OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

Sheep on the Bus with Frankie Killen – Bonus Audio. I’d interviewed the former Durham Wasps, Nottingham Panthers and Humberside Seahawks goalie Frankie Killen in November 2014 but he never mentioned sheep! The episode, from Series 1, Episode 12, was published a month later, you can click here to check it out. A few days...

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The Midnight Sheep Incident

A late-night pit stop somewhere in the middle of nowhere turned legendary when a teammate spotted a sheep and admitted he'd never seen one up close. Moments later, a player somehow found himself in a dark field, catching a sheep and carrying it back to the team bus—to hysterical laughter.

Realising they probably shouldn't be touring the countryside with livestock, the team stopped again and safely returned the sheep to the field, none the worse for wear.

The trip continued to Blackpool and a memorably grim B&B, but the "sheep incident" became instant folklore. For months it was the go-to joke at the rink—and years later, it's still retold, leaving NHL teammates stunned every time.

John Kidd Podcast Interview In today’s show I interview former Ayr Bruins, Peterborough Pirates and Paisley Pirates forward John Kidd. Early Years We talk of John’s early years learning his hockey trade on the small Ayr curling rink that was Limekiln Road. It’s dimensions a mere 154ft x 88ft (46m x 25m) compared to a regular rink...

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Former Ayr Bruins, Peterborough Pirates and Paisley Pirates forward John Kidd joins the show to reflect on a career defined by passion, perseverance and British hockey's changing landscape.

John began on Ayr's tiny Limekiln Road curling rink, rising through the Academy and making his senior debut at just 17 in 1980–81. He recalls the excitement of Glen Henderson's takeover, the arrival of Don Edwards, and playing under Rocky Saganiuk, whom he rates among the very best to come to the UK.

The standout moment came in 1989, when John captained Ayr to a shock Wembley Playoff Final appearance—scoring the opening goal before the Bruins fell 6–3 to Nottingham Panthers.

After Ayr's collapse, John moved to Peterborough, then returned to Scotland with Paisley Pirates, finally lifting silverware by winning the Scottish Cup against Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy. Post-playing, he transitioned into coaching with the Ayr Scottish Eagles and Paisley Pirates.

Now semi-retired, John is enjoying life after hockey—still never far from the driving seat.

The Stories Hockey Players Don't Tell — Bonus Episode (Danny Meyers)

In this bonus episode, Danny Meyers offers a rare and honest look behind the curtain of professional ice hockey — the stories players don't usually share while they're still playing.

Danny explains why modern interviews are tightly controlled, and why the most revealing conversations only happen once players step away from the game. He reflects on how hockey has changed since joining Basingstoke Bison at 16 — improved professionalism and equipment, but a lost closeness between players and fans.

He lifts the lid on dressing-room culture, superstitions, hidden injuries, contract talks without agents, exit meetings, and the politics that quietly shape careers. Time with Team GB becomes a rumour hub, influencing recruitment and early signings.

Danny also talks candidly about the fan experience — hearing everything from the bench, coping with abuse, and living with constant job insecurity on short-term contracts.

Despite the pressure and politics, Danny's verdict is clear: hockey is still a dream, driven by banter, rivalries, atmosphere and a shared love of the game.

Stephen Cooper Podcast Interview – Part 2 Welcome back to Part Two of the Stephen Cooper interview. If you haven’t already listened to Part One, go have a listen now, you’ll enjoy this episode that much more.   In that episode, we talked of Stephen’s early career playing for the Durham Wasps and Cardiff Devils. In this episode...

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Part Two follows the later career of Stephen Cooper, widely regarded as one of the greatest British defencemen, covering spells with Manchester Storm, Newcastle Riverkings, Nottingham Panthers, Hull Thunder and Coventry Blaze.

Stephen joined Manchester Storm in 1997 after talks with Cardiff stalled, enjoying two strong seasons and a league runners-up finish before a contract collapse forced a move back north with Newcastle Riverkings, where the season proved challenging.

A move to Nottingham Panthers reunited him with former Wasps teammate Mike Blaisdell, but coaching changes and instability cut the stint short. The 2000–01 season was split between Hull Thunder—where severe financial issues disrupted the club—and Coventry Blaze, joining Paul Thompson's emerging contenders. The following year saw Coventry finish runners-up in the League, Playoffs and Challenge Cup.

Stephen retired in 2002 after a 21-season career, winning the Alan Weeks Trophy for Best British Defenceman an incredible eight times and earning 61 GB caps. Coventry Blaze later retired his number 55, recognising him as the outstanding defenceman of his generation. Now retired, Stephen lives in Cardiff and works in the motor trade.

Stephen Cooper Podcast Interview – Part 1 In today’s show I interview former Durham Wasps and Cardiff Devils “Grand Slam” winning D-Man Stephen Cooper. Even today Stephen is rated by many as the “best British defenceman ever” Durham Wasps Stephen made his debut in the 1980-81 season, playing five games. A season later he’d confirmed his talent by winning...

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Part One explores the early and most dominant years of Stephen Cooper, former Durham Wasps and Cardiff Devils defenceman and widely regarded as the greatest British defenceman of all time.

Stephen debuted with Durham Wasps in 1980–81, quickly earning Rookie of the Year and GB U18 honours. Alongside his brother Ian, he became the backbone of the Wasps' legendary "Big Blue Machine", winning multiple League titles, Wembley Playoff Championships and Norwich Union Cups during the 1980s.

In 1988, the Cooper brothers shocked British hockey by dropping to League One with Cardiff Devils. The move paid off instantly—promotion was followed by League and Wembley Playoff titles in Cardiff's first Premier League season.

Returning to Durham in 1990, the brothers delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in UK history, completing a full Grand Slam and then defending both League and Playoff titles the following year.

A return to Cardiff in 1992 brought further glory, with the Devils achieving another Grand Slam (1992–93) and retaining League and Playoff Championships the next season. While Stephen's 21-season career spanned many clubs and Great Britain honours, it is Durham and Cardiff where the Cooper brothers' dominance is forever etched into UK hockey history.

Tony Hand Podcast Interview – Part 2 In Part 2 of the Tony Hand interview we move on to talk of Tony’s time at the Sheffield Steelers and Ayr Scottish Eagles. Then his role as player – coach of the Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals, Belfast Giants and finally the Manchester Phoenix.  Sheffield Steelers During the summer of 1995...

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