OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

#OldTimeHockeyUK – Podcast Extra 🎙️📖

In today's Marc Twaite Podcast Extra, former GB and Nottingham Panthers forward Marc Twaite returns to the show to introduce his brand-new autobiography, "The Ice That Melted".

Marc was my very first guest all the way back in October 2014. In that original interview, he opened up about life in the game, playing at the top level for clubs including Nottingham Panthers, Milton Keynes Kings, Coventry Blaze, Cardiff Devils and Sheffield Steelers — and the cruel twist that saw injury force his retirement at just 27.

If you've never heard it, go back and listen to Episode 002 – The Marc Twaite Interview. Trust me, it's well worth your time.

📘 About the book "The Ice That Melted" doesn't pull any punches. Marc lays bare the highs of living the dream as a top British player, alongside the lows of a life-threatening injury that brought everything to a sudden halt. He also talks candidly about how his passion for angling — especially carp fishing — helped pull him out of a very dark place and turn his life around.

🎧 In this Podcast Extra We chat about what inspired Marc to write the book, how family and friends helped piece together memories, and he even hints at some of the "juicy stuff" that went on off the ice 👀 Spoiler: this is not just another hockey book.

🌍 Bonus Extra Marc also reveals details about his brand-new business venture in Spain — but to hear more, you'll have to listen in…

📢 This one's a must-listen. 📖 The book? Mine's already on order.

👇 Have you listened to Marc's original episode? 👇 Who remembers watching him play — and where?

Jason Wood Interview In today’s show I talk to former Streatham Braves, Medway Bears, Peterborough Pirates and Cardiff Devils netminder Jason Wood. Jason now lives in Penticton in British Columbia, Canada and works as a firefighter in downtown Vancouver. We’d scheduled the interview for 4.30pm UK time / 8.30am Vancouver time. After finishing a night...

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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 years old with the Streatham Braves. The team enjoyed a remarkable 1986 season, winning the Wembley Junior Championship and going undefeated. Jason faced only 100 shots all season and did not concede a single goal.

At fifteen he stepped up to senior hockey with the Medway Bears, spending two seasons developing his game before being recruited by Peterborough Pirates coach and former NHL "Iron Man" Gary Unger. Enticed by the promise of a summer at the renowned Okanagan Hockey School, Jason signed — only to return to Canada briefly before citizenship issues brought him back to the UK after six months.

On his return, Jason contacted Cardiff Devils coach John Lawless and earned a contract as backup to former Streatham mentor Jeff Smith for the 1989–90 season. When Smith departed, Jason became a key figure in one of the most successful eras in Devils history.

During his time in Cardiff, Jason helped the Devils win multiple honours, including four League Championships, three Playoff Championships and the Autumn/Benson & Hedges Cup. He also represented Great Britain at the 1991–92 Junior U20 World Championships.

The 1996–97 season proved difficult following a dispute with Devils ownership that severely limited his ice time and ultimately forced Jason to take legal action to recover unpaid wages. After a short spell with the Kingston Hawks the following season, injury brought his playing career to an end at just 27.

Jason later joined the South Wales Fire Service before moving permanently to Canada, where he became a firefighter in Delta, near Vancouver. He gained Canadian citizenship two years ago and now also works with health and wellness company Usana Health Sciences.

Todd Bidner Interview. In today’s show I talk to former Washington Capitals, Fife Flyers and Peterborough Pirates forward Todd Bidner. Todd was drafted into the NHL in 1980 by the Washington Capitals, he was a round 6 pick, 110th overall. It was a good year for UK ice hockey as in the same round, future...

The post Todd Bidner Podcast Interview – Episode S1E27 appeared first on Old Time Hockey UK.

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 hospital alone in a taxi — still wearing his hockey kit. On his return to the rink later that evening, with his leg in plaster, he discovered the entire Capitals organisation had been fired, from the general manager and coach down to the scouting staff.

Once fit again, Todd bounced between the Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, experiencing an unforgettable five-day stretch that saw him play multiple games across both leagues before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. However, he never suited up for Edmonton and was instead sent to Wichita, Kansas.

