Ashraff steps down as Ice Hockey UK chair and president

On the eve of the opening ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, Mohammed Ashraff last night stood down from his position as chairman and president of Ice Hockey UK.

Ashraff took over the role in February 2012 following the departure of Eamon Convery.

Since then Ashraff has helped move Ice Hockey UK forward during his reign and has overseen three IIHF World Championship tournaments held in the UK.

He was instrumental in the restructuring of the national team programme, which saw new appointments at all levels last summer and the creation of a national talent development officer.

General secretary Andy French – on behalf of Ice Hockey UK – said: “We would like to thank Mohammed Ashraff for all the work he has done since being in the position as chairman of Ice Hockey UK.

“It is disappointing that he made the decision to step down from Ice Hockey UK as chairman, but we would like to wish him all the best in the future.

“Ash has quietly executed on a number of initiatives which have demonstrated that Ice Hockey UK is financially stable for the long term, restored our credibility with governmental departments, proven transparency to our partner associations and ensured that the ice hockey board has a clear direction for the GB program.

“Ice Hockey UK will not be appointing a new chairman at present, until the board have had the chance to review the situation.

“This is a very busy time for IHUK at the moment, with hosting the Under-18 World Championship (Division 2A) in Dumfries and three other national teams preparing for World Championship tournaments.”