Durham Wasps captain Mike O'Connor lifts the Heineken Championship trophy at Wembley Arena on 28 April 1991, celebrating the Wasps' historic Grand Slam following their 7–4 victory over Peterborough Pirates. Photograph: John Hutton / Ice Hockey News Review.

The Day Durham Wasps Completed the Grand Slam

Sunday 28 April 1991 | Wembley Arena | Durham Wasps 7–4 Peterborough Pirates | Attendance: 8,853

Two English clubs. Eleven goals. A hat-trick hero. A dressing-room scandal. And a Durham Wasps team determined to complete one of the most remarkable seasons in British ice hockey history.

For supporters who experienced the Heineken League era, Wembley Finals Weekend was never simply about the hockey.

It was the annual pilgrimage. The supporters travelling from every corner of Britain. The familiar faces in the bars, the rival shirts, the noise, the anticipation and the feeling that, for one weekend, British ice hockey had a stage worthy of its biggest personalities.

But Wembley in 1991 was different.

For the first time, two English clubs would contest the Heineken Championship Final. The Scottish challenge had fallen away, the defending champions had been eliminated, and Durham Wasps stood one victory away from completing a historic Grand Slam.

Standing between them and immortality were Rocky Saganiuk's Peterborough Pirates, a team that had already demonstrated they were capable of upsetting the established order.

And before a puck had even been dropped, an extraordinary incident behind the scenes would add another chapter to Wembley folklore.

The Wasps' Road to Wembley – A Season of Turmoil and Triumph

Durham Wasps entered the 1990–91 campaign with a point to prove.

The previous season had been disappointing by their own exceptionally high standards. For a club accustomed to collecting trophies, there was unfinished business.

Their response was emphatic.

The Wasps finished top of the Heineken Premier Division with 59 points from 36 games, an impressive 15 points ahead of second-placed Cardiff Devils.

But the journey was far from straightforward.

Czech-born coach George Peternousek departed following a disappointing opening league draw against Peterborough. His replacement, Canadian John Page, lasted just 48 hours in charge.

Eventually, veteran player Paul Smith took over the coaching responsibilities, assisted by Canadian captain Mike O'Connor.

It proved an inspired appointment.

Durham captured the Norwich Union Cup, defeating Murrayfield Racers at Whitley Bay, and added another Castle Eden Cup triumph to their collection.

Then came the arrival of Mike Blaisdell.

The Canadian forward, with nine years of NHL experience behind him, brought an additional cutting edge to an already formidable attack.

Alongside Rick Brebant, Ian Cooper, Stephen Cooper, Mike O'Connor and the emerging British youngsters, Blaisdell helped turn Durham into an extraordinarily difficult team to stop.

By the time Wembley arrived, the Wasps had already collected three major honours.

There was just one remaining objective.

Complete the Grand Slam.

Friday 26 April – Peterborough Shock the Defending Champions

Peterborough Pirates forward Danny Shea (#44) battles for position in front of the Durham Wasps goal during the 1991 Heineken Championship Final at Wembley. Photograph: John Hutton.

Cardiff Devils 4–7 Peterborough Pirates

Cardiff Devils arrived at Wembley as defending playoff champions, having lifted the Heineken Championship trophy twelve months earlier following an unforgettable final against Murrayfield Racers.

🏒 Relive that remarkable afternoon:
Cardiff Devils v Murrayfield Racers – The 1990 Wembley Final

With Steve Moria, John Lawless, Doug McEwen and Neil Browne among their attacking weapons, Cardiff appeared well equipped to defend their crown.

Peterborough, however, had other ideas.

Under former NHL player Rocky Saganiuk, the Pirates possessed considerable attacking talent of their own, particularly Darren 'Doc' Durdle, Danny Shea and Trent Kaese.

The opening two periods were closely contested.

Cardiff led 3–2 after forty minutes, and another appearance in the final seemed a distinct possibility.

Then everything changed.

Peterborough exploded into life during the third period, scoring five goals while conceding just one.

Durdle completed a hat-trick, while Shea and Kaese contributed two goals apiece.

The Pirates had transformed a one-goal deficit into a stunning 7–4 victory.

Cardiff's defence of the Championship was over.

For Peterborough, it was a remarkable achievement. They had eliminated the defending champions in their first Wembley appearance.

And they were going to Sunday's final with genuine belief.

Saturday 27 April – Durham's Seven-Goal Miracle

Murrayfield Racers goaltender Martin McKay defends his goal against Durham Wasps during the 1991 Heineken Championship semi-final at Wembley Arena.

