The Early Years
Episode S4E04 explores the early hockey journey of Tim Cranston—former Fife Flyers, Cleveland Bombers, Durham Wasps, Sheffield Steelers and Edinburgh Capitals forward, and a 39-cap Great Britain international.
Tim reflects on his development in Canada before choosing the European route, signing for GIJS Groningen at 21 and spending five seasons across Central Europe in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
His UK story began unexpectedly in December 1988 with a short-term move to Fife Flyers, producing an immediate impact—19 goals and 15 assists in just seven games. Although released when Fife's injured import returned, his performances turned heads.
In 1989, Tim returned to the UK with the Cleveland Bombers, combining hockey with studies at Durham University. Over two seasons he helped the Bombers win promotion before suffering relegation the following year.
Now holding a British passport, Tim caught the attention of GB coach Alex Dampier. Despite a late registration scare, he represented Great Britain at the 1993 Pool B World Championships, where GB won all eight games, earned promotion to Pool A, and Tim scored three game-winning goals, including a decisive late winner against host nation Holland.
