Advertise on podcast: The Heated Take - Unofficial Guildford Flames Podcast

Eight games down, so it feels like a good time for our first proper check-in of the 2026/27 season. Freddie, Rory and Will are back to look at the opening month of the Guildford Flames campaign and try to work out exactly where we are after September and the start of October. We run through the results so far, including impressive wins over Cardiff, Nottingham and Sheffield, some more frustrating nights in the Cup, and give our thoughts on what we’ve liked and where we still think there’s room for improvement. There’s also the small matter of a new signing, as we discuss the arrival of Alex Lavoie and what he could add to the Flames. We each pick our Flame of the Month, talk through the current injuries, Dustyn McFaul and whether we could see any further changes to the roster, before looking ahead to a busy October. Plus, we take our first look around the rest of the EIHL and discuss the teams, players and early-season stories that have caught our attention. Eight games in. What have we learned so far?

This week we’re joined by one of the newest members of the Guildford Flames, defenceman Jake Willets. We get to know Jake and his journey into hockey, from growing up in Michigan and playing junior hockey in the NAHL, through four years of NCAA hockey with Ferris State and Lake Superior State, before making the step into the professional game. Jake talks about the reality of life in the ECHL, his first experience of European hockey in Romania and the season with Reading Royals that ultimately led to the opportunity to join the Flames this summer. We then get into life in Guildford, how the move came about, his relationship with Paul Dixon and what he’s made of the EIHL, his new teammates and the Flames fans so far. We also chat about the physical side of Jake’s game, why sticking up for his teammates is important to him, dropping the gloves and whether he actually enjoys fighting, before hearing his thoughts on the start the Flames have made to the season. Plus, Jake gives us the lowdown on the Flames locker room before facing the usual Heated Take quickfire questions. A great opportunity to get to know #59 and one of the newest members of the Flames D-core.

This week we're joined by Adam Franks, founder of Legacy, the company behind the Guildford Flames jerseys, clothing and merchandise. Adam's connection to the Flames actually goes back much further than Legacy, having played for the club himself in the early years. We chat about how he first got into hockey, his memories of playing in Guildford, some of the best players and biggest characters he played alongside and how different the club is today compared to the one he remembers as a player. Adam also talks really openly about being diagnosed with epilepsy, what that was like to deal with at a young age and the impact it had on his hockey. We then get into the story behind Legacy, how the business started and how Adam ended up working with the Flames again all these years later. We chat about how the jerseys and merchandise come together, some of his favourite designs, how Flames merch has changed over the years and what he and Legacy are working towards next. A really interesting chat with someone who has a pretty unique connection to the club, having gone from wearing a Flames jersey as a player to now being responsible for making them.

Episode 26: Pre-Season Check-In with Matt Alvaro 🔥 The waiting is over. The roster is set, pre-season is done and competitive hockey is finally here. Freddie, Rory and Will are back for our final pre-season check-in before the Guildford Flames begin their 2026/27 campaign. We give our verdict on the final roster, discuss the summer’s arrivals and departures, look back at the pre-season games against Les Jokers, Bristol and Coventry, and preview a huge September as the new-look Challenge Cup gets underway. We also put our necks on the line with our predictions for the season — where Guildford will finish, how far we’ll go in the Cup, our top points scorer and the player we think could really stand out this year. Then, we hand over to the captain. Matt Alvaro joins us for a special pre-season check-in to reflect on last year, his own injury struggles, how he’s feeling heading into the new campaign and what he’s made of the new-look Flames. We talk recruitment, dressing-room chemistry, expectations, silverware and what Flames fans should be excited about — before putting Matt on the spot for his own predictions for the season. The talking is nearly done. Let’s play some hockey. 🔥🏒

John Dunbar joins The Heated Take! 🔥 A fan favourite and one of the most productive players from the Guildford Flames’ early years in the Elite League, Dunbar takes us through a career that has seen him play across North America, Europe and the UK. We go back to his early days in Alberta, playing alongside future Stanley Cup champion Colton Parayko, winning back-to-back championships in Pensacola and an incredible undefeated season at NAIT, before finding out how the move to Guildford came about in 2017. John looks back on that memorable first Flames season, the chemistry with Kruise Reddick and Ian Watters, playing alongside the likes of Jesse Craige, Calle Ackered and Brett Ferguson, the heartbreak of the 2019 Challenge Cup Final and his four seasons under Paul Dixon. We also talk about the COVID shutdown, his spell in Germany, returning to Guildford, moving to Glasgow Clan and why he’s still loving his hockey today with Bristol. Plus, with John set to return to the Spectrum during pre-season, we find out how he feels about coming back to Guildford and ask the most important question of all: just how much does he miss Meat the Greek? A proper trip down memory lane with one of the standout Flames of the early EIHL era. 🔥🏒

Guildford Flames legend Brett Ferguson joins The Heated Take. Across seven unforgettable seasons in Guildford, Brett racked up 362 points in 417 Elite League games, captained the club for four seasons and became one of the most respected players to ever wear a Flames jersey. We go right back to where it all began, from growing up in Saskatchewan and playing in the WHL alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, to winning two national championships with the University of Alberta before making the move to Guildford. Brett shares stories from the Flames' first Elite League season, the near misses, the COVID years, becoming captain, his relationship with Paul Dixon, the move to Cardiff and what it was like returning to the Spectrum as an opposition player. We also put your fan questions to Brett, including what he is doing next and... when is he becoming Guildford's assistant coach? A brilliant conversation with one of the greatest players in Guildford Flames history.

