SHEFFIELD, U.K. – Danny Boome is a name more widely known for his career after ice hockey, than during his time in the game. Now Danny can be found hosting his own TV show called the Rescue Chef, and tours universities giving cooking demonstrations and talks with students. Danny has laced up his skates for Norwich and Peterborough Pirates, Sheffield Steelers, Medway Bears, and the Chelmsford Chieftains, as well as representing the England and Great Britain national teams from the age of 16-21.
Danny as a fresh-faced youngster at Peterborough
Danny was asked how he first got into the sport , “I went to my first Peterborough Pirates game in 1986 and got hooked. It’s hard to name just one influence on my career. Gary Unger, Rocky Saganiuk, Alex Dampier, Tony Hunter and Elwyn Dawkins all played an important role in various stages of my career.” Danny said.
It was of course Alex Dampier who brought Danny as an 18-year-old from Peterborough to Sheffield along with Mark Wright for the 1993-94 season. Danny was asked for his thoughts about the huge transition. “To be honest, I was too young at the time to appreciate the magnitude of the club at the time. I was a young kid playing on a team of superstars – it certainly spoiled me for the rest of my career.” Danny admitted.
Danny was asked about the characters in the Sheffield Steelers dressing room during his time with the club to which he replied, “Now that I live in America, I’ve learned a very important phrase – ‘I’ll take the 5th on this one.'” This comes from the U.S. Constitution where the fifth is, refusing to testify to a U.S. legislative committee under the protection of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Basically meaning Danny wanted to dodge the bullet and protect his former teammates from embarrassment.
Danny had a similar approach to the next question when I asked him what was the best practical joke he has pulled on a teammate. Danny answered, “The best practical jokes are the ones you never admit to.”
Danny was fortunate enough to represent his country in the World Junior Championships as well as captaining the English national team. Danny was asked about this experience “ Any time you play for your country, it’s an honor. I was lucky enough to play for both England and Great Britain at every level up to under 21. To be captain of the under 16 team was a memorable and important growth experience.”
Danny with his England team-mates
Danny was then asked what his favourite memories from Sheffield and his career were, “ My favourite memory of Sheffield are the fans – how strong, passionate and resilient they are.”
Danny was then asked about how the old Heineken Premier league (HPL) days compared to the current Elite League, “From what I’ve seen, the intensity and skill level has increased tremendously. I guess the biggest difference is that there are more imported players now than ever before.” Danny also thought there were too many imports in the British game when asked.
Danny then traded in his skates for a chef apron that admittedly was a career he stumbled upon, Danny explains “I actually fell into this profession after backpacking around Europe. Have trade, will travel.”
Danny then undertook a hectic apprenticeship in order to become a top chef, beginning in Switzerland and then later moving to Canada where he worked at the West Wind Inn, before finally completing his qualifications at the prestigious UK Cookery School, The Grange. During his time in Switzerland Danny doubled up as a male nanny, and played a little bit of hockey out there. Danny’s CV includes working for the Sultan of Oman and executive families, he admits it was an interesting experience “Being a chef has opened many doors for me and I’ve met and cooked for some very interesting people.”
Danny has made several appearances on television shows including ‘This Morning’ and the ‘Today Show’ on NBC, he was asked how his first television appearance was, “ I’ve been very lucky in my television career. From the moment I met an agent 8 years ago, I’ve not stopped working in TV. From having my own shows to guest appearances, every time is an amazing rush.”
Danny as he is widely recognised as now.
Danny has also done modelling before for the likes of Wella and fronted an anti drugs campaign for the National Police Authority as well as adverts for Hellman’s on Sky TV. I asked him how he got his break in modelling, “Good hair and not having hockey teeth.” Danny replied with a grin.
Since working as a chef Danny still has ties with ice hockey, as he has previously worked with the NHL producing recipes for players. He was asked about this, “Since moving to America, my relationship with the NHL has been sort of a natural progression. I’ve been involved in panels, a contributor to the Winter Classic program and helped build relationships with their food and beverage partners. And the occasional free tickets are always nice.” Danny said.
Danny was then asked about his own TV show the ‘Rescue Chef’, “I love sharing my passion for food with families, students and every day cooks. Rescue Chef allowed me to go into people’s home and help them with their kitchen catastrophes. You can see Rescue Chef on Food Network UK on Sky.”
A hectic career as a chef in New York must be stressful so Danny was asked how he spends his free time, “As my body gets older, hockey isn’t how I unwind anymore, but I do love to ski when I can.”
Danny was finally asked where he would like to be in five years time, “I hope to be continuing to build my television career here in America.”
Pro Hockey News would sincerely like to thank Danny Boome for his time and agreeing to the interview.
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
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