OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

Part Two of the Tony Hand interview explores the later stages of his legendary career, spanning Sheffield Steelers, Ayr Scottish Eagles, and a hugely successful transition into player-coach.

After the folding of Edinburgh Racers in 1995, Tony joined a star-studded Sheffield Steelers side under Alex Dampier, helping the club complete a historic Grand Slam—winning the League, Benson & Hedges Cup and Wembley Playoffs.

In 1999, Tony returned north with the Ayr Scottish Eagles, scoring 98 points in 86 games over two seasons. He then turned down offers from Sheffield and Coventry to become player-coach of the Dundee Stars, leading the new club to a league title by 12 points and a dramatic playoff final victory in their debut season.

A return to Edinburgh Capitals followed, where Tony delivered the club's highest-ever league finish and Scottish Capital Cup success. His impact on the sport was recognised in 2003 with the award of an MBE.

Later spells with the Belfast Giants saw Tony guide a title-challenging side to Elite League runners-up, before a long and successful final chapter as player-coach of Manchester Phoenix. Across nearly 11 years, he delivered league titles, playoff success, and sustained competitiveness until the club's closure in 2017.

Tony Hand Podcast Interview – The Early Years In today’s show I talk to former Murrayfield Racers, Sheffield Steelers, Ayr Scottish Eagles, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals, Belfast Giants and Manchester Phoenix Edinburgh born forward Tony Hand. Episode S3E08 This episode will be my FIFTIETH EPISODE, that’s half a Century of Old Time Hockey UK Podcasts. For this...

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Episode 50 is a landmark moment for Old Time Hockey UK, and the guest could only be Tony Hand—widely regarded as the greatest British-born player of all time.

Tony spent 14 seasons with the Murrayfield Racers before making history in 1985 as the first UK-born player drafted to the NHL, selected by the Edmonton Oilers. After the Racers folded in 1995, he joined a star-studded Sheffield Steelers side that completed a famous Grand Slam—League, Benson & Hedges Cup and Wembley Playoffs.

He later returned to Scotland with the Ayr Scottish Eagles before moving into coaching as player-coach of the Dundee Stars, leading them to a BNL League title in their inaugural season. Further player-coach roles followed with the Edinburgh Capitals, Belfast Giants and Manchester Phoenix.

Across an extraordinary career, Tony played 1,800+ games, scored 4,000+ points, earned nearly 100 GB caps, and later went on to coach Team GB. Beyond playing and coaching, he has continued to grow the game through work with Bauer and Warrior, and in 2018 helped revive the Murrayfield Racers, bringing his story full circle.

Mark Budz Podcast Interview In today’s show I interview Canadian former Humboldt Broncos, Solihul Barons, Telford Tigers, Deeside Dragons, Birmingham Eagles, Romford Raiders and Oxford Blades forward and Golf Professional Mark Budz. Humboldt Broncos As a teenager, Canadian Mark had three seasons with Saskatchewan junior team the Humboldt Broncos. Many of you will be aware...

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Canadian forward Mark Budz joins the show to reflect on a unique career that combined professional ice hockey and golf—a rare dual-sport journey.

Mark looks back on three junior seasons with the Humboldt Broncos, sharing his emotional response to the 2018 bus tragedy and his return for a Broncos alumni game that showcased the global hockey community's support.

His UK chapter began with the Solihull Barons (1983–85) under Gary Newbon, alongside Barry Skrudland and Chuck Taylor, recalling life with host families and the challenges of the three-import era. He then moved to the Telford Tigers (1985–87), becoming part of Chuck Taylor's ambitious project, intense rivalries and packed rinks.

Uniquely, Mark pursued a parallel career as a Golf Professional, playing hockey at night with clubs including Deeside, Birmingham and Lee Valley. Later highlights included a prolific season with Romford Raiders (51 goals, 41 assists), time in Austria as a Golf Pro, and a final UK spell with Solihull Blaze and Oxford Blades before retiring in 1999.

Today, Mark works in account management within the print industry.

Anthony Payne Podcast Interview In today’s show I interview former Durham Wasps “Grand Slam” winning,  goal scoring forward Anthony Payne. Anthony’s ice hockey career was almost certainly destined to happen even before he could walk, let alone skate. His great grandfather was John Frederick James Smith, known to most people these days as the legendary “Icy...

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Former Durham Wasps Grand Slam–winning forward Anthony Payne joins the show to reflect on a career rooted deeply in British ice hockey. The great-grandson of legendary rink builder "Icy" Smith, and raised around the Riverside Rink, hockey was part of Anthony's life from day one.

Rising through the Durham junior system, Anthony made his senior Wasps debut at 16 in the 1988–89 season, crediting captain Glynn "Benjy" Hall for shaping his discipline and the Wasps' never-quit mentality.

The interview centres on Durham's unforgettable 1990–91 Grand Slam season. Anthony recalls early turmoil, the return of the Cooper brothers, the impact of coach Paul Smith, and a campaign that delivered the Norwich Union Cup, Castle Eden Cup, League title and Wembley Playoff Championship. He vividly describes skating out at Wembley, semi-final controversy, and off-ice drama that only strengthened the team's resolve.

Turning down the chance to stay in Durham, Anthony moved south to Bracknell Bees—a decision he calls the best of his career. A true journeyman followed, with ten clubs in eight seasons, before settling at Hull Thunder, where he retired in 2003, revealing his one lingering regret.

Charlie Colon Podcast Interview In today’s show I interview former London Phoenix Flyers, Richmond Flyers, Southampton Vikings, Cleveland Bombers and Slough Jets net minder Charlie Colon. Charlie spent 20 years in the UK. Apart from two seasons in the Heineken Premier League, he played mostly in Division 1. He then coached the Slough Jets to...

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In this episode, I'm joined by former London Phoenix Flyers, Richmond Flyers, Southampton Vikings, Cleveland Bombers and Slough Jets netminder Charlie Colon, whose 20-year career made him one of the most recognisable goalies of British hockey's lower divisions and a highly successful coach and administrator.

Raised in New York City's Hell's Kitchen, Charlie grew up playing roller hockey before moving to the UK at just 15 years old. Unaware that ice hockey even existed in Britain, he earned a trial at Richmond Ice Rink and was quickly signed by the London Phoenix Flyers, lining up alongside future legends including Gary Stefan and Monty Wise.

After a brief return to the USA for college, Charlie came back to the UK and progressed to the Premier Division with the Southampton Vikings, where his "British-trained" status proved invaluable. Despite relegation, Charlie earned All-Star B Team honours in a season highlighted by a famous win over the Nottingham Panthers.

Further Premier Division experience followed with the Cleveland Bombers, before a defining move to the newly formed Slough Jets in 1986. What began as a leap of faith turned into a 13-year association, including Division 1 championships, promotion to the Premier Division, and eventually a BNL League Championship as rookie head coach.

Following retirement, Charlie enjoyed further coaching success with the Basingstoke Bison, winning back-to-back Benson & Hedges Plate titles, before transitioning into rink management and hockey operations with Planet Ice.

Now based in the USA, Charlie continues his hockey journey as Director of Group Sales with the Norfolk Admirals, where, as he puts it, he's responsible for "putting bums on seats."

Scott Morrison Podcast Interview In today’s show I interview former Canadian forward Scott Morrison. Scott spent 10 seasons here in the UK playing for 6 different hockey teams. Twist of fate At the end of the 1986 – 87 season Scott had decided to retire. He was a member of the Brantford Motts Clamatos Allan...

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