Garry Unger Podcast Interview - Part 2
from OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast Hosted by Ken Abbott
For the first time since launching the podcast in 2014, this interview was split into two parts — a reflection of the truly remarkable career of Garry Unger. With over three hours of recorded content, Part 2 focuses on Garry's influential Heineken League years in the UK. After retiring from the NHL in 1983, Garry remained with the Edmonton Oilers organisation in coaching and media roles before becoming involved in placing players with European clubs. That role led to a call from Dundee Rockets owner Tom Stewart — and to Garry coming out of retirement to become player-coach in Scotland. Garry reflects on adapting to life in the UK, learning the "Scottish language", driving on the wrong side of the road, playing at legendary rinks such as Crossmyloof, and even discovering golf through a club deal. He also recounts a pivotal story involving Glen Sather, which helped put a young Tony Hand on the NHL radar — ultimately leading to Tony becoming the first British-born player drafted to the NHL by the Oilers. After one season in Dundee, Garry moved south to join the Peterborough Pirates, where he spent three seasons. We discuss promotion to the Premier Division, the club's struggles at the higher level, Garry's rise to Head Coach, and the breakdown in relations with new ownership that eventually led to his departure from first-team duties.
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