The UK Ice Hockey Foundation (UKIHF) is delighted to welcome Kevin McLaughlin as the organisation’s first Head of Hockey Development.
With almost 25 years of experience at USA Hockey, most recently as Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Development, Kevin brings a stellar level of knowledge and expertise to his role with UKIHF.
In his role with USA Hockey, McLaughlin led USA Hockey’s youth hockey department and programmes, including the acclaimed American Development Model (ADM), the youth and high school national championships, all national player development camps and the coaching education programmes.
Kevin was also responsible for the Hockey Director Training and Certification Programme at the North American Rink Conference & Expo (NARCE).
He also served as the Director of Hockey Operations for the U.S. Men’s National Team that won bronze at the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship, and as the General Manager of the 2019 silver medal-winning U.S. Youth Olympic Games Team.
His other international experience includes twenty years of oversight of the U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team that competes in the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament and as the General Manager of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Select Team that competes in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
He also has been a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation Coaching and Development Committee since 2003, as an IIHF Instructor since 2000 and most recently as an expert consultant.
As Head of Hockey Development for UKIHF, Kevin has relocated to the UK to work closely with junior players, programmes and coaches, and support the growth and development goals of the Home Nations (EIH and SIH), with all coaching programmes fully funded by the Foundation.
McLaughlin said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me and one that I am relishing. I have already spent time with a number of clubs and coaches across the UK, to understand the opportunities and challenges their players and clubs face.
“I’m confident that my experience can be a real asset to UK hockey and I am excited to deliver an exceptional programme that has a real impact for ambitious junior players and clubs.”
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Suneil Setiya and Clifton Wrottesley, said: “We’re thrilled that someone of Kevin’s calibre is joining us.
“During the interview process, it was clear that not only was he an exceptional candidate, but that he aligns closely with the mission of the Foundation – to remove many of the barriers that ice hockey in the UK faces, and give greater opportunity to the stars of future, both players and coaches.”
The UK Ice Hockey Foundation is a registered charity and a separate legal entity from Ice Hockey UK. The two organisations will work in cooperation from time-to-time where it is to the benefit of the sport, under a structured Cooperation Agreement.
