Oral HISTORY INTERVIEWS

Much of the history that we store in our heads is lost as we age or pass away. Oral history is the practice of recording people’s recollections and personal stories for the future.

Our oral history programme captures the ‘lived experiences’ of the hockey family: the great and the good of our sport; coaches, umpires, players and administrators from all backgrounds and levels of hockey.

Oral History Collection

Welcome to the Hockey Museum’s Oral History Collection. These audio recordings capture the personal stories, memories, and experiences of players, coaches, officials, and fans who have been part of hockey’s rich heritage. Each interview offers unique insights into the game’s evolution, memorable moments, and the people who shaped hockey history. Listen to these voices from the past as they share their passion for the sport and their contributions to the hockey community.

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Elizabeth (Liz) Huggins was the manager of the Great Britain (GB) women's hockey team during the 1980s. Under the management of Liz and the coaching of Win Heath, the squad worked hard to qualify and then prepare for the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. Sixteen were selected for what should have been a first Olympic appearance for GB's women. Unfortunately, there was a political boycott following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan and both the men's and women's hockey squads withdrew. Liz discusses the strength of her team, their motivation to do well and challenges that occurred when it came to training. She explains why her team did not qualify for the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games and the impact of the introduction of artificial turf. She recounts friendships she made throughout her hockey career and how she has filled her time since resigning as manager.
Interview date: 2016-06-12


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