Craig Melancon Podcast Interview

Today's show features former Craig Melancon, a colourful forward remembered for his spells with the Streatham Redskins, Slough Jets and Nottingham Panthers. Craig explains the origin of his nickname "Cougar" and reflects on growing up in Ottawa, skating daily on outdoor rinks before progressing to the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL. After 52 games, he dropped to Junior A to further develop his game. In 1984, encouraged by his grandfather — a UK emigrant to Canada — Craig crossed the Atlantic to try British hockey, signing as an import with the Streatham Redskins under manager Alex Goldstone. Joining a strong side that included Gary Stefan, Trevor Coogan, Jeff Smith and the late Gary "Moose" Cloonan, Craig recalls loving life in Streatham, even if adapting to British accents — and his fiery style — took time. That edge famously saw him ejected in his very first game, away to rivals Nottingham Panthers. After three seasons in Streatham, Craig moved on to the Slough Jets before joining the Nottingham Panthers for the 1987–88 season. Despite standing just 5'8", he was a stocky, fearless forward with excellent skating and stick-handling, known for getting under opponents' skin — and spending plenty of time in the penalty box. Panthers fans who once hated him quickly took him to their hearts. Craig returned to Canada after the 1987–88 season, joking it was "for a haircut and a real job." He now works as a telecoms manager with Bell and is a proud father of three.