In the final episode of Season 2, I'm joined by former Nottingham Panthers back-up netminder Paul Blahyj (pronounced Bly), who reflects on a short but unforgettable top-level hockey journey.
Paul spent 12 years developing in the Nottingham junior system with the Tigers, Cougars and Jaguars during a golden period for local talent at the Nottingham Ice Stadium. In 1994, his dream came true when head coach Mike Blaisdell asked him to step up as Panthers back-up goalie.
Paul recalls the pride — and shock — of his senior debut in a 10–10 friendly against the Durham Wasps, along with a memorable (and brutal) team initiation. One of the highlights of his career came in the 1994 Benson & Hedges Cup Final, when Blaisdell rewarded him with the final 34 seconds of a 7–3 victory over the Cardiff Devils — a gesture Paul describes as unforgettable.
The following night brought chaos, as a bench-clearing brawl in Cardiff saw every player involved and the Panthers escorted from the rink by police. We also revisit the crushing disappointment of the 1994–95 season, including the pivotal loss to the Sheffield Steelers that cost Nottingham the league title.
Despite achieving his childhood dream, Paul chose to retire at just 20 years old. Whether he ever regretted that decision is revealed in the interview.
