Stephen Cooper Podcast Interview - Part 1

Part One explores the early and most dominant years of Stephen Cooper, former Durham Wasps and Cardiff Devils defenceman and widely regarded as the greatest British defenceman of all time. Stephen debuted with Durham Wasps in 1980–81, quickly earning Rookie of the Year and GB U18 honours. Alongside his brother Ian, he became the backbone of the Wasps' legendary "Big Blue Machine", winning multiple League titles, Wembley Playoff Championships and Norwich Union Cups during the 1980s. In 1988, the Cooper brothers shocked British hockey by dropping to League One with Cardiff Devils. The move paid off instantly—promotion was followed by League and Wembley Playoff titles in Cardiff's first Premier League season. Returning to Durham in 1990, the brothers delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in UK history, completing a full Grand Slam and then defending both League and Playoff titles the following year. A return to Cardiff in 1992 brought further glory, with the Devils achieving another Grand Slam (1992–93) and retaining League and Playoff Championships the next season. While Stephen's 21-season career spanned many clubs and Great Britain honours, it is Durham and Cardiff where the Cooper brothers' dominance is forever etched into UK hockey history.