Executive Update: Two Years On – Building the Future of British Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens
To our ice hockey community
As I mark two years as Chief Executive of Ice Hockey UK, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to share a look ahead at what’s next.
These first two years have been about building a modern, compliant,and fit-for-purpose governing body, creating the foundations for long-term growth and success. Ice hockey is the UK’s fifth-largest team sport and we now have a launchpad to take it to new heights.
Year One: Governance and Foundations
Our first priority was governance. We focused on rebuilding trust with our community and stakeholders, strengthening internal processes and assembling a world-class Board of Directors with deep expertise in legal, finance, governance and audit. These changes were critical to creating a stable platform from which we can grow.
Year Two: People, Process and Progress
This year, in our second year, we turned our attention to operations, specifically, how to remove duplication, reduce costs, and create space to reinvest in what matters most: our athletes and members.
A major milestone was the implementation of shared services between Ice Hockey UK and England Ice Hockey (EIH) in October 2024, with both Grant King (COO) and myself stepping in as executive leaders for EIH.
This unified leadership approach, along with closer collaboration with Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH), has given us unprecedented visibility across the sport. We’ve begun to remove long-standing barriers and accelerate positive change.
Year Three: Growth and Project Unity
As we enter our third year in May, following the conclusion of the international season, our focus will shift to two critical areas: growing the game and delivering Project Unity.
Growing the game means unlocking commercial income opportunities and reducing inefficiencies, so we can reinvest in grassroots and elite performance.
It also means launching bold, game-changing initiatives to get more people on the ice than ever before. Just as importantly, it means enabling our members – clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers, and administrators with the tools, support and resources they need to thrive.
Whether it’s better access to training, improved infrastructure, or streamlined systems, our goal is to empower those driving the sport at every level.
Project Unity will consolidate business-critical functions across Ice Hockey UK, EIH, and SIH, creating a more efficient, transparent and collaborative system.
While each organisation will retain its legal status and autonomy in some areas, key operations will be centrally delivered or supported. This will improve governance, streamline the athlete and coach pathway to Great Britain, and, crucially, create more paid roles in ice hockey than ever before.
This is not unification, but a practical step forward to ensure our sport thrives.
A Thank You to Our Hockey Community
As we continue this work, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes our sport what it is.
It is not lost on me, or those I work closely with, that the issues/opportunities we face across the sport are the same as they would’ve been 10 years ago – so, whilst it’s frustrating that we are behind the curve on really driving the sport forward, we will simply continue to accelerate the work we are doing to ensure we catch-up as quickly as possible.
Congratulations to all the Great Britain teams competing in the IIHF World Championship and to the England and Scotland teams proudly representing us at tournaments around the world. Your performances inspire future generations and bring pride to the sport.
GB U18 Women won a fantastic gold medal and promotion at the World Championship at the start of the year.
GB Under-18 Men are just returning home from Italy with a silver medal and GB Women won the bronze in Dumfries last week.
To our volunteers, parents, coaches, officials, and members – thank you. Your dedication, time, and passion are the foundation of everything we do. Whether at the rink, behind the bench, or supporting from home, your contributions make the sport possible.
Looking Ahead
We’ll continue to share updates as our transformation journey progresses. Thank you for your continued support over these past two years. Together, we are moving the sport forward – stronger, smarter and more united than ever before.
Elite League Playoff Finals Weekend
Finally, I’d just like to wish Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils the best of luck in today’s Grand Final.
It’s been a brilliant season for the Elite League which culminates in the very special and unique Final Four at the Motorpoint Arena.
