OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

In this episode, Ken is joined by former Buffalo Sabres draft pick Trent Casey, a familiar name to UK fans from his time with the Peterborough Pirates, Milton Keynes Kings, and later Blackburn. Trent looks back to his early days growing up in Nanaimo, British Columbia, juggling soccer and hockey before committing fully to life on the ice. He recalls the build-up to the 1985 NHL Draft, being selected by Buffalo, and the surreal experience of attending NHL camp—highlighted by an unforgettable conversation with legendary coach Scotty Bowman. The conversation also covers one of hockey's darkest moments: the tragic Swift Current Broncos bus crash. Trent explains how close he was to the team, the confusion that followed due to a case of mistaken identity, and how the Humboldt Broncos tragedy decades later brought those memories flooding back. Trent's NHL career included a single game—but one he'll never forget. He relives the shock of a late call-up, nearly hanging up the phone thinking it was a prank, and skating against the Quebec Nordiques on 25 March 1989, including a memorable welcome from Joe Sakic during warm-ups. UK hockey fans will love Trent's stories of crossing the pond, arriving in Peterborough, embracing British rink culture, and experiencing the intensity of import battles and hostile away barns. Highlights include the Pirates' club-best third-place league finish, the unforgettable Wembley Playoff weekend, and a famous semi-final win over the Cardiff Devils, before facing the Durham Wasps the following day. Trent also reflects on the realities of the game—being released, moving teams, promotion success with Milton Keynes, a dramatic comeback against Telford, and finishing his UK career in Blackburn. Off the ice, meeting his future wife Jackie in Peterborough would prove life-changing. Post-hockey, Trent returned to Vancouver Island, where he and his family built and ran a golf course from the ground up—while still keeping a connection to the game through weekly skates. The episode is packed with humour too, from dressing-room pranks to a surreal moment standing among Wayne Gretzky's trophies, courtesy of a visit with Keith Gretzky.

Ken is joined by Kenny Macdonald — one of British hockey's most colourful 1980s characters and a true product of Scottish ice sports royalty. The son of former Scottish ice skating champion Jill Patterson, Kenny was on skates by the age of three, growing up in Aviemore's winter-sports playground where skating, skiing, and mischief shaped a natural athlete. Kenny reflects on his early senior hockey with the Aviemore Blackhawks before making a bold move south in 1981 to join the Nottingham Panthers. He vividly recalls the culture shock of his Panthers debut — overnight train journeys, borrowed kit, a packed Nottingham Ice Stadium — and then announcing himself in style with five goals and an assist. Injuries would limit his first season, but the dressing-room characters and electric atmosphere left a lasting impression. After time in Canada, Kenny returned to the UK and found his hockey home with the Peterborough Pirates. He talks openly about promotion battles, brutal rivalries (especially with Solihull), and the behind-the-scenes struggles that nearly broke the club. Everything changed with the arrival of NHL Ironman Gary Unger, whose professionalism transformed the Pirates and drove them to their best-ever finish and a historic Wembley appearance. Kenny relives the unforgettable 1990–91 playoff run — beating Cardiff Devils in the semi-final and facing Durham Wasps in the final. He scored early, unveiled his legendary "wheelchair" celebration, and played through injury on British hockey's biggest stage. The Wembley final would prove to be his last professional game. The episode is packed with laugh-out-loud stories, legendary pranks, lifelong friendships, and reflections on life after hockey. Now running his own business, Kenny still skates whenever he can — proof that once hockey gets into your blood, it never really leaves. A warm, funny, and deeply nostalgic conversation that captures the true spirit of old-time British hockey.