In 1985, with his North American contract complete, Todd chose to move to the British Hockey League, signing for the Fife Flyers and beginning a twelve-season UK career that saw him play for ten different British clubs, including the Peterborough Pirates, Nottingham Panthers and Durham Wasps.

After gaining dual-passport status, Todd represented Great Britain at Pool A of the 1994 World Championships. Alongside his playing career, he prepared for life after hockey by earning a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Teesside University.

Now back in North America, Todd is a partner in MyProHero.com, a platform that connects developing players with experienced — often former NHL — coaches for video analysis, feedback and long-term skill development.

The 100 Years UK Hockey Event Interview. In today’s show I talk to Frankie Killen and Scott Plews, organisers of the 100 Years UK Ice Hockey event. Both guys had been interviewed for the podcast previously. Frankie in Episode 12 and Scott in Episode 15. Both had talked of their hopes and aspirations for the...

The post The 100 Years UK Ice Hockey Event – Episode S1E26 appeared first on Old Time Hockey UK.

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 from as far afield as Canada, Australia and Germany. It was a long-awaited opportunity to reconnect with old teammates and rivals, share stories, and celebrate the game's rich history.

The weekend included golf, social events and a memorable gala dinner, where legends of the game were honoured. Awards included Tony Hand as Player of the Century, Percy Nicklin as Coach of the Century and Peter "Jonker" Johnson for his outstanding contribution to UK ice hockey. Guests also enjoyed video messages from Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, former Ayr and Peterborough coach Rocky Saganiuk, and former GB, Nottingham and Sheffield coach Alex Dampier.

Beyond celebration, the event raised over £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. A particularly moving moment came from Jeff "Big Moose" Smith, whose presentation left the room in silence. Additional praise was given to John Churchill and Martin Guy, who cycled 180 miles from East Kilbride to Durham to raise over £2,000, and to Kel Land for supporting the Big Moose charity.

The interview concludes with the question everyone wants answered — will there be another UK ice hockey reunion event? To find out, you'll have to listen to the podcast.

Kenny McKie Interview In today’s show I talk to former Glasgow Dynamoes, Nottingham Panthers, Peterborough Pirate and Paisley Pirates forward Kenny McKie. Kenny first “discovered” ice skating as a 10 year old, he’d persuaded his 16 year old brother to take him to the Crossmyloof ice rink, his brother had arranged to meet a girl...

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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 Christmas tree at centre ice when the winch broke during a festival period.

Progressing through the Glasgow system, Kenny played for the Dynamoes and earned selection for the Great Britain U18 team. In 1982, seeking a fresh challenge away from his apprenticeship in Glasgow, a conversation with Nottingham Panthers boss Gary Keward led to a move south.

Kenny recalls his unforgettable Panthers debut at Billingham, returning to Nottingham to find fans already queuing at 1am, then skating out in front of 2,500 supporters and scoring in a 12–1 win. He also shares lighter moments, including being introduced to a pre-game Big Mac meal by Dwayne Keward — a novelty at a time when Glasgow had no McDonald's.

After leaving Nottingham, Kenny considered moves to Solihull and Streatham, but a summer coaching role at a Peterborough hockey school convinced him to sign for the Peterborough Pirates. It proved to be the right choice, as he spent the next eleven seasons with the club, playing under coaches Ron Katernuk, Garry Unger and Rocky Saganiuk, alongside characters such as Doug McEwan, Trent Kaese, Todd Bidner, Danny Shea and Scott O'Connor.

Kenny eventually returned to Glasgow, played one final season with the Paisley Pirates and then retired. He candidly reflects on the emotional difficulty of stepping away from the game and reveals the one thing he still truly misses — something you'll have to listen to the podcast to discover. Today, Kenny and his family remain regular visitors to the Braehead Arena as proud Glasgow Clan supporters.

Hilton Ruggles Interview. In today’s show I talk with former Whitley Warriors, Murrayfield Racers, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Riverkings, Coventry Blaze and Newcastle Vipers forward Hilton Ruggles. We talk of his early years growing up playing ice hockey in Montreal and his foray over to mainland Europe. He describes his arrival in Whitley Bay...

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