OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

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 Micky Curry, and his progression to the international stage. Simon also shares insights into becoming an on-ice official, why some linesmen don't step up to refereeing, and the role of former players in officiating.

Plus, he recounts memorable moments—including a live TV slip-up and refereeing all three games of the 1996 Wembley Playoff Finals.

We finish with his current role as an Elite League supervisor, assessing and supporting today's officials.

Jimmy Keyes Interview. Mention the name Jimmy Keyes to any long time Nottingham Panthers fan and watch as their face lights up with the rush of  memories of the Panther’s first true legend since they reformed in 1980. Jimmy joined the Panthers in 1985 as one of new coach Alex Dampier’s three imports, a feisty...

The post Jimmy Keyes Podcast Interview – Episode S1E13 appeared first on Old Time Hockey UK.

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 the old Nottingham Ice Stadium, from the safety netting replacing plexiglass to a favourite quiet hideaway inside the rink.

A key highlight is the 1986 Norwich Union Autumn Cup Final victory over the Fife Flyers, sealed by Jimmy's famous wraparound goal in sudden-death overtime — the Panthers' first trophy since reforming.

Jimmy also explains his decision to leave Nottingham after just two seasons, reflects on being labelled a Panthers "legend", and talks about life back home in Thunder Bay, where his competitive edge now comes out through distance running and Nordic skiing.

Frankie Killen Podcast Interview Frankie Killen, a netminder from what many consider to be the golden age of British ice hockey. The Heineken Hockey era began in 1982 and ended 1996, and “Killer” started his rookie season in 1980 and played right through to 1994 when his knees finally gave up on him. The former...

The post Frankie Killen Podcast Interview – Episode S1E12 appeared first on Old Time Hockey UK.

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. He speaks candidly about life in Durham, where wages were modest but success was measured in championships, not pay packets.

A major talking point is his controversial move to the Nottingham Panthers, a transfer that angered Wasps fans so much police escorts were needed when he returned to Durham. In a remarkable twist, Frankie later explains how he was "poached" back to the Wasps following an on-ice collision with former teammate Paul Smith — while both lay injured on the ice.

The conversation is packed with classic Heineken-era stories, revisiting unforgettable characters, fierce rivalries, European Cup trips, team initiations, and the strict dressing-room culture that defined the era — where imports who didn't fit were quickly moved on.

👇 A true blast from British hockey's past.

John Lawless Interview In this episode I interview former Peterborough Pirates, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm and Telford Tigers player and coach, John Lawless. We discuss why he chose the Peterborough Pirates over the more established Nottingham Panthers. We also talk of the successes of the Pirates plus the various characters that played during that time. In...

The post John Lawless Podcast Interview – Episode S1E11 appeared first on Old Time Hockey UK.

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 and Playoff Championship double in the Heineken Premier Division.

One of John's proudest achievements was leading Cardiff to the European Championship semi-finals in 1993, the first British team ever to reach that stage.

After nine seasons in Wales, John moved to become player-coach of the Manchester Storm, backed by Ogden Entertainments at the Nynex Arena. The Storm enjoyed instant success, winning the league and promotion in their inaugural season, before the arrival of the SuperLeague brought new challenges.

The episode concludes with reflections on John's time at Telford Tigers and memories of the Cardiff Devils' 25th anniversary celebrations.

Jamie Leach Interview. In today’s show I talk with former Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, Florida Panthers and Team Canada forward Jamie Leach. Stanley Cup winner Jamie Leach also went on to play for the Sheffield Steelers and the Nottingham Panthers. We talk about his early years growing up with a famous hockey dad, the former...

The post Jamie Leach Podcast Interview – Episode S1E10 appeared first on Old Time Hockey UK.

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 incredible depth.

He explains requesting a trade from Pittsburgh, his time with the Hartford Whalers, and later regrets about leaving such a dominant team.

Turning to the UK, Jamie reveals how former teammate Ken Priestlay helped bring him to Sheffield, before a move to Mike Blaisdell's Nottingham Panthers. Jamie looks back fondly on four seasons in Nottingham, his pride at being named club captain, the dressing-room characters, and witnessing the emotional end of an era as the old Nottingham Ice Stadium gave way to the National Ice Centre.

The episode concludes with Jamie sharing life today in Winnipeg, where he runs Shoot to Score alongside his father — focusing on player and coach development through camps, mentorship and personalised training.

Ken Priestlay Interview In this episode I talk to the former Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Stanley Cup winner Ken Priestlay. We discuss the 1985 NHL draft and how Ken felt at having to wait until round 5 before being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres.We also talk of his trade to Pittsburgh, about his...

The post Ken Priestlay Podcast Interview – Episode S1E09 appeared first on Old Time Hockey UK.