Wayne Crawford, better known as "Reggie", joins Ken Abbott to relive a 13-season UK career full of big characters, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments. From junior hockey at Maple Leaf Gardens, being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings (1980), and an agonising near-miss NHL debut, Wayne reflects on early highs and hard lessons—including a Team Canada stint and a surreal "almost high-five with a monkey" story in Russia. His UK journey begins at Peterborough Pirates, where he falls in love with the crowds, Animal Corner, and a famous 7–7 comeback vs Durham. After a turbulent spell at Whitley, a call from Chuck Taylor makes Telford Tigers his true home—despite injuries, suspensions, and controversy (including the infamous Kirkcaldy incident). Later chapters include Superleague Bracknell Bees, silverware with Basingstoke, and a fairytale finish captaining Guildford Flames to a treble at age 39. Best player he ever played with? Wayne Gretzky. What he misses most? The dressing room, the lads, and the banter.

Former Bracknell Bees and Sheffield Steelers defenceman Shane McCosh joins the show to share remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from his career in UK hockey. From loaning a team owner £25,000 to help cover player wages, to needing 12 stitches on a road trip before even stepping off the team coach, Shane offers a brutally honest look at life as a pro. Growing up in a hockey-mad Canadian family, Shane's early development was shaped on backyard ice rinks, eventually leading to AHL and ECHL opportunities before a surprise call from Bracknell Bees head coach Jim Fuyarchuk changed his path — and brought him to the UK SuperLeague. After three challenging seasons with the Bees, Shane moved to the Sheffield Steelers in 1999, becoming part of a squad that evolved rapidly under coach Mike Blaisdell. Despite coaching changes, fierce rivalries, and ongoing financial instability, the Steelers emerged as a dominant force. The 2000–01 season proved historic and chaotic in equal measure. While battling chronic late wage payments and the infamous "No Pay, No Play" player revolt — led in part by Shane as player representative — the Steelers somehow overcame it all to claim an unprecedented SuperLeague Grand Slam. A compelling insight into resilience, leadership, and the realities of professional hockey in the UK during one of its most turbulent eras.

Canadian-born defenceman Chris Norton is the latest Old Time Hockey UK guest, sharing stories from a six-year UK hockey journey that began after an NHL-drafted career spent mainly in the AHL and IHL. A chance conversation in Phoenix — helped by family ties to Manchester — led to his first UK move with the Ayr Raiders in 1992. Chris's UK career quickly became a lesson in survival as teams folded around him. Ayr Raiders collapsed weeks into the season, followed by a short stint with Billingham Bombers, before he found a longer home with the Durham Wasps. There, he experienced fierce rivalries, relegation battles, and later captained the team to a playoff finish and Castle Eden Cup success. Further spells with Teesside Bombers and a return to Durham followed amid financial chaos, before Chris signed with the Newcastle Cobras as player-assistant coach during the launch of the British Superleague. After two turbulent seasons, Chris and his wife Christina left the UK to begin a new chapter in Switzerland. A fascinating look at resilience, instability, and life as an import during one of the most unpredictable eras in UK ice hockey.

In this episode, Ken Abbott is joined by Gary Newbon—legendary broadcaster, journalist, and former Solihull Barons owner, best known to viewers from Central TV and Sky Sports. Gary traces his broadcasting career from Westward TV to ATV, becoming a leading Midlands sports reporter before rising to Controller of Sport as ATV rebranded to Central TV in 1982. That same year, a chance encounter involving a broken washing machine led Gary to Solihull Barons—and into ice hockey ownership. With crowds of barely 50 and no imports, Gary took over a struggling Division Two club and sparked what became known as "The Gary Newbon Miracle." Using his media contacts and commercial know-how, he secured sponsorship, brought in Canadian imports, appointed Chuck Taylor as player-coach, and transformed the club. Attendances soared to 1,500, the Barons won their division, and promotion followed. Despite continued investment in Division One, on-ice indiscipline and high-profile incidents—most notably Crowtree in 1985—ultimately derailed further progress. With negative publicity threatening his TV career, Gary stepped away after just two intense seasons. As Ice Hockey News Review editor Vic Batchelder wrote: "Like him or loathe him, it's generally acknowledged in hockey circles that Gary Newbon achieved something of a minor miracle in just two seasons with the Barons." Now more than 50 years into broadcasting, Gary remains as active as ever, hosting The Gary Newbon Sports Show and continuing to interview the biggest names in sport.

