In an exhilarating move set to reshape the landscape of British ice hockey, Ice Hockey UK proudly announces Ice Hockey’s new six-year strategy, poised to secure a sustainable future and drive long-term success across the United Kingdom.
Unlocking Potential, Through Unity and Innovation
At the heart of this ambitious strategy lies the vision: “Unlocking Potential, Through Unity and Innovation.” This guiding principle aims to expand the sport both on and off the ice by fostering collaboration among clubs, players, staff, volunteers, and supporters.
Central to this vision is a strengthened partnership with the home nations and affiliated bodies, ensuring a cohesive and unified approach to developing the sport nationwide.
Potential: Unearthing Hidden Talent
Ice Hockey UK is confident that the UK harbours untapped talent and a fervent desire for GB success.
The new strategy emphasises removing longstanding barriers through a unified framework, creating a progressive pathway to identify, nurture, and support athletes and personnel.
This commitment ensures that every individual involved has the opportunity to reach their full potential, driving the sport toward unprecedented heights.
Unity: Strength in Togetherness
“We’re Stronger Together” isn’t just a motto; it’s a foundational pillar of Ice Hockey’s new six-year strategy.
By fostering strong connections between home nations, affiliates, clubs, players, staff, volunteers, and the passionate fan base, Ice Hockey UK is building a resilient and supportive community.
This unified front is essential for achieving collective success and elevating the sport’s profile across the nation.
Innovation: Modernising for Excellence
Recognizing that many of the ingredients for success are already in place, Ice Hockey UK is dedicated to modernizing and professionalising its approach both on and off the ice.
Ice Hockey’s new six-year strategy focuses on implementing cutting-edge practices and technologies to deliver world-class performances and streamline operations, ensuring the sport remains competitive and appealing in today’s dynamic environment.
Leadership Speaks: A New Era for UK Ice Hockey
Henry Staelens, CEO of Ice Hockey UK, shared his enthusiasm: “We’re entering a new era of ice hockey here in the United Kingdom – an era that brings big opportunities.
As the National Governing Body, we have a responsibility to seize upon these opportunities and improve the game for everyone – players, coaches, staff, and fans.
We must also help to improve the pathway from youth to junior, and then provide exceptional development opportunities for players in the GB set-up, whilst ensuring everyone involved enjoys the journey and feels the support of the ice hockey family.”
Clifton Wrottesley, Chairman of Ice Hockey UK, echoed this optimism: “Ice Hockey in the UK has seen considerable change over the past two to three years, particularly as we emerged from a period of dislocation that had far-reaching impacts in all areas of our sport and indeed our lives.
I believe we are now in a far better place than we were then and maybe even five years ago. With the help of those who helped steady the ship during a difficult period, the people we now have involved at all levels of the sport, and the improvements we have made at every level, including our national teams, we will move from surviving to thriving.
I feel confident that we can take Ice Hockey UK and indeed the sport to the next level. This is made considerably easier now that we have significantly improved relations with and support from our key stakeholders.
This strategy, ‘Unlocking Potential, Through Unity and Innovation’, seeks to align our plan with those of our national and international partners, build on the progress we have already made, setting Ice Hockey UK and our sport up for a sustainable future and long-term success.”
Looking Ahead: A Thriving Future for UK Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey’s new six-year strategy is more than a roadmap; it’s a bold declaration of intent to transform the sport in the UK.
By harnessing potential, fostering unity, and embracing innovation, Ice Hockey UK is set to lead the way in making British ice hockey a powerhouse on the global stage.
Stakeholders, from clubs and players to volunteers and supporters, are invited to join in this exciting journey toward a vibrant and successful future for ice hockey across the United Kingdom.
Stay tuned as Ice Hockey UK rolls out this comprehensive strategy, promising a thrilling new chapter for the sport and its passionate community.