In today's show I speak with former Glasgow Dynamoes, Nottingham Panthers, Peterborough Pirates and Paisley Pirates forward Kenny McKie.
Kenny first discovered ice skating at the age of ten after persuading his older brother to take him to the Crossmyloof ice rink in Glasgow. Despite the rink being far from glamorous, its huge ice surface helped produce strong skaters — and Kenny was instantly hooked. By eleven he had joined the Glasgow Vikings junior team, memorably skating around a Christmas tree at centre ice when the winch broke during a festival period.
Progressing through the Glasgow system, Kenny played for the Dynamoes and earned selection for the Great Britain U18 team. In 1982, seeking a fresh challenge away from his apprenticeship in Glasgow, a conversation with Nottingham Panthers boss Gary Keward led to a move south.
Kenny recalls his unforgettable Panthers debut at Billingham, returning to Nottingham to find fans already queuing at 1am, then skating out in front of 2,500 supporters and scoring in a 12–1 win. He also shares lighter moments, including being introduced to a pre-game Big Mac meal by Dwayne Keward — a novelty at a time when Glasgow had no McDonald's.
After leaving Nottingham, Kenny considered moves to Solihull and Streatham, but a summer coaching role at a Peterborough hockey school convinced him to sign for the Peterborough Pirates. It proved to be the right choice, as he spent the next eleven seasons with the club, playing under coaches Ron Katernuk, Garry Unger and Rocky Saganiuk, alongside characters such as Doug McEwan, Trent Kaese, Todd Bidner, Danny Shea and Scott O'Connor.
Kenny eventually returned to Glasgow, played one final season with the Paisley Pirates and then retired. He candidly reflects on the emotional difficulty of stepping away from the game and reveals the one thing he still truly misses — something you'll have to listen to the podcast to discover. Today, Kenny and his family remain regular visitors to the Braehead Arena as proud Glasgow Clan supporters.
