Empty The Benches

Empty The Benches
  • 4.8 (25)
  • HOCKEY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.

  1. 2D AGO

    Grace Outwater & Danica Maynard (EP. 297)

    In this episode, Nick and Mac are joined by Penn State starts Danica Maynard and Grace Outwater. They share their experiences following an amazing season for the Nittany Lions, their outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, and their paths to choosing college hockey. The boys also discuss the men's and women's NCAA hockey tournaments, the recent ups and downs of the Washington Capitals, and the shock front office moves made by the Leafs and Knights. BONUS: Mac discusses his major career change.    00:00 Weather Woes and Hockey Life 03:04 Joining a New Beer League 05:57 A New Path: Going Back to Dental School 08:52 Hockey Management Shakeups 11:57 College Hockey Highlights and Upsets 14:47 Women’s Hockey Championship and Men’s Frozen Four Preview 19:51 Interview with Penn State Hockey Players 21:45 Caps' Playoff Hopes and Recent Games 26:17 Refereeing Controversies in Hockey 29:44 Debuts and Expectations for New Players 31:51 Trivia Time: NHL's Most Productive Wingers 36:14 Mackane's New Journey in Dental School   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 10m

  2. MAR 25

    Red Wings Round Up with Ryan Lott (EP. 296)

    In this episode, we unravel the latest in NHL playoff races, from the wild card chaos in the East to the strange standings in the West, plus a deep dive into the Detroit Red Wings' push to the postseason. Our guest, Ryan Lott, producer of the Athletes podcast and a die-hard Wings enthusiast, shares insider insights on key players like Dylan Larkin’s injury update, the goaltending evolution with Jon Gibson, and the surprising rise of young prospects such as Edvinson and Cossa. Ryan also breaks down how Detroit can navigate the tricky matchups ahead, and reveals what makes Tampa Bay a constant threat — plus predictions on who’s going all the way.   We discuss the unpredictability of this year's March Madness and favorite moments (00:02) Analysis of the NHL playoff picture for both Eastern and Western Conferences (3:00) Deep dive into Detroit Red Wings' key players, injuries, and prospects with Ryan Lott (0:19) Ryan shares his thoughts on the future of the Wings, goaltending, and player development (6:35) The hosts debate the declining reputation of Subway and the nostalgia surrounding the chain (11:00) NHL Draft memories and experiences, including trips to the draft floor, with Ryan (20:14) Stanley Cup predictions for Tampa Bay, Dallas, and other contenders (23:25) Outlook on the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff chances and Connor McDavid’s impact (25:27) Closing thoughts, upcoming sports events, and appreciation for the guest (27:40) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 17

    Cole Hutson Signs with the Caps (EP. 295)

    In this episode Nick and Mac break down the USA sled hockey team capping off the Gold Medal sweep, Cole Hutson signing with the Capitals, and the recently announced 2028 World Cup of Hockey. They also dive into what the Caps future core could look like and wrap up with two wild trivia questions.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    45 min

  4. MAR 10

    Eva Erickson & Trade Deadline Recap (EP. 294)

    In this episode, hosts Nick and Mac discuss the latest in sports, including trade deadline reactions, memorable hockey games, and an insightful interview with Eva Erickson, a survivor and hockey player. They analyze team surprises, trade deals, and share personal insights, making it a must-listen for hockey fans. Eva Erickson shares her unique journey from Minnesota high school hockey to Survivor, highlighting how her sports background influenced her gameplay and her efforts to make hockey more inclusive.       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 12m

  5. MAR 4

    Deadline Preview with Tyler Madarasz (EP. 293)

    In this episode of the Empty the Benches podcast, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel welcome Tyler Madarasz, co-host and producer of NHL Morning Skate on SiriusXM. The conversation dives into the excitement surrounding the NHL trade deadline, reflecting on Olympic hockey, and discussing various teams' needs and potential player movements. The trio explores the struggles of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the fit of certain players on different teams, and the potential for significant trades as the deadline approaches. With insights on key players like Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, and Evander Kane, the episode captures the anticipation and chaos that often accompanies the trade deadline in the NHL.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Olympic Reflections 03:01 Trade Deadline Anticipation 06:02 Team Needs and Player Movements 08:53 Toronto Maple Leafs' Struggles 12:00 Potential Trades and Player Fit 14:56 Defensive Moves and Trade Rumors 18:00 Final Thoughts on Trade Deadline Chaos Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  6. FEB 24

    USA Hockey Takes Gold In Milan (EP. 292)

    In this episode, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel celebrate the historic achievements of USA Hockey at the Olympics, discussing the thrilling victories of both the men's and women's teams. They reflect on key moments, standout players, and the emotional impact of these wins, while also analyzing the quality of the broadcast coverage. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among players and the significance of these victories for the future of USA Hockey.   Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Olympic Gold: USA Hockey Triumphs 12:24 The Women's Gold Medal Game: A Historic Matchup 21:14 Men's Gold Medal Game: A Miracle Revisited 23:40 Unbelievable Plays in Hockey 26:24 Key Players and Their Impact 27:22 Defensive Strategies and Key Moments 28:14 Game-Changing Saves and Reactions 29:45 The Role of Defensemen in Critical Plays 30:48 Overtime Tensions and Strategies 33:57 The Thrill of Overtime 36:39 The Game-Winning Moments 41:41 Emotional Impact of Victory 42:30 The Emotional Impact of Winning Gold 44:45 Key Players and Their Contributions 47:28 Celebrating the Victory and Its Significance 50:45 Reflections on USA Hockey's Legacy 53:41 International Competition and Team Performances 55:34 Broadcasting and Commentary Insights Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 1m

  7. FEB 18

    Olympic Hockey Takes Center Stage (EP. 291)

    On this episode of Empty the Benches hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel discuss the return of Olympic hockey, the evolution of international competition, and their favorite winter Olympic events. They delve into the dominance of the U.S. women's hockey team, preview the U.S. men's team, and compare the talent levels of the U.S. and Canada. The conversation also includes predictions for upcoming matchups and some fun trivia about Olympic hockey. Chapters 00:00 The Return of Olympic Hockey 02:57 The Evolution of International Hockey 06:01 Favorite Winter Olympic Events 08:58 Innovative Ideas for Winter Olympics 12:05 Dominance of the U.S. Women's Hockey Team 17:53 Previewing the Gold Medal Game 18:45 U.S. Men's Hockey Team Performance 25:46 Challenges and Changes in the Tournament 28:51 The Tom Wilson Effect 29:20 Team Canada vs Team USA: A Hockey Powerhouse 31:41 Unicorns of Hockey: The Elite Players 33:43 The Pressure of the Maple Leaf 35:43 USA vs Canada: Rivalry and Redemption 38:38 Upcoming Matches and Predictions 45:08 Olympic Trivia and Fun Discussions Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min

  8. FEB 5

    Hockey Valley Weekend Recap feat. Dave Stark (EP. 290)

    In this episode Nick and Mac are joined by Dave Stark of Cook Stark Management and host of the Athletes Podcast. Nick and Dave recap a weekend of festivities in Pennsylvania, beginning with the Working in Hockey event in Pittsburgh, and wrapping up with an unbelievable experience at the Penn state vs. Michigan State outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. Nick and Mac also react to the Artemi Panarin trade and the future of Chris Drury, the upcoming Beanpot championship, and they wrap up with the Weekly ReCap. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.

Information

  • Creator
    Empty The Benches
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    297
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Empty The Benches
  • Show Website
    Empty The Benches

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