grabner Takes Us Inside the NHL Trade Deadline, Tense Breakup Day Meetings, and His Calder Trophy-Nominated Rookie Season
After Pat and Chris ponder the impact of the Islanders’ recent impressive wins over Columbus and St. Louis, Michael Grabner joins the show to add his perspective from a very unique NHL playing career. Michael shares what it’s like “in the room” in the days leading up to the trade deadline, how it feels to be traded (at the deadline and, by the Islanders, during training camp), his view on whether the current team needs to undergo major changes, what he remembers about his time on Long Island, and – as they say in these podcast write-ups – much, much more.
Hosts: Chris Botta, Pat Boyle
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Mar 8, 2022
TSN’s Jamie McLennan on the NHL Trade Deadline, Rollercoaster Playing Career, and Triumphing after the Fight of His Life at Age 25
Overcoming a dangerous bout with Meningitis in Intensive Care to return to the NHL with the Blues, play great, and win the Masterton Trophy. Being the second player named Jamie from his junior team to hear his name called at the NHL Draft (oops). Playing for Al Arbour and getting the nod to go into games after Ron Hextall got Game Misconducts. Transitioning from popular teammate to successful broadcaster. The goalie market at this year’s NHL trade deadline. We discuss all of this and a whole lot more with Jamie McLennan of TSN.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producers: Lou Pellegrino, Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Mar 4, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 12: Jamie Rivers with Tarasenko Talk, Blues-Isles Preview, and His Tale of an NYI Game after a Long Night of Coach-Endorsed Drinking
After Pat and Chris break down the latest Islanders loss and Lou Lamoriello’s comments about roster decisions before the trade deadline, ex-NYI dman and current Blues analyst Jamie Rivers joins the show. Jamie previews Saturday’s tilt at UBS against St. Louis, talks about Vladimir Tarasenko and Pavel Buchnevich, and shares memories of his time with the Islanders, including a classic about a team-endorsed beer-drinking session late in the evening before a game in Toronto.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Mar 1, 2022
Sportsnet’s Kristina Rutherford on the NHL, Maple Leafs, Art of Profile Writing, and Future of Women’s Pro Hockey
As we enter a crucial time for the sport coming off the Olympics and powerhouse viewership numbers for the gold medal game between Canada and the U.S., it was time to speak with Kristina Rutherford, the gifted features writer for Sportsnet. In addition to the usual Hockey Press Pass inquiries of our guest about the NHL, her career, process and advice for aspiring journalists, Kristina and Chris discuss the current climate in women’s sports and what’s next for women’s professional hockey in North America.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Feb 22, 2022
Michael Russo of The Athletic on the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, the Islanders’ Dynasty and 25 Years of Relentless Reporting
In Chris’s opinion, no one has covered the NHL team beat better over the last quarter-century than Michael Russo. In this interview you’ll get an idea of why Mike is so good, as his love for the game and journalism comes through. Mike covers everything, from the impact the Islanders made on him while growing up on Long Island, to his approach to serving fans as a reporter, to maintaining relationships and working through hurdles with players and coaches, to his time covering the Florida Panthers and now the Minnesota Wild.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Feb 18, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 11: The Value of Certain Available Islanders at the NHL Trade Deadline May Surprise You
After an impressive victory by the Islanders over Boston, Pat Boyle and Chris Botta decide it’s all perfectly okay to be on two tracks: Barry Trotz and his players will stay focused on trying to win the next game and the one after that, and Lou Lamoriello and his hockey ops department will monitor the trade market. On the latter, Chris shares what he’s learned and what he believes could be the return from trades of several Islanders, from a No. 1 goaltender in Semyon Varlamov, to respected vets Cal Clutterbuck and Zach Parise, to younger players Anthony Beauvillier and Scott Mayfield, and even one veteran who may surprise you.
Hosts: Pat Boyle and Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
Stick-Taps:Hello Fresh – America’s #1 Meal Kit. Go to HelloFresh.dot/presspass16 and use code presspass16 for up to 16 free meals + 3 free gifts.
