Episode 50 is a landmark moment for Old Time Hockey UK, and the guest could only be Tony Hand—widely regarded as the greatest British-born player of all time.
Tony spent 14 seasons with the Murrayfield Racers before making history in 1985 as the first UK-born player drafted to the NHL, selected by the Edmonton Oilers. After the Racers folded in 1995, he joined a star-studded Sheffield Steelers side that completed a famous Grand Slam—League, Benson & Hedges Cup and Wembley Playoffs.
He later returned to Scotland with the Ayr Scottish Eagles before moving into coaching as player-coach of the Dundee Stars, leading them to a BNL League title in their inaugural season. Further player-coach roles followed with the Edinburgh Capitals, Belfast Giants and Manchester Phoenix.
Across an extraordinary career, Tony played 1,800+ games, scored 4,000+ points, earned nearly 100 GB caps, and later went on to coach Team GB. Beyond playing and coaching, he has continued to grow the game through work with Bauer and Warrior, and in 2018 helped revive the Murrayfield Racers, bringing his story full circle.
