In today's show I speak with former Washington Capitals, Fife Flyers and Peterborough Pirates forward Todd Bidner.
Drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 6th round of the 1980 NHL Draft (110th overall), Todd entered professional hockey in a draft year that also produced several future UK league stars, including Mike Blaisdell, Wayne Crawford, Mike O'Connor and Fred Perlini.
Todd's NHL career was short but eventful. After just six games with the Capitals, he broke his leg and was sent to hospital alone in a taxi — still wearing his hockey kit. On his return to the rink later that evening, with his leg in plaster, he discovered the entire Capitals organisation had been fired, from the general manager and coach down to the scouting staff.
Once fit again, Todd bounced between the Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, experiencing an unforgettable five-day stretch that saw him play multiple games across both leagues before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. However, he never suited up for Edmonton and was instead sent to Wichita, Kansas.
In 1985, with his North American contract complete, Todd chose to move to the British Hockey League, signing for the Fife Flyers and beginning a twelve-season UK career that saw him play for ten different British clubs, including the Peterborough Pirates, Nottingham Panthers and Durham Wasps.
After gaining dual-passport status, Todd represented Great Britain at Pool A of the 1994 World Championships. Alongside his playing career, he prepared for life after hockey by earning a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Teesside University.
Now back in North America, Todd is a partner in MyProHero.com, a platform that connects developing players with experienced — often former NHL — coaches for video analysis, feedback and long-term skill development.
