Trent Kaese Podcast Interview

In this episode, Ken is joined by former Buffalo Sabres draft pick Trent Casey, a familiar name to UK fans from his time with the Peterborough Pirates, Milton Keynes Kings, and later Blackburn. Trent looks back to his early days growing up in Nanaimo, British Columbia, juggling soccer and hockey before committing fully to life on the ice. He recalls the build-up to the 1985 NHL Draft, being selected by Buffalo, and the surreal experience of attending NHL camp—highlighted by an unforgettable conversation with legendary coach Scotty Bowman. The conversation also covers one of hockey's darkest moments: the tragic Swift Current Broncos bus crash. Trent explains how close he was to the team, the confusion that followed due to a case of mistaken identity, and how the Humboldt Broncos tragedy decades later brought those memories flooding back. Trent's NHL career included a single game—but one he'll never forget. He relives the shock of a late call-up, nearly hanging up the phone thinking it was a prank, and skating against the Quebec Nordiques on 25 March 1989, including a memorable welcome from Joe Sakic during warm-ups. UK hockey fans will love Trent's stories of crossing the pond, arriving in Peterborough, embracing British rink culture, and experiencing the intensity of import battles and hostile away barns. Highlights include the Pirates' club-best third-place league finish, the unforgettable Wembley Playoff weekend, and a famous semi-final win over the Cardiff Devils, before facing the Durham Wasps the following day. Trent also reflects on the realities of the game—being released, moving teams, promotion success with Milton Keynes, a dramatic comeback against Telford, and finishing his UK career in Blackburn. Off the ice, meeting his future wife Jackie in Peterborough would prove life-changing. Post-hockey, Trent returned to Vancouver Island, where he and his family built and ran a golf course from the ground up—while still keeping a connection to the game through weekly skates. The episode is packed with humour too, from dressing-room pranks to a surreal moment standing among Wayne Gretzky's trophies, courtesy of a visit with Keith Gretzky.