Clarity project: Ihuk, Eih and SIH announce the intention to explore merger – Ice Hockey UK

After extensive discussions in recent months, Ice Hockey UK (Ihuk), England Ice Hockey (Eih) and Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH) have formally indicated their shared intention to explore the formation of a single, united national administrative organ for ice hockey in the UK.

This important step, known as Project Clarityreflects a collective ambition to build a stronger, more responsible and more efficient structure for sport. If it improved, the new body would be launched in 2026 and expected:

• Create a maximum of 15 new roles (eight full -time, seven part -time), who offer professional career seams within sport
• Unlock new financing options To increase participation and increase access to the game at all levels
• Invest more than £ 2 million Back to the sport between 2026-2032 through improved supervision, efficiency and scale

These milestones reflect a dedication to both high performance and grass growth – and to ensure that every member, club, official, coach and athlete receive better service and support.

We all believe that the latent talent and desire to achieve GB success already exists and that it is our duty to unlock the barriers that can exist earlier through a uniform approach.

Together we are stronger – from home countries and affiliated companies to clubs, players, staff and volunteers, and never forget the importance of the fan base of Ice Hockey. Our shared vision and cohesion will be crucial for our success.

Although many of the ingredients for success are already available, we understand the need to modernize and professionalize our approach to deliver the ice-out performance and operations of world class. We can only fully act as one organization.

The UK Ice Hockey Foundation will also play a key role as charity partner, in support of long -term investments in regional development, participation access and community impact throughout the home countries.

In the past 18 months, Ihuk has undergone the reform of the transformational administration under the leadership of CEO Henry Staelens, including:

• The development of more than 60 new policy and procedures
• Appointment of a modern, independent majority administration
• A strategy anchored in sustainability, performance and fairness in the long term
• Code -reaching the British sport compliance

In October Ice Hockey UK and England Ice Hockey signed a shared service agreement, in which Henry Staelens and newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Grant King, both organizations led. Since then, Eih has:

• Appointed as four independent non-executive directors (INDEDS)
• Achieved Sport England Code of Governance Compliance
• A renewed model for domestic development rolled out
• In anticipation of confirmation of code -compliance with Sport England

This model has already improved athlete identification, coaching cooperation and visibility of talent within the Groot -Britain Development programCreating early coordination and shared momentum between all three countries.

Henry Staelenens, CEO of Ihuk and Eih, said: “We call this project clarity because that is exactly what it brings – a clear structure, one transparent and responsible system, and one united path to success for British Ice Hockey.

“We owe our players, clubs, coaches, civil servants and members to build something better. This is about resetting the foundation so that the game can grow-professional, commercial and inclusive. We are the fifth most viewed team sport in the UK. It is time for our Governance to reflect.

“We understand that people can be skeptical – as we know that this is not the first time that unification is being discussed. But the difference is now our increased levels of leadership, coordination and accountability. It is clear to talk to everyone with a passion for this great sport that one united body is.

“We are no longer talking about change. We are actually building it up. With better governance, more transparency and a clear plan to deliver results for the entire hockey community, the sport finally has the chance to achieve its potential. A merger will be much greater resources, better systems and a merged performance and participation model that everyone can believe in.”

John Colley, chairman of the Scottish ice hockey, said: “The Scottish ice hockey is fully dedicated to projecting clarity and to be fully involved in the process.

“This is an exciting and progressive step that will support every level of our sport and stimulates the improvements that we have already seen – from stronger player roads and more transparency to improved involvement of members, wider access and real growth in our clubs and communities. We should not slow down.

Duncan Hough, interim chairman of the English Ice Hockey, said: “This uniform approach is about building a stronger more coherent basis for ice hockey in the UK. One that supports clubs, coaching and players at every level, development, development, of development, and provides for the coming generations for the coming generations.”

In the coming months, representatives of Ihuk, Eih and SIH will lead involvement and consultation in all regions. Further updates are shared as the plans develop.