Jamie Elson has been named as the new head coach of Great Britain Under-16s.
The 41-year-old, who spent two years as part of GB U18s coaching staff between 2013 and 2015, replaces Mike Clancy who moves to take up the position of assistant coach with Great Britain Women.
Elson also had a five-year stint as assistant coach of EIHL side Cardiff Devils and is currently assistant coach at Okanagan Hockey Academy.
“I’m excited and honoured to be take up the head coach position for the under-16s and eager to get started as soon as hockey resumes,” said Elson.
“I was looking for a fresh challenge this summer and when I saw coaching opportunities with Ice Hockey UK, I was really keen to be involved again.
“I’ve always been passionate about our national programme and the development of our young British players – and coaching GB is a huge privilege.
“I’m looking forward to starting the process of working with the staff to put together a GB U16s programme that we can all be proud of.
“I’d like to thank Tony Hand, Andy French and the rest of the Ice Hockey UK board for the opportunity to lead the under-16 group for this season ahead.”
David Hand, head of the GB Programme Board, said: “Jamie has fantastic domestic experience with Cardiff and, of course, has been part of the Great Britain set-up before.
“He is highly respected within in the game and a great coach. We are looking forward to him leading the under-16s forward. The change sees Mike Clancy move to take up the role of assistant coach with GB Women.
“We think Mike will be a great addition to the women’s programme and will be a good fit with the current coaches ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers and World Championship.”
Clancy added: “I am saddened to be leaving the under-16 programme and will miss working alongside a fantastic management and coaching team.
“But, at the same time, I am excited to be linking up with the women’s programme and working with the current coaching staff.
“I’d like to wish Andy Brown well in his new adventure with the under-18s and I know the under-16 programme is in great hands with the appointment of Jamie Elson working alongside Ian Turley.”
Photo credit: Richard Murray.