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Feb 16, 2022
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan is Everywhere as a Lead NHL Reporter for the Worldwide Leader
Before ESPN got the NHL back, Emily Kaplan wrote nonstop for ESPN.com. Now you can find Emily everywhere on ESPN platforms – on game telecasts, on “The Point,” co-hosting the podcast “In The Crease,” not to mention her frequent appearances on “Around the Horn.” Get to know a lot more about this brilliant and relentless journalist in this wide-ranging interview with Chris Botta. This episode is sponsored in part by Hello Fresh – America’s #1 Meal Kit. Go to HelloFresh.dot/presspass16 and use code presspass16 for up to 16 free meals + 3 free gifts.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: HelloFresh, InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Café
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Feb 10, 2022
Jiggs McDonald, the Voice of the Islanders Dynasty, on More than 50 Years of NHL Play-by-Play
Jiggs McDonald has called some of the most memorable moments in NHL history, from his time with the Islanders, Panthers and the early days of the Atlanta Flames and Los Angeles Kings. In this conversation with Chris, the Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster shares stories about working with Bill Torrey, Al Arbour, and his boothmate, Ed Westfall. He also shares tips on the craft of play-by-play, picks some underrated Islanders dynasty members, and tells us what he thinks of the new TV voice of his old team – Brendan Burke.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Feb 7, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 10: Rob Schremp Can Relate to Oliver Wahlstrom, Trevor Zegras and Divided Opinions on the Coaching of High-Skilled Players
With Trevor Zegras dazzling at NHL All-Star Weekend with his trick shots, and as the development of Oliver Wahlstrom under Barry Trotz continues to be a hot topic around Islanders Country, Rob Schremp was the perfect person to speak with this week. As a former first-round pick, leading scorer in the OHL, and a magician with the puck whom one teammate says “may have been ahead of his time,” Schremp has a lot of insights into the coach-prospect dynamic from his own unique and challenging career.
Guest Producer & Engineer: Lou Pellegrino (thanks, Lou!)
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Feb 3, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 9: Let’s Talk with Bruno Gervais about Noah Dobson, the Trade Deadline and His Time with the Islanders
Former Islanders defenseman and current RDS analyst Bruno Gervais joins Chris to share his view on the current plight of the NYI, his admiration for Noah Dobson, and his concern about the potential for hasty trades. Bruno also provides a lot of insight into his time with the unstructured Islanders, some of his notable teammates, and the legacy of Clark Gillies.
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Feb 1, 2022
A Conversation with Justin Bourne
In an episode dedicated to the memory of beloved Hockey Hall of Fame forward Clark Gillies, Justin Bourne joins Hockey Press Pass to talk about making the transition from Division I and AHL/ECHL player to analyst. Along the way, he recalls his participation in an Islanders training camp, discusses his views on the Maple Leafs, NYI, and John Tavares, and reminisces about how Bob Bourne Hall of Fame Night at Nassau Coliseum led to Justin reconnecting with his future wife, the former Brianna Gillies. This interview was recorded ten days before the passing of Clark Gillies, Justin’s father-in-law. The Gillies and Bourne families are forever in our thoughts.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Jan 27, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 8: Adrian Aucoin on Barry Trotz’s Islanders, the NYI revival in 2001, and what made Clark Gillies a legend
After Chris and Pat discuss the state of the Islanders, Adrian Aucoin joins the show and shares stories of his time with the early-2000s teams that revitalized the franchise – including ones about starting 11-1-1-1, his funniest teammates, the frat house shared by a quartet of his teammates near him in Garden City, and a contract extension with Mike Milbury that was overruled by ownership. Adrian also provides his view of Barry Trotz and the current Islanders, and, of course, personal memories of the great Clark Gillies.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Jan 25, 2022
