Hockey Press Pass

by Chris Botta

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 ...   ...  Read more

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • The Season One Finale with John Buccigross of the NHL on ESPN

    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!

  • 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

    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!

  • Your Questions, Part 2: On Garth Snow, Women's Hockey, the Gluckstern-Milstein Era and Budget Cuts, Favorite Players, and More

    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!

  • Your Questions, Part I: On the Coliseum, 2002 Maple Leafs Series, Spano, Chris King, Milbury, Favorite Teams, and a Missing Chest Protector

    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!

  • Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: From PR to the NHL Beat; Chris Shares a Personal Story About Al Arbour

    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