On this episode, we're joined by Guildford Flames netminder Justin Fazio to chat about one of the more unique journeys in hockey. From growing up in Sarnia, Ontario, to spending six years playing professionally in Italy and representing the Italian national team, Justin shares how his career eventually led him to Guildford. We look back at arriving as injury cover, how he went from being a short-term signing to earning the number one spot, and what it was like navigating that situation behind the scenes. Justin also talks about the differences between hockey in Canada, Italy and the UK, playing under Paul Dixon, life in the Flames dressing room, and his ambitions for the season ahead. As always, we finish with plenty of fun, including quickfire teammate questions, the toughest shooters he's faced, his favourite goalies growing up, and some brilliant stories from his career. If you've enjoyed watching Justin between the pipes this season, this is one you won't want to miss.

With the new EIHL season getting closer, it's time for our mid-summer check-in on the Guildford Flames. We take a look at the roster as it stands, run through the new signings, discuss the players returning for another season, and chat about what we've made of the new boys so far. Has the squad levelled up? Is it too early to start booking the victory parade bus? And where do we think the remaining roster spots will be filled before opening night? We give our thoughts on what's been announced so far and what we're still hoping to see over the coming weeks. We also look around the rest of the EIHL, pick out some of the biggest moves across the league, discuss which teams have impressed us this summer, and finish by looking ahead to what's coming next on The Heated Take, including more player interviews and our full season preview before the puck drops.

On this episode, we're joined by Guildford Flames netminder Adam Long for an honest and fascinating chat about his journey through British ice hockey and what it's really like trying to establish yourself as a British goalie in the Elite League. Adam talks us through his career, from his early days in Peterborough to Manchester Storm and eventually Guildford, before sharing his thoughts on the challenges British players face in a league dominated by imports. We also discuss whether the EIHL should reduce the number of import players, what more can be done to develop homegrown talent, and what it's like working under Paul Dixon. Along the way, Adam looks back on his memorable performance in Cardiff, shares his experience of playing alongside Petr Čech, gives us some great insight into life inside the Guildford dressing room, and takes on our quickfire questions covering everything from the funniest teammate and toughest opponents to his favourite goalies of all time. Whether you're a Flames fan or simply interested in what goes on behind the scenes in British ice hockey, there's plenty to enjoy in this one.

On this episode, we’re joined by Guildford Flames kit manager Matthew Simpson for a proper behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on around an Elite League hockey team. From game day preparation and player superstitions to forgotten jerseys and equipment disasters, Matt gives a brilliant insight into a side of hockey that fans rarely get to hear about. We also chat about his journey from Coventry to Bristol and eventually Guildford, what it’s like working with Paul Dixon and the current Flames group, and why the new Bauer partnership is such an exciting step for the club. Along the way, Matt shares some great stories about the dressing room, the personalities within the team, and answers our quickfire questions on everything from the funniest player on the roster to the most demanding. A really fun and insightful conversation with one of the most talked about personalities behind the scenes at the Flames.

In Episode 19, we look back on the 25/26 season in full. From early expectations to where things ultimately landed, we break down the key moments that defined the year: the runs, the dips, and the big turning points. We get into what worked, what didn’t, and where this Guildford Flames side really stands heading into the offseason. We also pick out our standout performers, biggest surprises, and the areas that need serious attention if the club wants to take the next step next year. A proper, honest season review to wrap things up.

In this episode of The Heated Take, we sit down with Guildford Flames defenceman Travis Brown. From being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks to playing alongside NHL talent in the WHL, Travis takes us through his journey from Canada to the pro game, across North America and Europe, and into the EIHL. We discuss his move to Guildford, stepping into a leadership role, and his recent Team GB call-up, as well as life in the dressing room and the challenges of this season. A really open and insightful conversation with one of the Flames’ key players.

In Episode 17, we’re joined by Rory as he officially joins The Heated Take team, and we take a step back to look at where the Guildford Flames really stand heading into the final stretch of the season. We break down the last 20 games, name our Flame of the Quarter, and get into some big talking points around the club including the departures of Kupsky and Gravelle, Travis Brown making Team GB, and early Player of the Year shouts across offence, defence and most improved. We also cover injuries, off-ice updates like the awards dinner and season ticket caps, before going around the EIHL with Nottingham’s Challenge Cup win and Pete Russell’s move to MK. To finish, we answer your questions including league MVP picks and how we match up against Cardiff in the playoffs.

In episode 16 of The Heated Take, Will sits down with one of the best players to ever wear a Guildford Flames jersey. He was an Elite League All Star and our first ever EIHL captain: it’s Jesse Craige. Jesse looks back on his early days in hockey, his time with the University of Alberta ‘Golden Bears’, his move to Europe and his three seasons with Guildford. Jesse talks about the highs and lows of our infancy in the EIHL and gives his take on some of the great players that hit Spectrum ice during that time. Jesse talks about his relationship with Flames legends including Ferguson, Reddick and Dunbar, and we hope you enjoy this interview with a modern day Guildford Flames legend.

In this episode of The Heated Take, we sit down with Guildford Flames forward Jamal Watson for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about the journey behind the career. From growing up in Alberta and captaining in the WHL, to his USports years at Mount Royal, a stint in the SPHL, and building a pro career across the UK, Austria, and Germany, Jamal’s path hasn’t followed the typical North American ladder — and that’s what makes it so interesting. We talk about his first spell in Guildford, what pulled him back for a second, life playing in Innsbruck and Kaufbeuren, adapting to different leagues and cultures, and how he’s handled an injury-hit season — including that hat-trick night on the wing. There’s teammate quick fire, honest reflections on this year, and a look at the person behind the number 42. If you want more than just stats, this one’s for you.