Episodes

In today’s extended bonus episode I speak with former Aviemore Blackhawks, Cardiff Devils, Ayr Raiders and Swindon Wildcats coach Brian Kanewischer. Brian talks about travelling over 4,000 miles from his home in Medicine Hat, Alberta to attend the 100 Years of UK Ice Hockey celebrations in Durham in August 2015 — an event he describes as the perfect chance to reunite with old friends and teammates from his UK hockey days. Brian’s UK adventure began in 1984 when, aged just 24, he left Canad...

In today’s show I speak with former Aviemore Blackhawks, Cardiff Devils, Ayr Raiders and Swindon Wildcats coach Brian Kanewischer. Brian talks about travelling over 4,000 miles from his home in Medicine Hat, Alberta to attend the 100 Years of UK Ice Hockey celebrations in Durham in August 2015 — an event he describes as the perfect chance to reunite with old friends and teammates from his UK hockey days. Brian’s UK adventure began in 1984 when, aged just 24, he left Canada for Scotland via...

In today’s show I speak with former Solihull Barons, Telford Tigers and Nottingham Panthers defenceman Chuck Taylor. Born in London in 1961 and raised in Saskatchewan, Chuck returned to the UK in 1982 after signing for Gary Newbon’s Solihull Barons. Arriving in November following a failed move to Germany, Chuck admits he knew nothing about the UK game and was initially disillusioned with the standard. Alongside fellow import Barry Skrudland, he considered returning to Canada — until chairman ...

In today’s show I talk to former Streatham Braves, Medway Bears, Peterborough Pirates and Cardiff Devils netminder Jason Wood. Now living in Penticton, British Columbia, Jason works as a firefighter in downtown Vancouver. Our interview was scheduled for 4:30pm UK time — 8:30am in Vancouver — but after finishing a night shift, Jason decided to do the interview while driving the 260 miles home. As you’ll hear, it certainly had its moments. Jason began his goaltending career at just nine year...

In today’s show I speak with former Washington Capitals, Fife Flyers and Peterborough Pirates forward Todd Bidner. Drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 6th round of the 1980 NHL Draft (110th overall), Todd entered professional hockey in a draft year that also produced several future UK league stars, including Mike Blaisdell, Wayne Crawford, Mike O’Connor and Fred Perlini. Todd’s NHL career was short but eventful. After just six games with the Capitals, he broke his leg and was sent to...

In today’s show I speak with Frankie Killen and Scott Plews, the organisers of the 100 Years UK Ice Hockey event. Both had previously appeared on the podcast, sharing their hopes and ambitions for the event — and their hard work paid off as it proved to be an outstanding success. Held at the Ramside Hotel in Durham on 31 July and 1 August 2015, the event celebrated a century of UK ice hockey and brought together players, referees and officials from across the country — with some travelling fr...

In today’s show I speak with former Glasgow Dynamoes, Nottingham Panthers, Peterborough Pirates and Paisley Pirates forward Kenny McKie. Kenny first discovered ice skating at the age of ten after persuading his older brother to take him to the Crossmyloof ice rink in Glasgow. Despite the rink being far from glamorous, its huge ice surface helped produce strong skaters — and Kenny was instantly hooked. By eleven he had joined the Glasgow Vikings junior team, memorably skating around a Christma...

In today’s show I speak with former Whitley Warriors, Murrayfield Racers, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Riverkings, Coventry Blaze and Newcastle Vipers forward Hilton Ruggles. Hilton reflects on his early years growing up playing hockey in Montreal, his spell in mainland Europe, and his arrival in the UK after signing for the Whitley Warriors in 1988 — memorably slipping over alongside fellow import Mike Rowe while being introduced to the press. After four seasons with the Wa...

In today’s show, I’m joined by Scott Neil — former Murrayfield Racers and Sheffield Steelers forward, and owner of the Edinburgh Capitals. Born in Edinburgh, Scott came through Murrayfield’s system, scoring his first senior goal at 16 and earning 37 GB caps by 17, featuring in six World Championships and an Olympic Qualifier. After four years of university hockey in Canada under Alex Dampier, he returned to a Racers side enjoying a golden era — winning multiple league titles, cups, and a Wemb...

Today’s show features former Aviemore Blackhawks and Nottingham Panthers forward Gavin Fraser. Raised in the Scottish Highlands, Gavin regularly walked six miles to reach his local ice rink. Although a keen skater from a young age, he didn’t take up ice hockey until he was thirteen after attending a game on a whim. That decision would change his life. Following a recommendation from former Aviemore teammate John Bremner, Gavin joined the Nottingham Panthers and initially arrived on what he...

Today’s show features former Craig Melancon, a colourful forward remembered for his spells with the Streatham Redskins, Slough Jets and Nottingham Panthers. Craig explains the origin of his nickname “Cougar” and reflects on growing up in Ottawa, skating daily on outdoor rinks before progressing to the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL. After 52 games, he dropped to Junior A to further develop his game. In 1984, encouraged by his grandfather — a UK emigrant to Canada — Craig crossed the Atlantic to...