Murrayfield Racers 6–11 Durham Wasps

If Peterborough's victory had been dramatic, Durham's semi-final against Murrayfield was almost beyond belief.

The Racers, featuring Tony Hand, Brian Collinson, Stevie Combe and Mike Rowe, were determined to return the Championship to Scotland.

And for forty minutes, everything appeared to be going their way.

The first period ended 2–2, but Murrayfield seized control during the second.

By the end of forty minutes, the Scots led 6–4.

Durham's Grand Slam dream was in serious danger.

What followed was one of the most extraordinary periods in Wembley history.

The Wasps scored seven unanswered goals.

Seven goals in twenty minutes.

Mike Blaisdell scored twice in the opening 92 seconds of the third period, bringing Durham level at 6–6.

Rick Brebant then put the Wasps ahead, and the floodgates opened.

Durham eventually ran out astonishing 11–6 winners.

Brebant and Blaisdell both completed hat-tricks, while the Racers were left wondering how a seemingly commanding advantage had disappeared so spectacularly.

For Murrayfield, it was a crushing defeat.

For Durham, it was another demonstration of their remarkable resilience.

Surely nothing could derail the Wasps now?

As it turned out, somebody was about to try.

The Dressing-Room Scandal That Shocked Wembley

Reconstructed illustration based on contemporary reports of the damage to Durham Wasps' dressing room before the 1991 Wembley Final.

Sunday morning should have been about preparation, concentration and anticipation.

Instead, Durham Wasps arrived at Wembley Arena to discover something deeply disturbing.

Their dressing room had been entered overnight.

Equipment had been deliberately damaged, personal belongings interfered with, and players' kit contaminated.

According to the contemporary Ice Hockey News Review, skates and sticks had been damaged, while clothing and equipment bags had been soiled.

The incident was particularly alarming because the dressing rooms had supposedly been secured using individually coded locks.

Durham's players now faced the biggest game of their season with equipment requiring urgent repair or replacement.

Player-coach Paul Smith was furious.

He believed the incident was much more serious than an ordinary act of vandalism and suspected that somebody had deliberately attempted to disrupt Durham's preparations.

Importantly, Smith made clear that he did not believe anybody connected with Peterborough Pirates was responsible.

Indeed, members of the Peterborough and Cardiff parties were among those who offered assistance.

The British Ice Hockey Association began an inquiry, while Wembley officials also investigated the apparent breach of security.

The contemporary reports available to us do not establish who was responsible.

But if the intention was to unsettle the Wasps, the incident appeared to have the opposite effect.

Durham's players rallied around one another.

They were angry.

They were determined.

And they had a Championship to win.

Sunday 28 April – The Final Begins

Durham Wasps v Peterborough Pirates

The Championship Final eventually began after a delay of approximately 35 minutes while Durham dealt with the damage to their equipment.

The Wasps entered as favourites, but Peterborough had already demonstrated against Cardiff that reputations counted for very little once the puck dropped.

And within little more than a minute, the Pirates delivered a warning.

Rick Brebant was penalised for tripping after just forty seconds.

Peterborough immediately took advantage.

Darren Durdle supplied Danny Shea, who moved the puck across the face of the Durham goal.

Kenny MacDonald was waiting at the far post.

With Frank Killen unable to recover, MacDonald applied the finishing touch.

1:14 – Peterborough lead 1–0.

It was the perfect start for the underdogs.

For a moment, Wembley belonged to the Pirates.

But Durham were not about to panic.

Mike Blaisdell Takes Centre Stage

Peterborough goaltender Scott O'Connor was outstanding during the opening period, making several important saves as Durham began to impose themselves.

But at 11:54, the Wasps finally found a way through.

Mike Blaisdell equalised, assisted by Rick Brebant and Mike O'Connor.

The scores were level.

And Durham were beginning to find their rhythm.

At 15:22, Blaisdell struck again, this time assisted by Brebant and Stephen Cooper.

Durham 2–1 Peterborough.

It was a familiar sight for Wasps supporters.

Brebant creating.

Blaisdell finishing.

The first period ended with Durham holding a narrow advantage, despite Peterborough having enjoyed considerable attacking pressure.

The Pirates had started superbly.

But the Wasps had demonstrated the ruthless finishing that had characterised their season.

Second Period – Durham Take Control

Goal-mouth action during the 1991 Heineken Championship Final at Wembley Arena as Durham Wasps defend against Peterborough Pirates. The Wasps went on to win 7–4 and complete their historic Grand Slam. Photograph: John Hutton.

