OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast
OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

Ken Abbott

Overview
Episodes

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Old Time Hockey UK is a journey into Ice Hockey nostalgia. It's the Podcast where hockey Legends come to share with you their memories, stories and anecdotes.

Recent Episodes

Trent Kaese Podcast Interview
MAY 5, 2023
Trent Kaese Podcast Interview
In this episode, Ken is joined by former Buffalo Sabres draft pick Trent Casey, a familiar name to UK fans from his time with the Peterborough Pirates, Milton Keynes Kings, and later Blackburn. Trent looks back to his early days growing up in Nanaimo, British Columbia, juggling soccer and hockey before committing fully to life on the ice. He recalls the build-up to the 1985 NHL Draft, being selected by Buffalo, and the surreal experience of attending NHL camp—highlighted by an unforgettable conversation with legendary coach Scotty Bowman. The conversation also covers one of hockey's darkest moments: the tragic Swift Current Broncos bus crash. Trent explains how close he was to the team, the confusion that followed due to a case of mistaken identity, and how the Humboldt Broncos tragedy decades later brought those memories flooding back. Trent's NHL career included a single game—but one he'll never forget. He relives the shock of a late call-up, nearly hanging up the phone thinking it was a prank, and skating against the Quebec Nordiques on 25 March 1989, including a memorable welcome from Joe Sakic during warm-ups. UK hockey fans will love Trent's stories of crossing the pond, arriving in Peterborough, embracing British rink culture, and experiencing the intensity of import battles and hostile away barns. Highlights include the Pirates' club-best third-place league finish, the unforgettable Wembley Playoff weekend, and a famous semi-final win over the Cardiff Devils, before facing the Durham Wasps the following day. Trent also reflects on the realities of the game—being released, moving teams, promotion success with Milton Keynes, a dramatic comeback against Telford, and finishing his UK career in Blackburn. Off the ice, meeting his future wife Jackie in Peterborough would prove life-changing. Post-hockey, Trent returned to Vancouver Island, where he and his family built and ran a golf course from the ground up—while still keeping a connection to the game through weekly skates. The episode is packed with humour too, from dressing-room pranks to a surreal moment standing among Wayne Gretzky's trophies, courtesy of a visit with Keith Gretzky.
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53 MIN
Kenny Macdonald Podcast Interview
JUN 29, 2022
Kenny Macdonald Podcast Interview
Ken is joined by Kenny Macdonald — one of British hockey's most colourful 1980s characters and a true product of Scottish ice sports royalty. The son of former Scottish ice skating champion Jill Patterson, Kenny was on skates by the age of three, growing up in Aviemore's winter-sports playground where skating, skiing, and mischief shaped a natural athlete. Kenny reflects on his early senior hockey with the Aviemore Blackhawks before making a bold move south in 1981 to join the Nottingham Panthers. He vividly recalls the culture shock of his Panthers debut — overnight train journeys, borrowed kit, a packed Nottingham Ice Stadium — and then announcing himself in style with five goals and an assist. Injuries would limit his first season, but the dressing-room characters and electric atmosphere left a lasting impression. After time in Canada, Kenny returned to the UK and found his hockey home with the Peterborough Pirates. He talks openly about promotion battles, brutal rivalries (especially with Solihull), and the behind-the-scenes struggles that nearly broke the club. Everything changed with the arrival of NHL Ironman Gary Unger, whose professionalism transformed the Pirates and drove them to their best-ever finish and a historic Wembley appearance. Kenny relives the unforgettable 1990–91 playoff run — beating Cardiff Devils in the semi-final and facing Durham Wasps in the final. He scored early, unveiled his legendary "wheelchair" celebration, and played through injury on British hockey's biggest stage. The Wembley final would prove to be his last professional game. The episode is packed with laugh-out-loud stories, legendary pranks, lifelong friendships, and reflections on life after hockey. Now running his own business, Kenny still skates whenever he can — proof that once hockey gets into your blood, it never really leaves. A warm, funny, and deeply nostalgic conversation that captures the true spirit of old-time British hockey.
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66 MIN