Today’s episode features former Fred Perlini, a forward whose career spanned the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nottingham Panthers, Fife Flyers and Guildford Flames. Fred recounts being unexpectedly drafted by the Maple Leafs in the 1980 NHL Draft while digging a ditch — only learning the news from a passing motorist. A year later, he made headlines by scoring for both the Toronto Marlies and the Maple Leafs on the same day, netting a hat-trick in the afternoon before scoring again that evening. Af...

Today’s episode features former Simon Leach, Whitley Warriors forward and Head Coach. Simon began his hockey journey at Whitley Bay Ice Rink alongside childhood friend David Longstaff, progressing through the Warriors’ junior system and making first-team debuts together at just 15. Simon went on to represent Great Britain at every level from U16 to senior. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Simon was part of a fearsome Whitley Warriors side renowned for toughness, deep British talent a...

In this episode, I’m joined by former Ivan Matulik, a fan favourite with the Sheffield Steelers, Edinburgh Racers, Cardiff Devils and Manchester Storm. Born in communist Czechoslovakia, Ivan was a rising star with Slovan Bratislava when he was drafted in the 7th round by the Edmonton Oilers. Faced with a life-changing choice, he secretly defected to the West to pursue his NHL dream, arriving in Canada alone and unable to speak English. Despite adapting quickly, fierce competition and serious ...

In this episode I speak with former Peterborough Pirates, Cardiff Devils and Great Britain international defenceman Shannon Hope. Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Shannon arrived in the UK in 1984 after being persuaded by his old junior friend Ron Katernuk, newly appointed coach of the Peterborough Pirates. Playing as one of only three allowed imports, Shannon became part of a strong Pirates team whose characters and chemistry helped secure the Championship Trophy and promotion to the Heineken ...

In this episode, I speak with Paul Adey — former Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers forward, and later Head Coach of the Nottingham Panthers and Belfast Giants. Born in Montreal, Paul grew up on outdoor rinks before playing three seasons in the QMJHL and then moving to the tough International Hockey League. In 1987, he headed to Europe, signing for Briançon in France, where the club reached the playoff final. Paul arrived in the UK in 1988, signing for the Nottingham Panthers under...

In this episode I speak with former Fife Flyers, Murrayfield and Edinburgh Racers, Telford Tigers and Paisley Pirates defenceman Scott Plews. Scott made his Fife Flyers first-team debut at just fourteen years old. Because of his age, he spent the next three seasons juggling hockey across multiple levels — playing for the Flyers first team, the Kestrels, both the U16 and U19 sides, and earning selection for the Great Britain U18 team. His early promise suggested a very bright future. Howeve...

In this episode, I’m joined by former BIHA and Ice Hockey UK referee Simon Kirkham. Simon began playing in the early 1980s with the Nottingham Panthers’ second team, the Trojans, before work and relocation cut his playing career short. After returning to Nottingham in 1987, he was encouraged by Referee-in-Chief Nico Toemen to try officiating—sparking an 18-year career as a linesman and international referee. He reflects on his chaotic first game, the support of mentors like Nico Toemen and...

Mention the name Jimmy Keyes to any long-time Nottingham Panthers fan and it instantly brings back memories of the club’s first true post-reformation legend. Jimmy arrived in 1985 as one of Alex Dampier’s three imports. A fearless forward from Thunder Bay, he combined toughness with a natural goalscoring touch. In the interview, Jimmy recalls his first meeting with Dampier and his surprise at being greeted by Panthers fans on arrival at East Midlands Airport. He shares vivid memories of th...

In this episode, I’m joined by legendary netminder Frankie Killen — better known as “Killer” — who guarded the crease for the Durham Wasps, Nottingham Panthers, Cleveland (Billingham) Bombers and Humberside Seahawks during what many consider the golden age of British ice hockey. Frankie looks back on a career spanning 1980–1994, firmly rooted in the Heineken League era, recalling his rookie season with the Wasps, his very first game in goal, and the unique mindset required to be a netminder. ...

In this episode, I speak with John Lawless, former player and coach with the Peterborough Pirates, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm and Telford Tigers. John explains his decision to join the Pirates over Nottingham Panthers and reflects on Peterborough’s success and colourful characters. In 1986, he became player-coach of the newly formed Cardiff Devils, guiding the club through a remarkable rise — from early challenges at the Wales National Ice Rink to rapid promotion and a stunning League a...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jamie Leach — Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins and former UK import with the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers. Jamie reflects on growing up as the son of Reggie Leach, his surprise 3rd-round selection in the 1987 NHL Draft, and making his NHL debut against the New York Rangers. He discusses life inside the star-studded Penguins squads that won back-to-back Stanley Cups (1991 & 1992), and the challenge of securing a regular spot amid i...

In this episode, I speak with Ken Priestlay — former Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins forward, and two-time Stanley Cup winner. Ken reflects on the 1985 NHL Draft, his disappointment at slipping to the fifth round, and a career-defining trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He shares memories of life at the Igloo, the depth of those Penguins teams, and gives his take on just how special Mario Lemieux really was during the club’s back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs. Turning to the UK, Ken e...

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 ...