In Part 2 of our Series 5 interview, David Simms continues his incredible Sheffield Steelers story. A key figure in the club's formation, David reflects on 30 years of dedication — still making the 180-mile round trip from Solihull to Sheffield Arena to this day. A born storyteller, David revisits one of the most infamous nights in British ice hockey history: Friday 9 February 2001, the Battle of Lower Parliament Street. With the Steelers on the brink of securing the SuperLeague title in Nottingham, chaos erupted in a game that has since become legendary. David also shares behind-the-scenes stories about signing Steelers legend Ken Priestlay, the best and worst owners in club history, locker-room controversies, European adventures in Omsk, Russia, and even meeting a Russian oligarch. If you enjoyed Part 1, Part 2 is unmissable.

In Part 1 of our Series 5 interview, David Simms recounts how a chance visit to an ice rink in the mid-1980s sparked a lifelong love affair with ice hockey. From discovering the sport at Solihull Barons, David rose from fan to committee member and team manager before finding himself at the heart of a defining moment in British hockey history — the birth of the Sheffield Steelers in 1991. David shares candid stories from his Barons days, including firing imports, the truth behind Brent Sapergia's sudden departure, Jim Pennycook's injury, the collapse of the Barons and even receiving his first death threat. He also explains why he walked away to join the newly formed Steelers, how the club started three tiers down, becoming the game-night announcer, and the identity of the most important player in Steelers history. This is a revealing, nostalgic and often unbelievable first chapter — and it's only Part 1.

This episode features former Durham Wasps, Nottingham Panthers, Solihull Barons, Bracknell Bees and Great Britain goal-scoring star Jamie Crapper. Jamie charts an extraordinary UK hockey journey — from prolific import with the Durham Wasps, league and cup winner, to key roles at Nottingham, Solihull and Bracknell. He discusses becoming player-coach under pressure, guiding teams to promotion and survival, and balancing elite playing duties with off-ice roles as a manager and rink operator. After hanging up his skates, Jamie played a major part in developing hockey in Bristol, helping establish junior hockey and the Bristol Bulldogs, before later returning to the ice as a referee, reaching the SuperLeague and winning the BIHA Micky Curry Award. A fascinating story of goals, leadership and dedication to British ice hockey.

Today's hockey hero is former Murrayfield Racers, Fife Flyers and Dumfries Border Vikings netminder Moray Hanson — one of British ice hockey's true legends. Moray was Great Britain's first-choice goalie at the 1994 World Cup Pool A Championships, before going on to achieve something no other Brit ever has: officiating at six consecutive World Championships. From backstopping the Racers to domestic silverware and unforgettable Wembley appearances, to a brief but headline-grabbing move to Fife Flyers, Moray's playing career was packed with drama, rivalry and success. After hanging up the pads, he pulled on the stripes — rising rapidly to referee at the very highest level, including eight consecutive Elite League Playoff Finals, before an emotional farewell in 2012. A rare figure who reached the top of the game both as a player and an official, Moray Hanson's story is one of dedication, resilience and respect. British Hockey Hall of Fame inductee – Class of 2013

Today's hockey hero from the past is André Malo, one of the most respected defencemen of his era and a true servant of British ice hockey. Arriving from Canada in 1986, André went on to enjoy a remarkable 15-season UK career, icing for the Ayr Bruins, Cleveland Bombers, Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers and Newcastle Vipers. After gaining his British passport in 1993, he proudly represented Great Britain, earning 32 senior international caps. André's UK journey began in Ayr during a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and playoff disappointment. A late change of plans saw him move south to the Cleveland Bombers, a decision that would shape the rest of his career. With Cleveland he experienced promotion, relegation, and a dramatic reprieve, later stepping up as player-coach during a hugely successful 1989–90 campaign. A move to the Nottingham Panthers followed in 1993, culminating in a memorable but painful Wembley Playoff semi-final defeat. André then returned "home" to Teesside before serious financial issues and a back injury temporarily forced him away from the game. Fully recovered, André joined the Sheffield Steelers for the 1995–96 season, becoming part of one of the most dominant teams in UK hockey history. That year brought a Grand Slam, including a dramatic Wembley Playoff Final victory decided by penalty shots — with André scoring first against his former club. In total, André spent five seasons with the Steelers, playing 286 games and winning six major trophies. He later returned briefly with the Newcastle Vipers before finally retiring from the game. Now settled in Stockton-on-Tees, André works as a teacher and enjoys golf — but his legacy as one of the game's most reliable leaders remains firmly intact. Thanks for the memories, André.

