After playing for the Peterborough Islanders, Pirates and Phantoms, the Nottingham 
Panthers, Chelmsford Chieftains and the Romford/London Raiders, the play-off defeat to Guildford in Coventry saw Jason finally hang up his skates on a trophy littered, nineteen year hockey career.
Jason always gave his best in a Phantoms’ jersey; the epitome of a veteran team player, he’d play either in defence or on a forward line, as requested, and always had time to talk to the supporters or the Phantoms’ media team, whether the team had won or lost.
Beyond the Blue Line got a chance to catch up with Jason for a Q&A reflecting on the season just gone, and his career as a whole.
I’d like to thank Jason for taking part, and hope you enjoy reading what Jason has to say!
Name: Jason Buckman
Age: 37
Position: Forward/Defence
Job outside hockey? IT Support Analyst
Favourite NHL Team & reason why?
Don’t really have a favourite, but enjoy the way the Pens, Caps and Redwings play
Favourite hockey player and sporting hero?
Has to be Ovie from today’s game, and Jagr from years ago (and today)
Do you follow any other sports? Favourite football team?
I watch most sports when I come across them on TV, but have a big interest in golf, and of course football. My favourite football team is a combination of my own choice as a kid (Everton) and the team most of my family follow, Manchester United!
Favourite film?
I have a few, but the classics always spring to mind, Dumb and Dumber, Happy Gilmore, anything with Adam Sandler or Jim Carey.
Favourite movie star?
Adam Sandler, Jim Carey
Favourite singer/band?
Quite like a range of music but I’m partial to some hip hop, Eminem, Drake, Dr Dre
Taking a look at last season …
What are your reflections on the 2015-16 season?
I guess a lot of people would call it the nearly season. Pushing for the league, making a cup final, and making the playoff final weekend are all achievements in themselves
Will you look back at 2015-16 as a successful year for yourself and the Phantoms?
I think we can, we can never dwell on the ‘what ifs’, we need to reflect on the season as a success and use what we learnt this year in future situations, it can only make the team stronger.
Personally, I was happy with my year, I bounced around the line-up from playing D earlier in the year to playing centre between the younger guys, but It was something I expected to happen from time to time, so it was enjoyable to do so.
Do any games stand out for being the most complete Phantoms performances?
There are a few if I’m honest, the wins in Basingstoke and Telford stand out for me, they are tough places to go and get wins. The 2nd leg in the cup final also stands out, after the freak result in the 1st leg it would’ve been easy to fold, but we showed a lot of character to play the way we did the following day after that result.
And looking back over your career …
Can you describe your hockey pedigree – where, why and when did you start the sport, and where have you played?
Hockey has run in the family for many years, cousins, uncles, even my dad still plays rec hockey today at 58. My earliest memory is watching the Pirates with my grandparents and cousins and the love starting from there.
Is there a story behind your number 19?
Not really, like most players I guess, I chose 19 at a really young age and it always stuck, whenever I played for teams where no.19 was taken I always had 91 or 61. It was nice to finish my career wearing number 19.
What have been the top memories of your career, and how did the title winning teams compare?
Of course there are many, many memories; the double winning team in Phantoms’ early days stand out in particular – we were a new team in a competitive league and we had no expectations. Along with most of the team at the time being Peterborough born and trained players, it all coming together to win titles and trophies at those stages of our careers was something special for us all.
Who have been the stand out team mates you have played with?
Too many to mention. But 2 guys really stick out for me and that’s Doug McEwan and Dwayne Newman, both for very different reasons. Dougie did things on the ice I could only dream of, the way he read the game and skill level he showed was something special to see.
Dwayne was just a warrior, the heart, leadership and passion he could bring to a team in my eyes will never be beaten, both great guys, and stall mates in the locker room for years.
Is there anyone you modelled your style on, or as a player has been a big inspiration to you?
I didn’t really try to model myself on anyone, but always thought it was important to watch and learn from players who you play with and against. In the early days of my career with the Pirates, Dougie was always around and willing to help me on the ice, even with just little things to help me improve my game, or things I needed to work on – nothing was ever too much trouble for him.
What was the best thing about being a Phantom?
Playing for your home town is something special, the hours you put in as a kid down the rink, and then playing for the senior team is something that enables you to play with your heart on your sleeve and with passion to succeed week in week out. Alongside that we have the best fans, they haven’t changed since my first senior appearance. Crazy.
What was the one thing about playing in Peterborough that you’d have changed?
Leaving to play for Romford, I enjoyed my time in Romford but being away from Peterborough I missed out on the great treble year.
Your most embarrassing moment as a hockey player?
Difficult to say haha! I’m sure I’ve had many times missing a hit or generally falling over on the ice with nobody around can always be embarrassing. A memory that sticks out is having no hair or eyebrows as a rookie playing in I think then, the BNL cup final for Pirates in Nottingham!
Which was your favourite rink to play in, and why?
Belfast and Nottingham, both big arenas and have unbelievable atmospheres when full. I was lucky enough to play in both arenas when I was on a two way with Panthers
Who were your favourite EPL opponents?
Tough call, I’d probably have to say MK, purely for the fact you can’t beat a derby match, and there was plenty of feisty games over the years
Most difficult opponent that you’ve matched up against?
I’ve came across so many in my time playing it would difficult to pick one out.
From the team mates you have played with over your career select your top team (including yourself!), including 1 net minder, 2 D, 3 F (you could even select two teams, a first and second!)
Team A
Pasi Raitanen,
Simo Pulkki, Dwayne Newman
Doug McEwan, Lewis Buckman, Duncan Cook
Team B
Janis Auzins
Nick Boynton, Martin Kivon
Randy Smith, Nathan Rempel, Chris Jamieson
Have you got a message for the Phantoms’ supporters as you hang up your skates?
I’d like to thank all the fans that have been around since I made my senior debut, and all the new fans I met over the years. Keep being loud and supporting the guys, it’s a cliché but when Phantoms fans get behind the guys it brings an extra stride of energy to their games and makes a difference.
Thanks again to Jason, and best wishes for the future!
The Peterborough Phantoms can be found online at http://www.gophantoms.co.uk/
You can also follow the club on Twitter at @GoPhantoms
If you have any comments or observations I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Twitter at @phil_smith66 and follow for regular Phantoms updates.
beyond the blue line 