Ice Hockey UK (IHUK) can confirm that Mike Clancy has left his position as Head Coach of GB Women.
Since taking up the role in 2021 Mike, along with his Assistant Coaches and support team, helped guide GB Women to promotion from Division II Group A, followed by retaining the team’s position in Division I Group B over the following two seasons.
Most recently, he oversaw GB Women miss out narrowly on the next round of Olympic Qualification with a narrow defeat to Netherlands.
Henry Staelens, Chief Executive Officer of IHUK, said: “Mike leaves the position with our best wishes and a tremendous amount of thanks for the work he has done during his time as Head Coach of GB Women.
“As an organisation, we are committed to transforming and evolving the GB Programme, both across men’s and women’s, to give our phenomenal athletes and coaches the very best opportunities of success in the coming years.
“This requires bold changes and we are unwavering in our commitment to move the women’s game forward.”
Ice Hockey UK – as part of their strategic goal of ‘professionalise to perform – will soon open a recruitment process for a full-time Head Coach for GB Women, who will also oversee the whole women’s programme.
Clancy said: “I would like to thank Ice Hockey UK, the board and all involved in the Great Britain Women’s Programme for giving me the opportunity to lead this group over the past four years.
“I’m proud of what we have achieved collectively and could not have done so without a dedicated backroom team who were equally committed to the success of the women’s game, and in elevating the programme as a whole.
“I leave the programme in great shape, knowing that the next phase is crucial – and understand wholeheartedly the need for a full-time coach for the GB Women’s programme – where the professionalism and time to develop the GB Women and support programme will be critical in matching the ambition of the IHUK Board.”
Andrew Partridge, Head of Performance at IHUK, said: “The GB Women’s programme is ready to push on to the next level.
“This is a testament to the dedication Mike has shown over the years and he certainly leaves the programme in a better place.
“We thank him for the years of service to the team and wish him all the best as he now concentrates on his Deeside Dragons season.
“With this new chapter, we hope to build upon the previous success as we look to develop the team further with the ultimate aim of 2030 Olympic qualification.”