Sara Civian of The Athletic on the NHL, Carolina Hurricanes, Penn State, Twitter and Her Fast-Rising Career as a Journalist
With every article she writes, every tweet she posts, every broadcast appearance she makes, Sara Civian displays a distinctive style, immense talent, and unmatched work ethic. It’s no surprise she’s become a star in hockey media in quick fashion. Over this 30-minute conversation, Sara shares her career story and advice, and discusses Twitter etiquette, what it’s like covering the Carolina Hurricanes, and a whole lot more.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
Stick-Taps: Ksenia Selemon
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Jan 19, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 7: Eric Fichaud on Sorokin, Varlamov and His Life with the Mid-90s NYI
Former Islanders goaltender and current TVA analyst Eric Fichaud joins the show and gives his perspective on the current squad and their goalies after their home-and-home series with the Flyers. Eric also shares memories of his time with the Isles, including the fisherman jersey, visiting John Spano’s house, some of his teammates, and living on Long Island.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Jan 18, 2022
Billy Jaffe of NESN and NHL Network on the Thrashers, Islanders, Bruins and Every Step of an Amazing Career
From his work on the Thrashers, Islanders and Bruins to his appearances on NHL Network, Billy Jaffe has become one of the most popular commentators in the NHL. His knowledge, work ethic and rare ability to be clear, precise and passionate in his analysis are matched by few in the business. In this episode, Billy and Chris have a loose and fun talk about every stop in Billy’s career, including the odd and unfortunate end to his time on Long Island. There’s a lot here that you’ll find compelling and entertaining.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Jan 14, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 6: Jiggs Shares His Views on Brendan Burke; Isles Get W They Needed, While Pelech Makes All-Star
Pat Boyle and Chris share their reactions to the Islanders' victory over the Devils, give credit where it's due, and talk about what's next in the NYI's long, (unrealistic?) road to return to contention for a playoff spot. The guys also answer your questions about Adam Pelech, Billy Jaffe, and UBS Arena, and share a clip from an upcoming Hockey Press Pass interview with Jiggs McDonald where the legendary Islanders play-by-play announcer tells us what he thinks of the work of the current one, Brendan Burke.
Hosts: Pat Boyle and Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Sponsor: Main Street Board Game Café – www.mainstboardgamecafe.com
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Jan 11, 2022
“I Own All of It” – Aaron Ward on His Gambling Addiction, the Cost to His NHL Career and Life, and Recovery
In a raw interview, former NHL defenseman Aaron Ward shares the complete details of the depths of his gambling addiction and how it led to his arrest after a domestic incident (later expunged) and enrollment in the NHL/NHLPA Behavioral Health Program. You’ve likely never heard anything like this before from a hockey player about gambling — including placing bets on football in the middle of playing games in the NHL. There wasn’t a question the former commentator for TSN and current radio analyst refused to answer.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Jan 7, 2022
Islanders Forecheck 5: Should Lou Lamoriello Trade Four Strong Assets for Jakob Chychrun?
As NHL teams begin making trade proposals to the Coyotes, Chris checked in with several scouts, coaches and analysts to ask 1) Should the Islanders consider trading a first-round pick, a current player, and two prospects for Jakob Chychrun? 2) What would the defender’s ceiling be on Barry Trotz’s Islanders? Chris shares what he heard, and later on, he and Pat Boyle discuss underrated forwards in Islanders history and favorite hockey writers, and take a look at the opportunity in front of the team as they begin a run of 11 games (10 at UBS Arena) between Jan. 13 – Feb. 1.
