In today's episode, I'm joined by Jamie Leach — Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins and former UK import with the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.
Jamie reflects on growing up as the son of Reggie Leach, his surprise 3rd-round selection in the 1987 NHL Draft, and making his NHL debut against the New York Rangers. He discusses life inside the star-studded Penguins squads that won back-to-back Stanley Cups (1991 & 1992), and the challenge of securing a regular spot amid incredible depth.
He explains requesting a trade from Pittsburgh, his time with the Hartford Whalers, and later regrets about leaving such a dominant team.
Turning to the UK, Jamie reveals how former teammate Ken Priestlay helped bring him to Sheffield, before a move to Mike Blaisdell's Nottingham Panthers. Jamie looks back fondly on four seasons in Nottingham, his pride at being named club captain, the dressing-room characters, and witnessing the emotional end of an era as the old Nottingham Ice Stadium gave way to the National Ice Centre.
The episode concludes with Jamie sharing life today in Winnipeg, where he runs Shoot to Score alongside his father — focusing on player and coach development through camps, mentorship and personalised training.