Peterborough needed a strong response.

Instead, Durham extended their lead.

At 22:21, Paul Dixon was perfectly positioned to force home a rebound following an effort by Ivor Bennett.

Durham 3–1 Peterborough.

Then came a particularly memorable moment.

Two of Durham's young British players, Damian Smith and Anthony Payne, combined beautifully at 24:50.

Their exchange of passes left Smith with the opportunity to finish from close range.

Durham 4–1 Peterborough.

It was a goal that perfectly illustrated the strength of the Wasps' squad.

They were not simply dependent upon their experienced Canadian imports.

Their emerging British players were making important contributions on the biggest stage.

But Peterborough refused to surrender.

When Payne was penalised for holding, the Pirates capitalised on the resulting powerplay.

Danny Shea and Darren Durdle combined to create an opportunity for Trent Kaese, who scored at 29:29.

Durham 4–2 Peterborough.

The Pirates were still alive.

For a time, Peterborough enjoyed sustained pressure, forcing Killen into several important saves.

But with the second period drawing to a close, Durham delivered another crushing blow.

At 39:37, Blaisdell completed his hat-trick.

With Peterborough shorthanded, Brebant and Ian Cooper helped create the opportunity, and the Canadian forward fired home Durham's fifth.

Durham 5–2 Peterborough.

The Wasps headed into the dressing room just twenty minutes away from completing their Grand Slam.

Third Period – The Pirates Fight Back

Peterborough had overturned a deficit against Cardiff just two days earlier.

Could they produce another remarkable comeback?

They certainly intended to try.

At 42:38, Danny Shea scored on the powerplay, assisted by Trent Kaese and Darren Durdle.

Durham 5–3 Peterborough.

The Pirates had reduced the deficit to two goals.

Then, at 47:34, Durdle struck again, with Kaese and Dean Edmiston supplying the assists.

Suddenly, Durham's comfortable advantage had been reduced to a single goal.

Durham 5–4 Peterborough.

The Grand Slam was no longer a formality.

Peterborough pressed for an equaliser.

Killen was called upon to make important saves, while Durham's defenders battled to protect their slender lead.

The tension was growing.

One goal could change everything.

But as the clock moved towards the closing minutes, Durham's young British players stepped forward once again.

At 55:53, Anthony Payne restored the Wasps' two-goal advantage.

Damian Smith and Ivor Bennett supplied the assists as Payne finished low past O'Connor.

Durham 6–4 Peterborough.

The relief among the Durham supporters was enormous.

And at 58:13, Ivor Bennett made absolutely certain.

Assisted by Stephen Cooper, Bennett scored Durham's seventh goal, extinguishing Peterborough's hopes of another dramatic recovery.

Durham Wasps 7–4 Peterborough Pirates.

The closing moments were marred by a confrontation and several penalties, but nothing could overshadow what Durham had achieved.

The final buzzer sounded.

The Wasps were champions.

And the Grand Slam was complete.

Mike Blaisdell – The Hat-Trick Hero

Although the final was a tremendous team achievement, Mike Blaisdell's contribution was impossible to overlook.

The Canadian forward had arrived during the season with extensive NHL experience and an outstanding scoring pedigree.

At Wembley, he demonstrated exactly why Durham had brought him to Britain.

Three goals in the Championship Final.

Two more in the astonishing semi-final comeback against Murrayfield.

And an extraordinary 24 goals across the Championship playoffs.

Blaisdell's finishing had been one of the decisive factors in Durham's success.

But he was not the only Wasps player to establish remarkable records.

Rick Brebant finished the Championship campaign with 34 assists and 52 points, further evidence of his exceptional attacking talent.

And while Blaisdell provided the goals, another Durham player received the official individual honour.

Ivor Bennett was named Man of the Match.

The experienced British player had contributed an assist on Paul Dixon's goal, another on Anthony Payne's crucial third-period strike, and finally scored the goal that settled the contest.

For Peterborough, Dean Edmiston received the Man of the Match award.

Mike O'Connor – A Captain's Moment of Glory

Among the many photographs taken at Wembley in 1991, one stands out.

Durham captain Mike O'Connor, wearing the famous blue, white and yellow Wasps jersey, holds the Heineken Championship trophy high above his head.

It is an image that perfectly captures the emotion of the occasion.

For O'Connor, the triumph was especially meaningful.

He had missed virtually the entire 1989–90 campaign through injury.

Now, after returning to the side and helping guide the club through an extraordinary season, he stood at Wembley as captain of the Grand Slam winners.

The photograph would later appear on the cover of the Ice Hockey Annual 1991–92, ensuring the moment became part of British ice hockey's visual history.

Durham's Grand Slam – Joining an Exclusive Club

The Grand Slammers! Durham Wasps players and officials celebrate their historic 1990–91 Grand Slam after defeating Peterborough Pirates 7–4 in the Heineken Championship Final at Wembley Arena on 28 April 1991. Photograph: John Hutton.

When the celebrations finally began, Durham Wasps could reflect on an extraordinary collection of silverware.

Durham Wasps – 1990–91 Honours

• Heineken Premier Division Champions

• Heineken Championship Playoff Winners

• Norwich Union Cup Winners

• Castle Eden Cup Winners

Four trophies in a single season.

Durham had become only the second club to achieve the Grand Slam, following Dundee Rockets in 1983–84.

It was a remarkable accomplishment, particularly considering the coaching changes, injuries and challenges the club had encountered along the way.

The Wasps had assembled a formidable combination of experienced North American professionals, established British players and emerging young talent.

And at the centre of it all was Paul Smith, the veteran player-coach who had guided Durham through a turbulent campaign to the ultimate prize.

Peterborough Pirates – Worthy Finalists

History remembers the winners.

But Peterborough Pirates deserve enormous credit for their contribution to Wembley 1991.

Rocky Saganiuk's side had finished third in the Premier Division before embarking upon an impressive Championship campaign.

Their semi-final victory over Cardiff was one of the outstanding performances of the weekend.

And in the final, despite falling three goals behind, they refused to surrender.

Darren Durdle, Danny Shea and Trent Kaese were formidable attacking players, while Scott O'Connor's performances in goal earned considerable admiration.

The Pirates demonstrated that they belonged on Wembley's biggest stage.

They may have departed without the trophy, but they had played their part in a memorable Championship weekend.

Wembley 1991 – More Than Just a Final

For British hockey supporters of that generation, Wembley represented something special.

It was the weekend when fans from Durham, Peterborough, Cardiff, Murrayfield, Nottingham, Fife, Whitley Bay and beyond gathered under the same roof.

There were rivalries, arguments, reunions and celebrations.

Familiar faces from opposing rinks met again, supporters compared journeys, and everyone had an opinion about the season's controversies.

And then there was the hockey itself.

The three senior Wembley matches produced an astonishing 39 goals.

Peterborough's five-goal third period against Cardiff.

Durham's seven-goal final period against Murrayfield.

And eleven more goals in Sunday's Championship Final.

It was a weekend that demonstrated everything supporters loved about the Heineken League era.

Fast, attacking hockey.

Colourful personalities.

Passionate supporters.

And enough drama to keep people talking for decades.

Watch the 1991 Wembley Final

Relive the action from Durham Wasps against Peterborough Pirates through the surviving match footage.

Watch Durham Wasps v Peterborough Pirates – Wembley 1991 on YouTube

A Wembley Weekend Never to Be Forgotten

More than three decades later, the 1991 Wembley Final remains a remarkable chapter in the history of British ice hockey.

For Durham Wasps supporters, it was the culmination of a season that had delivered almost everything imaginable.

For Peterborough Pirates supporters, it was a weekend when their team came within touching distance of the ultimate prize, having already eliminated the defending champions.

For everyone else, it was another reminder of what made Wembley Finals Weekend so special.

The noise.

The colour.

The rivalries.

The unforgettable moments.

And the sight of Mike O'Connor lifting the trophy above his head as Durham Wasps celebrated their Grand Slam.

Durham Wasps 7. Peterborough Pirates 4.

A historic achievement.

A memorable final.

And another game we'll never forget.

Match Facts

Heineken Championship Final — Sunday 28 April 1991

Durham Wasps 7–4 Peterborough Pirates

Period scores: 2–1, 3–1, 2–2.

Attendance: 8,853.

Shots on goal: Durham 35, Peterborough 27.

Penalty minutes: Durham 22, Peterborough 16.

Durham scorers: Mike Blaisdell (3), Paul Dixon, Damian Smith, Anthony Payne, Ivor Bennett.

Peterborough scorers: Kenny MacDonald, Trent Kaese, Danny Shea, Darren Durdle.

Goaltenders: Frank Killen (Durham), Scott O'Connor (Peterborough).

Men of the Match: Ivor Bennett (Durham), Dean Edmiston (Peterborough).

Referee: Nico Toemen.