Hosts: Chris Botta and Pat Boyle
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Sponsor: Main Street Board Game Café – www.mainstboardgamecafe.com
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Jan 5, 2022
ESPN’s Arda Öcal Takes Us Behind the Scenes at “Sportscenter” and “In the Crease,” Shares His Experiences in the OHL and WWE, and Pride in Being the Son of Immigrant Muslim parents from Turkey
When ESPN got the NHL back, Arda Öcal was one of the hockey advocates at the network (along with Linda Cohn, John Buccigross and others) yearning to step up as a lead voice. After all, going back to his years calling games in Canadian juniors, he has been preparing for this moment. In this episode, Arda takes us behind the curtain at ESPN’s “Sportscenter” and “In The Crease,” details how his experiences with the OHL (and WWE, under the name Kyle Edwards) made him a better broadcaster, and shares his pride in his faith and heritage.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Dec 21, 2021
Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek on a Blessed and ‘Completely Accidental’ Career as One of Hockey’s Leading Voices
Over his ten years at Sportsnet, Jeff Marek has emerged as one of the most popular and respected broadcasters in the game. For his work on Hockey Night in Canada, “The Jeff Marek Show,” “32 Thoughts” and other programs, Marek says he tries to “outwork everybody” in order to be at his best. We thank Jeff for these 45 minutes on the state of the NHL, his work with Elliotte Friedman and Greg Wyshynski, the league/network rightsholder relationship, his love for junior and women’s hockey, family background, and so much more.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Dec 14, 2021
Bob McKenzie: The NHL’s Ultimate Insider on the Draft, Twitter, Booze, Career Choices, and State of the League
On the day when Bob McKenzie arrived in Calgary to cover Team Canada’s camp for World Juniors AND launched his Bobby Margarita beverage brand, he still graciously found time for Hockey Press Pass. In this episode, Bob looks back on his Hall of Fame career as the game’s top newsbreaker and shares a personal and impassioned view on where he’d like to see the NHL improve.
Highlights include…
· Bob names his three all-time favorite NHL players
· His dream of becoming a beat writer, but turning into the ultimate insider
· One of his greatest innovations: the NHL Draft Issue
· Why he made the strategic decision to join Twitter, and how it radically altered his career – for better and worse
· Bob’s decision to stay at TSN when Sportsnet acquired all of the NHL’s national rights, and his determination to do his strongest work yet
· How Bobby Margarita was born, and how his drink was created
· We ask Bob where the NHL needs to get better, and he provided a very deta…
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Dec 8, 2021
Islanders Forecheck 4: The Islanders Win a Game! Plus: Forecheck Flashback from 2011 – Chris’s Interview with the Late, Great Bill Torrey
A decade ago, Chris recorded an interview with legendary Islanders GM Bill Torrey and the tape was recently unearthed. Since so many fans have asked us about the ’90s teams, we hope you enjoy the beloved late Mr. Torrey’s views on the Turgeon and Thomas trades, drafting of Kasparaitis and Palffy, and other topics. Later on, Pat Boyle and Chris discuss the Islanders’ win Tuesday in Ottawa, why these next few weeks are so crucial, when Lou Lamoriello can start talking trade, and then the guys go a bit nuts about fans ripping on Barry Trotz.
Hosts: Chris Botta and Pat Boyle
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Sponsor: Main Street Board Game Café – www.mainstboardgamecafe.com
Stick-Taps: Jeff Goldman
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Dec 1, 2021
Rising Star Mollie Walker on the Rangers, Islanders, the NHL, and Her Team on the Hockey Beat at the New York Post
In record time, Mollie Walker has gone from covering UMASS hockey for the college paper to the NHL beat for the New York Post. In this conversation, you’ll see why we believe Walker will continue to quickly rise up the ranks of sports journalism. With extraordinary energy and positivity, she shares her views on the Rangers, Islanders, the NHL, and some of writers who have inspired her, and provides some advice for aspiring reporters.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Nov 23, 2021
Islanders Forecheck 3: Tim Leiweke Talks UBS Arena, Chris and Pat Debate Hopes for This Season
In the latest edition of “Islanders Forecheck,” Pat goes off on the potential of this Islanders season being a disaster. But is it too early to be alarmist? Later on, Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke tells us about his company's collaboration with the Islanders on UBS Arena, and Chris shares his experiences being inside the venue when the doors opened and the emotional fans poured in.
Hosts: Chris Botta and Pat Boyle
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Sponsor: Main Street Board Game Café – www.mainstboardgamecafe.com
Stick-Taps: nyimeetups.com; venuesnow.com
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Nov 18, 2021
Brian Compton and Chris Reunite, Shake Their Heads and Rejoice over the Islanders Finally Having a New Arena
As the Islanders jubilantly open their new arena, a reunion with our friend Brian Compton was necessary for Press Pass. We hope you’ll enjoy the show as Chris and Brian express their disbelief that the NYI finally have their own new barn in UBS Arena and — despite the shaky opening to this season — also have a good team.
