In today's show I speak with former Aviemore Blackhawks, Cardiff Devils, Ayr Raiders and Swindon Wildcats coach Brian Kanewischer.
Brian talks about travelling over 4,000 miles from his home in Medicine Hat, Alberta to attend the 100 Years of UK Ice Hockey celebrations in Durham in August 2015 — an event he describes as the perfect chance to reunite with old friends and teammates from his UK hockey days.
Brian's UK adventure began in 1984 when, aged just 24, he left Canada for Scotland via Holland and Belgium to join the Aviemore Blackhawks. Arriving initially as a player, he quickly became player-coach and led the Blackhawks to the 1986–87 British League Division 2 title and Playoff Championship, famously defeating the Cardiff Devils in Cardiff.
That success led to an approach from Cardiff Devils owner John Lawless, who brought Brian onto the bench alongside former Blackhawks Brian Wilkie and the late Brian Dickson. The move paid off immediately as the Devils won the Autumn Cup, defeating the Trafford Metros 11–10 on aggregate.
What followed was a remarkable period of success. With the signings of Ian and Stephen Cooper and Canadian import Steve Moria, Cardiff surged forward — winning promotion as First Division champions in 1988–89, then completing an unforgettable double in 1989–90 by claiming the Premier Division title and the Wembley Playoff Championship. The dramatic final against the Murrayfield Racers, won on penalties after trailing 3–0, is often described as the greatest Wembley final ever. Brian was also named Coach of the Year.
Brian later returned to Scotland to coach the Ayr Raiders, before spells with the Fife Flyers, Oxford and Swindon Wildcats. In 1994, after ten memorable and successful years in UK hockey, Brian and his wife returned home to Alberta.
