There’s no secret that hockey is growing, especially in the United States. NHL viewership has gone up roughly 10% over the last two seasons. Likewise, the podcast industry is growing as well, making it feel like there are countless options for how you consume your hockey news and media. But which one(s) are the best?

As an avid hockey fan and longtime hockey podcast listener, I’m breaking down my top ten hockey podcasts, and which show might be for you.

1. Spittin' Chiclets

The King of Hockey Entertainment

• What You Get:
  High-value guests (Tkatchuk, Crosby, Gretzky, you name it), unfiltered locker room stories, bold takes, irreverent humor.

• Best For:
  Fans who want NHL gossip, wild road stories, big-name interviews, and laughs.

• Downside:
  Very long episodes (which could be a pro, depending on your preference) and light on analytics.

• Verdict:
  Your first-round pick if you care more about personality than stats.

2. 32 Thoughts: The Podcast

The Gold Standard of Analysis

• What You Get:
  Elite-level NHL news from insiders Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. Trades, contracts, and league politics straight from the front office level.

• Best For:
  Hardcore fans, cap nerds, and people who love “what’s really going on” behind league moves.

• Downside:
  Sometimes dry, no wild humor here. It’s more "CBC boardroom" than "locker room chirps."

• Verdict:
  The absolute best if you want to understand why your GM made that confusing trade yesterday.

3. What Chaos! Show 

The Up-and-Coming Chaos Machine (and my personal favorite)

• What You Get:
  Humor mixed with real analytical talk. Recurring guests (especially Oilers and Bruins-related) and running inside jokes. Good fan community vibes.

• Best For:
  Younger fans, Oilers/Bruins fans, people who want a little stats and a lot of fun.

• Downside:
  Not super balanced coverage—Oilers and Bruins tend to dominate.

• Verdict:
  If Spittin’ Chiclets is too bro-y for you, this is the fun, slightly nerdy alternative.

4. Empty Netters

The Social Media Darlings

• What You Get:
  Quick, meme-worthy hockey takes. Personality-driven. TikTok-style energy but in podcast form.

• Best For:
  Casual fans, younger listeners, and people who like their hockey mixed with pop culture.

• Downside:
  Light on real league analysis. More about vibes than deep hockey talk.

• Verdict:
  Perfect if you follow Hockey Twitter religiously or want laughs during a short commute.

5. Pucks on Net

The Balanced Veteran

• What You Get:
  Good mix of news, game recaps, and personality. Canadian-focused but covers the league broadly.

• Best For:
  Listeners who want a bit of everything without extremes.

• Downside:
  Can feel a little "safe"—not the hottest takes or the most in-depth analysis.

• Verdict:
  The jack-of-all-trades podcast that keeps you generally informed and entertained.

6. The Hockey PDOcast

For the Statheads

• What You Get:
  Deep analytics from host Dimitri Filipovic. Shot quality, xG, PDOno fluff.

• Best For:
  Data-driven fans who love the numbers behind the goals.

• Downside:
  Very technical at times. Might bore casual listeners.

• Verdict:
  The podcast for the hockey nerd who checks Natural Stat Trick during intermissions.

7. Hockey Illuminati

The Storyteller’s Pick

• What You Get:
  Deep dives into hockey culture, wild player stories, and rare behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

• Best For:
  People who love the human side of hockey—the drama, the untold tales.

• Downside:
  Less timely NHL news coverage.

• Verdict:
  Like sitting in a pub with a retired player telling you everything you didn’t hear on TSN.

8. Dropping the Gloves with John Scott

The Player’s Perspective

• What You Get:
  Former NHLer John Scott is giving real player insights. Honest, occasionally spicy opinions.

• Best For:
  Fans who want to hear what the game is like from the ice level, not the press box.

• Downside:
  Focused more on "big picture" takes than game-to-game breakdowns.

• Verdict:
  If you miss the "player's view" that most media miss, this is for you.

9. Staff & Graph Podcast

The Progressive Deep Dive

• What You Get:
  A mix of progressive hockey talk, media criticism, and deeper league issues (e.g., hockey culture, DEI efforts).

• Best For:
  Fans who want more than just box scores; social, cultural, and media commentary included.

• Downside:
  Sometimes focuses less on the on-ice product.

• Verdict:
  The thoughtful podcast for fans who care about the sport and the world around it.

10. The Hockey News Podcast

The Old Reliable

• What You Get:
  Weekly summaries, major news, trade rumors. Clean and professional.

• Best For:
  Fans who want the basics delivered without a side of personality chaos.

• Downside:
  Not as "fun" or wild as others. Very straight-laced.

• Verdict:
  Like reading The Hockey News magazine—just with voices.

So Which Should You Pick?

If you want…

Pick this podcast

Big guests, wild stories, locker room humor

• Spittin' Chiclets

Serious analysis, insider scoops

• 32 Thoughts

Fun chaos with actual hockey talk

• What Chaos! Show

Social media flavor, meme-y fun

• Empty Netters

A safe, balanced hockey mix

• Pucks on Net

Pure stats and data geek heaven

• The Hockey PDOcast

Crazy hockey stories you’ve never heard

• Hockey Illuminati

Honest player POV takes

• Dropping the Gloves

Hockey with a thoughtful cultural lens

• Staff & Graph Podcast

Clean, old-school NHL coverage

• The Hockey News Podcast

Final Thoughts: One Podcast Can’t Do It All

Want gossip and guests? Chiclets.
Need insider trades and analysis? 32 Thoughts.
Like humor but also some depth? What Chaos!
Live for the numbers? PDOcast.

If you’re a real hockey nerd, chances are you’ll subscribe to two or three to cover all your bases.