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Nov 16, 2021
Actor Kevin Connolly on the Night He Drafted Brock Nelson, Telling John Spano’s Story for ESPN, and the Highs and Lows of a Die-hard Islanders Fan
You may know Kevin Connolly from “Entourage” and several Hollywood hits, but he’s a Long Islander through and through. Passionate about his Islanders and the NHL, the actor and director joins us for a lively discussion about the game, the opening of UBS Arena, how he got to announce a selection on stage at the NHL Draft, and adventures in interviewing John Spano, Gary Bettman, Mike Milbury and many others for his brilliant documentary on the fraudulent Islanders owner.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Presented by: InStat Hockey, Main Street Board Game Cafe
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Nov 10, 2021
Greg Wyshynski on Life at the NHL on ESPN, Birth of Puck Daddy, the Future of Gary Bettman and Other Hockey Headlines
Like a typical day’s worth of posts on the legendary Puck Daddy blog he produced at Yahoo, this conversation with Greg Wyshynski of ESPN has it all: strong opinions on the NHL, lots of information, and a few laughs along the way. We hope you enjoy it.
Highlights include…
· Greg names his three favorite people in New Jersey Devils history
· Forecast for the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Trade Deadline
· His thoughts after being on the Gary Bettman conference call about the Blackhawks
· From leaving a small chain of newspaper in Virginia 13 years ago to appearing regularly on ESPN…what an “overwhelming” trip it’s been
· How he learned he would receive an increased on-air role at ESPN
· Splitting the writing with Emily Kaplan, sharing the studio with John Tortorella
· The early days of Puck Daddy
· When Greg first started to realize the blog at Yahoo was blowing up in a big way
· Was the non-stop hockey news cycle ever exhausting?
· The influence of legend…
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Nov 4, 2021
Gary Bettman is Not a Commissioner for These Times. The NHL Needs a Change.
In this eight-minute commentary, Chris Botta details some of the callous and unfortunate moments in Gary Bettman’s press conference on the Kyle Beach tragedy, says the job description as Commissioner in these times requires someone more compassionate than the current leader, and expresses his belief that Bettman knows the clock has begun to tick on the final days of his tenure as NHL Commissioner.
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Nov 3, 2021
From Team PR to Sportsnet to The Athletic, Ian Mendes Has Seen It All Around the Ottawa Senators
Ian Mendes and Chris Botta share something rare in common, having worked both in the PR departments of NHL teams and in the media. In this refreshingly open conversation, Ian tells us about his early start in PR with the Ottawa Senators and what it’s been like to cover the highs and lows of the franchise. Ian’s enthusiasm and positive spirit reverberate throughout the interview. Hockey fans of any team won’t want to miss it.
Episode Rundown:
· Ian is asked which NHL players and coaches were especially gracious with him when he started working in the NHL in the Senators’ PR department.
· His interpretation of GM Pierre Dorion’s comment that the “Senators’ rebuild is cover,” and what it’s been like to cover the young Sens the last few years
· Going from being a media peer of Pierre McGuire to having to cover him as the Senators’ first-year president of hockey operations, including asking at the opening press conference whether McGuire is inevitably Dorion’s s…
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Oct 28, 2021
Islanders Forecheck 2: From “How are things in Shawshank?” in 1999 to Much Better Bays in 2021
A Hockey Press Pass bonus series, “Islanders Forecheck” takes the long view of the 2021-22 season of the New York Islanders – one that many experts have predicted will end with a Stanley Cup. Chris Botta opens the show with some perspective on the wild shenanigans of ownership in 1999 and then Chris and Pat Boyle discuss...