Today's Episode features former NHL forward and SuperLeague star Ed Courtenay, whose career took him from the bright lights of the NHL to some of the biggest stages in UK ice hockey. Born in Montreal, Ed's NHL journey began in unusual fashion when the Minnesota North Stars discovered him by chance during a junior game. Although he never iced for Minnesota, strong seasons in the IHL eventually led to his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks. Over two seasons in San Jose, Ed scored 7 goals and added 13 assists, including his first NHL goal against his hometown Montreal Canadiens. After several more seasons in North America's minor leagues, Ed crossed the Atlantic in 1997 to join the Sheffield Steelers. Impressed by the Sheffield Arena and its fanbase, he spent three seasons with the club, finishing as SuperLeague Player of the Season in his final year after leading the league in goals and points. Despite consistent cup success, league glory narrowly eluded the Steelers during his time there. Ed then moved north to the Ayr Scottish Eagles, reuniting with close friend Tony Hand. His second season in Ayr proved memorable as the Eagles finished league runners-up and stunned the Belfast Giants 5–0 on their own ice to lift the Challenge Cup. After a brief return to North America, Ed returned to the UK as player-coach of the Belfast Giants. In his first season he led the club to an Elite League Championship, aided by the signing of NHL star Theo Fleury. Further spells followed with the Newcastle Vipers and Manchester Phoenix before Ed retired at the end of the 2009–10 season. Today, Ed lives with his family in Charleston, South Carolina — his legacy firmly secured on both sides of the Atlantic.

In this episode Ken chat with Jim Mollard, a hard-nosed Canadian forward from Stonewall, Manitoba, whose UK hockey career produced some of the most dramatic moments of the late 1980s and early '90s. Before arriving in Edinburgh, Jim had spent two seasons in the Edmonton Oilers farm system. Disillusioned with life in the minors, he accepted an offer from Murrayfield Racers after a recommendation from Tony Hand, whom he'd met at an Oilers training camp. Joining the Racers for the 1989–90 season, Jim became part of one of the most talented British-based line-ups of the era. UK hockey proved very different from Canada — longer shifts, heavier minutes and a far more physical edge. Jim even played through a broken jaw after a fight in Solihull, missing six weeks before returning just in time for the Norwich Union Cup Final. Fully fit, Jim played a key role in Murrayfield's 10–4 Cup Final win over the Durham Wasps, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists and helping remove Wasps star Rick Brebant from the game. The Racers then embarked on another famous Wembley run, with Jim scoring the dramatic late winner against Nottingham Panthers in the semi-final. The 1990 Wembley Playoff Final against Cardiff Devils became one of the greatest finals ever played. Jim scored twice as the Racers built an early lead, before a chaotic game, broken plexi-glass delay and marathon penalty shootout eventually handed Cardiff the title. Jim returned for the 1990–91 season, but financial constraints and roster limitations hampered the Racers. Despite another Norwich Union Cup Final appearance and a Wembley semi-final, the season ended in disappointment. The Racers did, however, retain the Scottish Cup, with Jim again playing a starring role. At the end of the season, Jim returned to Canada and retired from the game.

