Hutchins takes up Under-18 head coach role
Ice Hockey UK’s GB Programme Board have confirmed that Jeff Hutchins is the new head coach of Great Britain Under-18s.
The 39-year-old appeared nine times for GB as a player and was part of the squad that won the silver medal in the World Championship Division 1 Group B in 2011.
The former AHL’er appeared for Coventry, Belfast, Newcastle, Bracknell, Edinburgh, Sheffield and Edinburgh.
His first coaching role in the UK was with Dundee Stars where he won the Gardiner Conference in 2013-14
After a stint in China, he is now assistant coach and director of player development at Fife Flyers.
Hutchins said: “I am very honored to be named the head coach of the GB Under-18s team.
“I have been part of the senior programme as a player and understand what it means to play for your country.
“I am excited to be part of it now as the 18s coach.
“I have to thank Tony and the GB board for entrusting me with this opportunity.
“We have discussed at length about the direction of the programme and what the objectives are moving forward. I am excited to get started.”
IHUK national development head coach, Tony Hand, said: “Jeff’s experience is extensive, not just in the UK but across the world.
“He has some excellent ideas about moving the programme forward and he is well respected in the UK.
“I am sure he will be a great fit for the under-18s and I look forward to working with him.”
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins.