Episodes

In this episode, I’m joined by Gary Stefan, a true Streatham Redskins and Slough Jets legend whose hockey story began in Brantford, Ontario, growing up alongside Wayne Gretzky — playing together for the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers and even sharing a backyard rink. After finishing college in 1980, Gary travelled to the UK to work in his aunt’s sports shop in Knightsbridge. Interest from both Richmond Flyers and Streatham followed, with Gary initially choosing Richmond before moving on to the Str...

In this episode I speak with Nottingham Panthers legend Randall Weber. After previously playing hockey in Canada, Randall attended Nottingham Panthers games as a fan before the club had fully evolved into an established ice hockey organisation. When the Panthers junior development programme was created, he immediately signed up — a decision that would define his career. Randall made his senior Panthers debut during the 1985–86 season in front of a packed 2,300-strong crowd at Lower Parliament St...

In this episode, I speak with former Streatham Redskins, Solihull Barons, Nottingham Panthers and Peterborough Pirates forward Graham Waghorn — better known as “Wags” . Born in Ontario, Graham learned to skate at three before moving to the UK at age eight. Coming through the Streatham junior system, he made his senior debut for the Redskins at just 15 and later represented Great Britain at U16, U18 and U21 level. Graham reflects on spells with the Solihull Barons and a brief return to Canada wit...

Born in Fife, Les Millie — known as “Laser” — began skating at five and came through the Kirkcaldy juniors before making his Fife Flyers senior debut at just 14. After four seasons with a talented Flyers side, limited opportunities for British players prompted a move south. A curfew-related suspension under Brian Kanewischer opened the door to Sheffield, and at 19 Les joined the Sheffield Steelers with support from Ronnie Wood and former teammate Neil Abel. He quickly became a fan favourite, for...

In this episode, I speak with former Bournemouth Stags, Swindon Wildcats and Manchester Storm player and coach Daryl Lipsey. Originally from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Daryl arrived in the UK almost by accident after a move to Germany fell through. Signed by the Bournemouth Stags in 1984 at just 20, he vividly recalls his shock at the Westover Ice Rink — complete with fish netting instead of plexiglass — and realising, “this is it.” After two seasons in Bournemouth, Daryl became a central f...

In this episode, I’m joined by Ron Shudra — former Edmonton Oilers draft pick and Sheffield Steelers legend. Born in Winnipeg, Ron was selected 3rd round in the 1986 NHL Draft by the Stanley Cup–winning Oilers. He made 10 NHL appearances in 1987–88, including shifts alongside Wayne Gretzky, and featured on a memorable scoresheet with assists credited to Gretzky and Jari Kurri. After a frustrating spell following a trade to the New York Rangers, Ron moved to the UK in 1990, joining Solihull Baron...

In this episode, I speak with former Nottingham Panthers, MK Kings and Coventry Blaze forward Marc Twaite — better known to fans as “Smurf” . A product of Nottingham’s renowned junior system, Marc began skating at seven, rising through the ranks before making his Panthers debut at just 15. It was club legends Fred Perlini and Jimmy Keyes who gave him the nickname that stuck for life. Marc reflects on being mentored by Paul Adey, playing in the old Nottingham Ice Stadium, and the depth of British...

In this opening episode, I introduce Old Time Hockey UK — a podcast celebrating the emotion, passion and memories that define ice hockey in the UK. I’m Ken Abbott, a lifelong hockey fan since 1982 and proud Nottingham Panthers supporter, who’s experienced every high and low the game throws at you from the stands. Beyond fandom, I spent years in the hockey business — opening retail Hockey Shops in Sheffield, Manchester and Nottingham in 1993, followed by the online store CrazyKennys in 2000, befo...