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Thompson to take GB forward as new Head Coach

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Ice Hockey UK would like to confirm that they have appointed Coventry Blaze Coach Paul Thompson as the new Head Coach of the Senior GB Team with immediate effect.

Chairman Bob Wilkinson said, "The time has come for the National side to make the jump to the next level, and, hopefully the Olympic games in 2010. We see Paul Thompson as the man who can lead not only the senior side but the whole of British Hockey in that direction. We would like to thank Rick Strachan who has been involved in our GB programme for many years for his work and efforts during this time."

Wilkinson continued, "like every British hockey fan, I am desperate for a senior team we can be proud of and get behind, a team that excites us and a team that fans from all over the country believe in and more importantly get behind with the same passion as they support their individual clubs. I believe that Paul will bring that passion to the programme, bring the best out of the players and ensure that the best players not only want to be a part of the team but want it to succeed as much as we all do, and the added bonus is that he is British and with a proven record at the top level, commanding respect from players and coaches alike. The programme needs a professional structure and organisational side behind it, Paul asked for, and we gave him 100% control of the National side. It is now for Paul to appoint his managers and assistant coaches and then drive this programme forward. Ice Hockey UK will support him in what ever ways it can to achieve the goals he sets for himself and the team."

For his part Thompson said, "I am honoured and proud that I have been offered the post and more so the opportunity of taking the National team to the next level. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and hope to be able to pass that same excitement to the many GB supporters out there who are as desperate as I am for the national team to succeed. At this stage in my career I am ready to accept this challenge and want to improve the National team programme for the future. This is a unique opportunity for all sides to come together, join forces and get behind a senior team that we can be proud of. I would like to call for all fans, clubs and owners to get fully behind this programme, to support both us and the development of the senior team. My philosophy has always been to build a programme that has the best chance of success both on and off the ice, and we will require the funding to achieve our Olympic dream. I am presently putting together my team of Assistant Coaches and Team Managers and will confirm these positions shortly."