In this extended episode, I'm joined by former Southampton Vikings, Dundee Rockets, Medway Bears and Bracknell Bees defenceman Rob Breskal, whose hockey journey began in the most unlikely of places.
Born in Brighton, a city with rich hockey history but no proper ice rink, Rob discovered the sport by chance at a tiny local rink when the Streatham juniors were forced to train there during renovations. That moment sparked a career that saw him progress through the Streatham junior system before returning home to help form the Brighton Royals, a team forced to play every game away.
Rob's performances earned him a contract with the Southampton Vikings, where promotion to the Premier Division followed — along with an infamous naked lap of the rink after losing a bet. During this period, Rob represented Great Britain U19, lining up alongside Tony Hand and the Cooper brothers as the team finished runners-up at the 1984 European Championships Pool C.
A move to the Dundee Rockets followed, where Rob played alongside NHL legend Garry "Iron Man" Unger and helped the Rockets win the Scottish Cup and reach the Wembley Playoff Final.
Homesickness eventually brought Rob back south to the Medway Bears, where he spent four seasons, mostly as captain, before a big-money move to the Bracknell Bees. Appointed captain once again, Rob helped the Bees gain promotion to the Premier Division before departing the club after 17 games the following season.
Away from hockey, Rob's story takes an unexpected turn as he went on to win BBC's The Weakest Link, earning an unforgettable nickname from presenter Anne Robinson.
