In this episode, Ken is joined by Kenny Macdonald – a true product of Scottish ice sports royalty and one of the most colourful characters to skate through Aviemore, Nottingham Panthers, and Peterborough Pirates hockey during the 1980s. Kenny begins by explaining how skating was quite literally in his blood. The son of former Scottish ice skating champion Jill Patterson, he was on skates by the age of three. Childhood memories of growing up in
In this episode, Ken is joined by Kenny Macdonald – a true product of Scottish ice sports royalty and one of the most colourful characters to skate through Aviemore, Nottingham Panthers, and Peterborough Pirates hockey during the 1980s.
Kenny begins by explaining how skating was quite literally in his blood. The son of former Scottish ice skating champion Jill Patterson, he was on skates by the age of three. Childhood memories of growing up in Aviemore paint a picture of a winter-sports playground, where skating, skiing, swimming and mischief filled every day. With access to everything on his doorstep, it was the perfect environment to forge a natural athlete.
From Aviemore to the Panthers spotlight
Kenny recalls his early senior hockey with the Aviemore Blackhawks, learning the hard way against seasoned opponents, including a memorable lesson involving an angry goalie and a flying stick. In 1981, his career took a huge step forward when he made the bold move south to join the Nottingham Panthers.
What followed was a baptism of fire: travelling overnight by train with his kit, borrowing a tracksuit, discovering the reality of long pre-game warm-ups, and then delivering a stunning Panthers debut with five goals and an assist. Kenny vividly describes the shock of skating out in front of a sold-out Nottingham Ice Stadium, the lights going down, the crowd roaring, and realising he was now part of something special.
Injuries would limit his appearances that first season, but he speaks warmly about the Panthers dressing room characters, the medical support that kept him going, and the unforgettable atmosphere created by thousands of passionate fans packed into the old rink.
Peterborough Pirates, promotion battles, and brutal rivalries
After time spent in Canada skating alongside future NHL stars, Kenny returned to the UK and joined the Peterborough Pirates, a decision that would define much of his career. He reflects on the club's rise, winning Division One, promotion to the Heineken Premier Division, and the fierce, bruising rivalries—particularly against the Solihull Barons, where every inch of ice was earned the hard way.
He speaks candidly about the Pirates' struggles in the Premier League, the instability behind the scenes, and moments when the club nearly imploded. Yet those difficult seasons forged resilience and unity, setting the foundations for what came next.
The Unger era and Wembley glory
The arrival of NHL Ironman Gary Unger, alongside Todd Bidner and Doug McEwen, transformed Peterborough. Kenny describes Unger as an almost unstoppable presence—part octopus, part machine—and explains how his professionalism lifted everyone around him. The Pirates responded with their best-ever league finish and a historic trip to Wembley.
Kenny relives the iconic 1990–91 playoff run: defeating Cardiff Devils in the semi-final, then facing the Grand Slam-chasing Durham Wasps in the final. He scored inside the opening minutes and produced his now-legendary "wheelchair" celebration, a tongue-in-cheek nod to being the oldest man on the team. Despite playing much of the final injured, he reflects on the pride of reaching Wembley, the noise, the nerves, and the unique magic of British hockey's greatest stage.
Life after hockey – and never really stopping
The Wembley final proved to be Kenny's last professional game, a high point on which to bow out. He talks openly about injuries, difficult decisions, and returning to Scotland, while still finding ways to stay involved in the sport. Along the way, the episode is packed with hilarious stories: stolen road signs, Top of the Pops moments, marathon mishaps in full hockey kit, legendary pranks, and lifelong friendships—especially with Kenny McKee, the "wee man".
Now in business with his own company, Chem Distribution Ltd (ChemicalKenny), Kenny still skates whenever he can, proving that once hockey gets into your blood, it never truly leaves.
This is a warm, funny, and nostalgic conversation that perfectly captures the spirit of old-time British hockey—hard, chaotic, passionate, and built on friendships that last a lifetime.
