In this episode, Hilton Ruggles looks back on his incredible 17-season journey through British ice hockey — from his early days in Montreal to becoming a UK Hall of Famer. He shares memorable stories from Whitley Bay, Cardiff, Manchester, Coventry, and Newcastle, reflecting on the highs, lows, and surprises along the way.
Inside the History of Hillheads Ice Rink: From Icy Smith to the Whitley Warriors
Discover the origins of Hillheads Ice Rink in Whitley Bay — from its 1955 opening to the birth of the Whitley Warriors. A landmark of North-East ice sports history and a lasting community legacy.
Wayne Crawford Podcast Interview – Episode S5E06
Wayne Crawford Podcast Interview – Episode S5E06 Wayne Crawford is today’s podcast guest. Toronto born Wayne was selected in the 6th round, 109th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1980 NHL draft. He then spent most of his time in the AHL and IHL until a friend suggested he try the UK. His…
Chris Norton Podcast Interview – Episode S5E04
Chris Norton Podcast Interview – Episode S5E04 Canadian born Chris Norton is today’s Old Time Hockey UK hockey hero from the past. Chris, an NHL draft pick for the Winnipeg Jets, spent most of his career assigned to AHL and IHL teams. The 1991 – 92 season saw Chris icing for the Phoenix Roadrunners of the…
Stephen Cooper Podcast Interview – Part 2 Episode S3E11
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…
Stephen Cooper Podcast Interview Part 1 – Episode S3E10
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…