Today's episode features former Fred Perlini, a forward whose career spanned the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nottingham Panthers, Fife Flyers and Guildford Flames.
Fred recounts being unexpectedly drafted by the Maple Leafs in the 1980 NHL Draft while digging a ditch — only learning the news from a passing motorist. A year later, he made headlines by scoring for both the Toronto Marlies and the Maple Leafs on the same day, netting a hat-trick in the afternoon before scoring again that evening.
After five seasons in the AHL and limited NHL opportunities, Fred moved to Europe, eventually signing for Nottingham Panthers under Alex Dampier. That decision proved transformative. In a single, legendary season, Fred produced one of the greatest individual campaigns in UK hockey history — 108 goals, 104 assists, 212 points in just 45 games — leading Nottingham to the Autumn Cup, their first trophy since reforming.
Fred later joined the Fife Flyers, helping them reach the 1988 Wembley Playoff Final and finishing runner-up in the league scoring race. As import budgets tightened, he entered a nomadic phase before gaining British citizenship and signing with the Guildford Flames in 1994. There, he found long-term stability as a player, coach and mentor, later running the club's junior programme for a decade.
In 2007, Fred returned to North America to focus on player development. His hockey legacy continues through his sons — Brett, drafted by Anaheim in 2010, and Brendan, Guildford-born and selected 12th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft — cementing the Perlini name as a true hockey family.
