In this episode, I'm joined by Ron Shudra — former Edmonton Oilers draft pick and Sheffield Steelers legend.
Born in Winnipeg, Ron was selected 3rd round in the 1986 NHL Draft by the Stanley Cup–winning Oilers. He made 10 NHL appearances in 1987–88, including shifts alongside Wayne Gretzky, and featured on a memorable scoresheet with assists credited to Gretzky and Jari Kurri.
After a frustrating spell following a trade to the New York Rangers, Ron moved to the UK in 1990, joining Solihull Barons before becoming a cornerstone of the newly formed Sheffield Steelers in 1991. What followed was a golden era: seven major trophies in seven seasons (1991–1998), built on experience, leadership and an unrelenting will to win.
Ron later played in the BNL with Hull Thunder and Coventry Blaze, returning twice to Sheffield before retiring in 2009. Post-playing, he became a key figure in player development at Ice Sheffield and within the Steelers' junior programme.
In 2010, the Steelers retired Ron's iconic #26 and he was inducted into the British Hockey Hall of Fame. The legacy continues with son Cole Shudra, who made his Elite League debut for Sheffield in 2016–17.
