In this episode I speak with former Peterborough Pirates, Cardiff Devils and Great Britain international defenceman Shannon Hope.
Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Shannon arrived in the UK in 1984 after being persuaded by his old junior friend Ron Katernuk, newly appointed coach of the Peterborough Pirates. Playing as one of only three allowed imports, Shannon became part of a strong Pirates team whose characters and chemistry helped secure the Championship Trophy and promotion to the Heineken Premier League.
After a two-year break back in Canada, former teammate John Lawless convinced Shannon to return to the UK to join his Cardiff Devils side. What was meant to be a short stay turned into more than two decades in Cardiff.
Shannon enjoyed extraordinary success with the Devils, helping the club win League Championships, the Autumn Cup, promotion to the Premier League, and then completing an unforgettable double by lifting both the League title and Wembley Playoff Championship at their first Premier League attempt. He reflects on a team driven by a winning mentality and an ability to find ways to win when it mattered most.
The interview also dives into the characters that defined the Devils era — including "The Posse," the locally developed young Cardiff players, and some of the league's most colourful personalities. Known for his love of fun, Shannon shares stories of practical jokes, including a notorious hotel prank involving teammate Jeff Smith.
Never shy of physical play, Shannon also recalls memorable altercations, including an infamous post-game handshake fight with former Nottingham Panthers and GB defenceman Chris Kelland, as well as a "stray elbow" incident with a former Murrayfield opponent who later became a teammate and friend. His Slovakian accent and impersonation of Ivan Matulik add humour to a highly entertaining episode.