- The All-Time Islanders Underrated Team, starting with defensemen
- The Islanders’ 3-2-1 road trip and ponder what has been learned about the team in this early stage
- Semyon Varlamov, and Barry Trotz’s caution that this is just a “starting point” for the
returning goaltender
- The 4-year contract extension for extremely tough guy Ross Johnson
- Zdeno Chara’s future with the club
- Respond to a fan’s question that simply says, “Two words…Darius Kasparaitis”
- The 30th Anniversary of the Pierre Turgeon – Pat LaFontaine trade
- Update their ratings on the Islanders’ Optimism Meter
Hosts: Chris Botta and Pat Boyle
Executive Prod…
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Oct 27, 2021
Kenny Albert Knows You Miss Your Local NHL Announcers When He’s Calling Playoff Games, Because He is One. He Honors This by Bringing His Unbiased Best.
The NHL on TNT’s Kenny Albert is a broadcasting rarity, calling play-by-play in the NHL, NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball. In a 30-minute interview, Kenny tells us about his start as a substitute Islanders announcer and making $18,000 a year with the AHL’s Baltimore Skipjacks, how he prepares for each broadcast, and how he embraces the challenges of calling national games “down the middle” even though he knows fans miss their local announcers. At the end of the show, Chris and Pat respond to a fan’s question about the “blandness” of NHL players.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
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Oct 20, 2021
Kelly Hrudey on Goaltending, Gretzky, Grating Trade Rumors, Joining the Islanders Dynasty, the Easter Epic, Broadcasting, and His Family’s Important Mission
In a hockey career spanning four decades, Kelly Hrudey has been a star goaltender for the Islanders and Kings and a highly-respected analyst on television. From beginning to end of this conversation, Hrudey wears his heart on his sleeve as he shares thoughts on his broadcasting career, his journey as a young goalie at the end of the Islanders dynasty, his 73-save heroics in the Easter Epic, what it was like to be welcomed by Wayne Gretzky and the Kings, and what he calls “the most important work of my career.”
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Stick Taps: @MoreGoodDaysc
Episode 7 Rundown:
· Kelly Hrudey names the three best shooters he faced in his NHL career.
· His transition from being a player to having to be critical as an analyst
· Wondering about Matthew Barnaby’s on-ice reaction after Kelly ripped his play, when Kelly was broadcasting while still playing in the NHL, and how he communicates with players and executives af…
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Oct 14, 2021
Islanders Forecheck: The “Oh, No…People Are Picking Them to Win the Stanley Cup…This is Weird” Episode
A Hockey Press Pass bonus series, “Islanders Forecheck” will take the long view of the 2021-22 season of the New York Islanders – one that many experts have predicted will end with a Stanley Cup. In this first edition, Chris Botta and Pat Boyle...
- Address the breaking news from TSN's Darren Dreger that Ryan Pulock has signed an 8-year contract extension
- Predict the outcome of the team’s opening stretch of 13 straight road games
- Discuss the key players for the Islanders’ start to the season, and the impact of the opening of UBS Arena in Elmont, Long Island
- Make their choices for the biggest story of the brief offseason of 2021
- Project goal and point totals for some of the Islanders’ top forwards
- Talk about Jack Eichel, because every hockey podcast must
- Respond to your questions about Oliver Wahlstrom, Chara and Greene, and a next contract for Barry Trotz
- Make our picks for the Islanders Hall of Fame that hopefully will be built in UBS someday
- Share…
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Oct 12, 2021
The Athletic’s Hailey Salvian on Journalism, Social Media, and Life on the NHL Beat; Chris with a Tale of Fake Islanders Owner John Spano
In our first discussion with a reporter on the daily beat of an NHL team, the skilled and tenacious Hailey Salvian of The Athletic provides important details about her coverage of the Ottawa Senators and now on the Calgary Flames. This is a brutally honest conversation about reporting on the NHL, developing a network of allies and sources, and learning how to deal with criticism (or worse) on social media. We are grateful to Hailey for sharing her experiences with us. Later on, Chris responds to a listener’s question about the first time he started to think John Spano may not have been the very rich guy he pretended to be while buying the New York Islanders.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Stick Taps: @haileysalvian, @katieJStrang, @friedgeHNIC, @JeffMarek, @SeanFitzGerald, @ian_mendes
