Empty Netters is an ice hockey podcast hosted by brothers Dan and Chris Powers. Produced by the Almost Friday Media network, the show features interviews with hockey personalities, analysis of the National Hockey League (NHL), and discussions regarding pop culture. The podcast received media coverage in 2023 following the hosts' involvement in Frank Ocean's cancelled ice skating performance at Coachella, and in 2025 for its commentary on the gay romance television series Heated Rivalry.
The podcast started in 2022, initially focusing on interviews and ice hockey analysis.[1] It is hosted by Dan and Chris Powers, both former hockey players. Dan Powers played at the junior level before transitioning to recreational "beer league" hockey.[2][1] Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Nate Thompson also serves as a co-host.[1]
Based in Los Angeles, the show utilizes a comedic style aligned with the Almost Friday Media brand.[2][3] The podcast produces daily content for social media platforms such as Instagram. The hosts interview figures from the hockey world, with past guests including P. K. Subban, Jonny Lazarus, Pete Blackburn, Tyler Toffoli, Bobby Ryan, Charlie McAvoy, and Chris Nelson.[2] By 2025, the podcast expanded its format to include a "traveling team" segment, in which the hosts participate in competitive exhibition games against Senior A teams.[1]
In April 2023, the podcast received coverage from music and entertainment outlets after the hosts detailed their involvement in Frank Ocean's headlining set at Coachella. The production was originally designed to feature an elaborate stage setup with a functional ice rink.[4]
Dan and Chris Powers auditioned for the performance at Paramount Studios upon the recommendation of podcast guest Chris "Nelly" Nelson, a former New Jersey Devils prospect who coordinates skating for Hollywood productions.[4][5] The brothers rehearsed for over a month alongside approximately 120 other skaters, a group that included professional figure skaters and hockey players.[4][5]
According to the hosts, the skating portion of the performance was removed on the day of the show due to an ankle injury sustained by Ocean.[4] In a podcast episode released the following Tuesday, the hosts stated they were offered the opportunity to walk back and forth on stage in sequined Prada suits in lieu of skating.[4][5] The brothers declined the offer. They further claimed that shortly before the reconfigured show began, Ocean asked for them by name, unaware they had already declined to participate as "walkers."[5] The hosts also described an improvised fight choreography session during rehearsals where they skated and simulated a fight. Ocean reportedly viewed the sequence and established it as the baseline energy for the other skaters.[5]
Vail Yeti trip
In January 2025, the Empty Netters team traveled to Vail, Colorado, to play a series of exhibition games against the Vail Yeti, a Senior A hockey team.[1] The games were physical, resulting in the Yeti winning both matches.[1] During the trip, Dan Powers sustained a broken rib.[1] The event involved interaction with opposing fans, who displayed signs mocking the podcast hosts with slogans such as "We're better than the empty netter."[1] Co-host Nate Thompson was unable to attend the trip due to the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.[1]
Heated Rivalry coverage
In late 2025, the podcast began reviewing Heated Rivalry, a television series adapted from a gay romance novel centered on two male hockey players.[6] While the podcast had previously focused exclusively on the sport of hockey, the hosts initially viewed the series to critique the realism of its portrayal of the sport.[7]
The coverage shifted from skepticism to enthusiasm as the hosts became invested in the show's narrative dynamic. Chris Powers stated on the podcast, "I cannot believe I thought I enjoyed television before I saw this episode."[7] The hosts introduced segments such as selecting a "horniest moment" from each episode and frequently praised the character Ilya Rozanov as a "consent king" regarding his affirmative consent practices.[6][7]
The hosts also utilized the segment to ask listeners for clarification on queer terminology, including terms such as top, bottom, and versatile. The coverage culminated in a live watch of the series finale. Vogue Adria reported that clips of the hosts' reactions were shared on social media at a frequency comparable to clips from the series itself.[7] Media outlets, including InsideHook and Vogue, characterized the coverage as an example of "non-toxic masculinity" within the hockey community.[6][7]
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