Ice Hockey UK is pleased to confirm the head coaches for the Great Britain national teams for the 2025-2026 season.
The rest of the coaching staff for each team is still being determined and will be announced in due course.
This season we will continue investment in our GB Futures/GB Next Gen programme, which will integrate more young talent into senior environments and strengthen the pipeline to future teams in Britain.
GB Men’s Head Coach: Pete Russell
Pete Russell will remain in his role as head coach. The most decorated coach in Great Britain’s history, Russell recently reached 75 games behind the British bench and has guided the national team to four gold medals and multiple top-flight campaigns.
GB Women Head Coach: Beth Hanrahan
Beth Hanrahan was assistant coach for GB Women at the World Championships in Dumfries last season, helping the team to a bronze medal. She brings NCAA player development and technical expertise and is currently an assistant coach at Brown University (NCAA).
GB U20 Men Head Coach: Martin Grubb
Longtime Solway Sharks head coach Martin Grubb will continue in his role as GB U20 Men head coach. He was part of six British junior medal-winning teams at World Championships. Grubb has helped develop numerous players into full GB internationals and has a wealth of experience in the IIHF World Championship.
GB U18 Men Head Coach: Jamie Elson
Cardiff’s Jamie Elson replaces Sean Easton as GB U18 Men head coach. Elson has held roles in the UK age group since 2020 and has delivered strong development programs across the UK. With a strong background in video analytics, Elson also has experience with EIHL and IIHF.
GB U18 Women Head Coach: Sean Alderson
Sean Alderson led GB U18 Women to gold and promotion last season and also took interim charge of GB Women at the World Championship earlier this year. He has worked with the national team since 2011 and has vast experience with men’s and women’s teams in the GB programme.
GB Futures (U16 Boys/Girls) Head Coaches: Euan King & Reg Wilcox
Long-serving Great Britain and Cardiff Devils goalkeeping and development coach Euan King has been confirmed as GB Futures U16 Head Coach, having recently led them to the Estonian Four Nations tournament in August. King has been part of the GB program since 2019-2020 and won two gold medals.
Former GB Women’s Head Coach, Reg Wilcox, will continue to lead GB U16 Women and support the Futures integration. Wilcox has over twenty years of extensive experience in the GB Women’s program and has been part of six medal-winning teams at senior and junior level.
One GB program
This coaching group, led by Pete Russell, will work together as the leadership team for the Great Britain programme.
There will be appropriate integration between age groups, including aligned game models, shared video and scouting resources, as well as targeted player transitions between GB Futures/GB Next Gen and senior environments.
We also reaffirm our clear commitment to transparent decision-making:
- Selection by committee: in-depth selection committees for each team, using agreed criteria and shared evidence including video and reports
- Responsibility: All selection processes and program standards will be monitored and held accountable by the GB Performance Committee
- Consistency: Common standards for culture, well-being and performance will apply to all teams
Grant King, COO & Interim Performance Director, said: “This group of coaches brings a fantastic mix of continuity and fresh energy.
“With Pete Russell leading a connected coaching team and with a transparent, committee-based selection that is held to account by our Performance Committee, we are focused on standards, depth and a clear identity at every level of the GB journey.
“We wish each of the coaches all the best for the season ahead and would like to thank the outgoing coaches for their time, dedication and commitment to the GB programme.
“We are still finalizing the full coaching staff of each team and announcements will follow in due course.”
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