Paul Thompson resigns from Great Britain head coach

Paul Thompson had stepped down from his role of head coach of the Great Britain national programme.

Thompson first led GB in the 2007 World Championship (Division 1) and turned the national team from relegation candidates to regularly challenging for promotion.

GB narrowly missed out on promotion to the elite level last year but won a silver medal in Ukraine, as Kazakhstan took the gold. Thompson also led GB to a bronze medal behind Italy and Ukraine in 2009.

Thompson, who is co-owner and coach of Coventry Blaze said: “Due to the financial situation here in Coventry, I do not feel at this time I can give my full commitment to the programme as I have to concentrate my efforts on the problems we have here. I am very proud of the job I have done with the seniors, just missing out on gold last season in Ukraine. The programme has come a long way playing for gold medals and not relegation games anymore.
I would like to thank everyone in IHUK and Andy Buxton for their support over the years and Bob Wilkinson who appointed me on my proudest day in hockey. I feel I have left with the future looking very rosy for the national team and we are so close to joining the elite in world hockey. This was a decision that under normal circumstances I would never have made but all my efforts must go back into my business at this time.”

Andy French, general secretary of Ice Hockey UK, said: “This is a huge loss for the GB national programme. Ice Hockey UK would like to thank Paul for his dedication to the Great Britain ice hockey over the last five years. He leaves the national side in such a strong position and Paul has built the squad up to be genuine promotion contenders year-on-year. His commitment and dedication to GB has been top class and he has helped not only the senior side, but assisted and advised the junior programme.
Ice Hockey UK are now actively looking for a replacement and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.”

 

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