This Episode features one of the most successful coaches in UK ice hockey history — Dave Whistle. Over a 16-season UK career, Dave spent seven seasons as a player and nine as a head coach, leading both the Bracknell Bees and the Belfast Giants to SuperLeague League Championships, and guiding the Giants to a Playoff Championship as well. A graduate of the University of Brandon in Manitoba, Dave arrived in the UK in 1991 to join the Billingham Bombers. Despite finishing as the team's top scorer with 48 goals and 62 assists in just 36 games, he was surprisingly released and went on to ice for Romford, Basingstoke and Telford, gaining valuable experience across both Division 1 and the Premier Division. Dave's career took a defining turn when he joined the Bracknell Bees. Following the creation of the Ice Hockey SuperLeague, he stepped into coaching and, in 1998–99, became head coach. Just one season later, Dave led the Bees to a remarkable SuperLeague League Championship, finishing above the sport's wealthiest clubs. In 2000, Dave accepted the challenge of becoming the first-ever head coach of the Belfast Giants — a brand new franchise with no arena, no roster and no fanbase. Against all odds, he built a competitive team and a passionate following, with the Giants selling out their first home game. The following season Belfast captured their first SuperLeague title after a 16-game unbeaten run, and in 2003 Dave added a SuperLeague Playoff Championship to his growing list of honours. Following the collapse of the SuperLeague, Dave coached in Germany and later returned to the UK with Cardiff Devils and Sheffield Steelers before heading back to Canada. Now coaching with the Okanagan Hockey Academy, Dave remains one of the most influential figures in the modern history of UK ice hockey.

Former London Knights and Nottingham Panthers enforcer Barry Nieckar joins the show to reflect on a career built on toughness, resilience and respect. A veteran of the AHL, IHL and ECHL, Barry also earned eight NHL appearances with the Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames and Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Now based in Edmonton, he explains how his role naturally evolved into that of an enforcer and why he believes the NHL remains the toughest league. Barry's UK journey began with the London Knights in 1999, arriving late after months of contractual limbo and debuting on Boxing Day. Despite the disruption, the season ended in success as the Knights won the SuperLeague Playoffs, earning Barry his first UK silverware. In 2000 he moved to the Nottingham Panthers during their first season at the National Ice Centre. While results disappointed, the year produced one of UK hockey's most infamous moments — the "Battle of Lower Parliament Street" against Sheffield on 9 February 2001. A bench-clearing brawl led to 471 penalty minutes, mass ejections and worldwide headlines. Barry later shared a dressing room with former rival Scott Allison, proving that fierce rivalries can end in respect. After three seasons in Nottingham, he retired and returned to Canada, now working in the oil and gas industry. Thanks for the memories, Barry.

Tim Cranston — Part Two Part Two picks up Tim Cranston's story at the very top of UK ice hockey. In 1993, Alex Dampier invited Tim to join the Sheffield Steelers, beginning a five-season spell that helped redefine the British game. Balancing hockey with a law degree at York University, Tim became a cornerstone of a Steelers team on the rise. After the pain of a 12–1 Wembley Playoff Final defeat to Cardiff in his first season, Sheffield responded in style—winning a League and Playoff double, clinching the league title on Nottingham Panthers' ice and gaining Wembley revenge over the Devils. The following season delivered a Grand Slam: Benson & Hedges Cup, League Championship and a dramatic penalty-shot Playoff Final win, with Tim uniquely named Man of the Match in three consecutive Wembley Finals. The launch of the SuperLeague (1996–97) brought more success as Sheffield finished runners-up before again beating Nottingham in the Playoff Final. Tim's final Steelers season ended without silverware, but off the ice he qualified as a lawyer, retiring at 36. In total, Tim recorded 297 games, 208 goals, 205 assists for Sheffield, plus 32 GB caps. A delayed Canadian law licence led to a short final UK spell with the Edinburgh Capitals, where he fittingly signed off in Scotland with 10 goals and 9 assists in 17 games.