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Oct 6, 2021
Frank Seravalli on Reporting NHL Scoops, Unveiling the Kraken Expansion Draft (and Getting Heat for it), and What to Expect at the Trade Deadline
In an honest and direct conversation about breaking news in the NHL, Frank Seravalli revisits his scoops around the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft and reveals how one executive made a persuasive case about where he may have crossed the line. Seravalli’s candor about journalism, competition, career choices, sourcing and style is a rare look inside the approach of hockey’s news-breakers. Frank also gives fans a preview of potential moves before the NHL trade deadline and discusses the impact of the Dougie Hamilton and Seth Jones contracts on the market for prospective free agents.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Series presented by: InStat Hockey
Episode sponsored by: DraftKings
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Sep 28, 2021
Craig Button of TSN & NHL Network: When an ex-GM Becomes a Commentator on Other GMs’ Drafts, Trades and Free Agent Signings; Chris on Zdeno Chara’s Return
Craig Button is passionate about the game. In a revealing discussion, the former Calgary Flames GM and Stanley Cup-winner with Dallas takes us inside team preparation for the NHL trade deadline and the scouting process. Among other topics, Button shares his views on what makes Lou Lamoriello successful, and why strong ownership is crucial for success in the NHL. On the broadcasting side, Button explains his approach to dishing out and receiving criticism and acknowledges that sometimes the fiery debates in the studio continue after the show is over. By request, the episode concludes with our reaction to Zdeno Chara’s return to the Islanders and Chris sharing some stories from the future Hall of Famer’s first stint with the team.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
Series Presented by: InStat Hockey
Episode Sponsored by: DraftKings
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Sep 21, 2021
Howie Rose Talks Islanders, Rangers, Mets, the Craft of Hockey and Baseball Play-by-Play, and His Future in the Booth
Howie Rose was a kid from New York who lived the dream of becoming the play-by-play announcer for the Islanders on TV and Mets and Rangers on the radio. In this episode, Howie shares a lot of inside information about his process and experiences calling games in MLB and the NHL, and exclusively talks about his future in the broadcast booth. In the second segment, Howie discusses his seasons as the Islanders’ play-by-play man. The show closes with Chris and producer Pat Boyle naming their favorite announcers, along with some of the choices that Press Pass listeners submitted via Twitter (@ChrisBottaNHL). Presented by InStat Hockey. Sponsored by DraftKings.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
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Sep 14, 2021
Ray Ferraro of ESPN & TSN on NHL broadcasting, disputes, fan feedback, the rulebook and a magical time with the New York Islanders.
On the premiere episode of Hockey Press Pass, Ray Ferraro of ESPN and TSN discusses his start on TV (while still playing in the NHL), approach to analyzing games, views on the state of the league, “feedback” from players and executives – including a hallway confrontation with a chippy player – and much more. Later on, Ray and Chris talk about his memorable time with Al Arbour and the Islanders and the team’s run in the 1993 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The show closes with Chris responding to a fan’s question about lessons learned in his tenure as Islanders PR VP. Presented by InStat Hockey. Sponsored by DraftKings.
Host: Chris Botta
Executive Producer: Dani Rylan Kearney
Producer: Pat Boyle
email: presspasspodcast@gmail.com
website: hockeypresspass.com
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Sep 3, 2021
Hockey Press Pass Trailer
Hosted by longtime NHL and NWHL PR executive and New York Times Hockey writer Chris Botta, the Hockey Press Pass Podcast shines a light on the hockey media like never before. Each week, Chris speaks with leading broadcasters, writers and executives around the NHL and all areas of hockey. We will learn about how they got here, their process, their triumphs and challenges. And every so often at the end of the show, Chris shares some of his experiences as Communications VP of the New York Islanders, and from his days and nights on the hockey beat. Whether you’re a dedicated and knowledgeable fan, interested in a career in sports or even just in what goes on behind the curtain, Hockey Press Pass is for you. Presented by InStat Hockey.
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