The Early Years Episode S4E04 explores the early hockey journey of Tim Cranston—former Fife Flyers, Cleveland Bombers, Durham Wasps, Sheffield Steelers and Edinburgh Capitals forward, and a 39-cap Great Britain international. Tim reflects on his development in Canada before choosing the European route, signing for GIJS Groningen at 21 and spending five seasons across Central Europe in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. His UK story began unexpectedly in December 1988 with a short-term move to Fife Flyers, producing an immediate impact—19 goals and 15 assists in just seven games. Although released when Fife's injured import returned, his performances turned heads. In 1989, Tim returned to the UK with the Cleveland Bombers, combining hockey with studies at Durham University. Over two seasons he helped the Bombers win promotion before suffering relegation the following year. Now holding a British passport, Tim caught the attention of GB coach Alex Dampier. Despite a late registration scare, he represented Great Britain at the 1993 Pool B World Championships, where GB won all eight games, earned promotion to Pool A, and Tim scored three game-winning goals, including a decisive late winner against host nation Holland.

Former Winnipeg Jets forward Doug Smail joins the show to reflect on a remarkable career that spanned 13 NHL seasons before an unexpected and memorable move to UK ice hockey. Undrafted in 1980 after three seasons at the University of North Dakota, Doug signed as a free agent with Winnipeg and went on to play 867 NHL regular-season and playoff games, scoring 219 goals. He helped the Jets reach the playoffs eight times, twice making the Smythe Division Finals, and still shares the NHL record for the fastest goal from the opening face-off—just five seconds into a game. In 1993, Doug stunned the hockey world by moving directly from the NHL to the UK, signing for Fife Flyers. Inspired by his Scottish roots, he helped Fife to their best season in nine years—finishing Heineken League runners-up, reaching the Wembley Playoff Finals, and earning Premier League Player of the Year honours. After briefly retiring, Doug returned for short spells with Cardiff Devils and Fife Flyers, enjoying European competition and derby victories. A final season with Cardiff in 1996 capped off an extraordinary career before he finally hung up his skates.

Episode two of Series 4 features Nottingham Panthers legend Greg Hadden, one of the club's most prolific goal scorers. Greg spent seven seasons in Nottingham, playing 377 games and scoring 167 goals, cementing his place in Panthers history. Greg opens with an update on recent shoulder surgery, before reflecting on his hockey journey from street hockey in Vancouver to junior, college hockey, and a lifelong friendship with Steve Carpenter. Arriving in Nottingham in 1996 at the dawn of the SuperLeague era, Greg quickly became a fan favourite. His Panthers career included iconic moments such as the 115-minute Playoff semi-final vs Ayr Scottish Eagles—the longest game in UK history—and involvement in the infamous "Battle of Lower Parliament Street" against Sheffield in 2001. On the ice, Greg was a multiple award winner, SuperLeague top goal scorer (1998–99), holds the league record for most goals in a single game, and scored several landmark goals for the Panthers. Injuries forced his retirement in 2003, but the club honoured him by retiring his number 11 jersey. Today, Greg lives in British Columbia, working as a firefighter and enjoying family life.

Series 4 opens with a true giant of British ice hockey, Peter "Jonker" Johnson—player, coach, mentor and innovator whose influence spanned five decades. Introduced to the game at Durham Ice Rink aged 10, Jonker rose through the junior ranks and debuted for the Durham Wasps at just 16. He reflects on the realities of hockey in the 1960s and '70s—no helmets, heavy kit, fierce rivalries and the unique culture of Durham. A key figure in the Wasps' glory years, Jonker later became head coach, leading Durham to the 1985–86 League Championship and earning Coach of the Year honours. One of his proudest moments saw three generations share the scoresheet: "Goal by Johnson, assisted by Johnson and Johnson." Inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame (1989), Jonker went on to transform the Humberside Seahawks, guiding them to Division One titles, promotion, Wembley appearances and sustained top-level success. He later focused on junior development, winning multiple youth championships, and served with Great Britain as a senior and junior international coach. In 2015, Jonker was fittingly named "Coaches Coach of the Century", a perfect reflection of his lasting legacy in British ice hockey.