GB Ice Hockey Women’s coaching team announced

Ice Hockey UK is pleased to announce four appointments to the senior women’s coaching staff.

Paul Burton has been named head coach, while Sam Phillips, Cheryl Smith and Michelle Smith will be assistant specialist coaches.

Chiswick-born Burton started his coaching career as a trainer at the Richmond Ice Rink and went on to be coach of the Under-12s and Under-14s before the rink was demolished.

He moved onto Haringey and turned a winless Under-12 side into league champions within three years.

A move to Bracknell was next and he was part of the start-up team for the Division One Fire Bees and the Under-16 Ice Bees girls hockey team.

He is currently head coach of the Bracknell Queen Bees Club, who have been league champions for the last two years, while the club’s Under-16s have been league champions for the last six years.

Burton, who has also held coaching roles with the England U16s, South Of England U16s and Seniors, said: “I am honoured and so very proud to be given the opportunity by IHUK to coach our senior women’s national team.

“The new coaches in the GB set-up have stated that this is a crossroads and I agree.

“In the short term we need to win games and in the long term we need to put in place a development plan that enables us to keep winning games.”

Sam Phillips started her playing career at the age of 14 for Cardiff Ladies and moved to play for Bracknell Queen Bees in 1996.

She also played roller hockey and made both the GB ice hockey and roller hockey teams in 2001. Sam also captained Wales and led the side to memorable victories over Scotland and a visiting Canadian team.

Sam, who is currently on the coaching staff alongside Paul Burton at the Queen Bees, said: “My appointment as assistant coach for GB senior women is something that I am extremely proud of.

“Since playing for Great Britain and starting coaching, it has been my aim to become a GB coach.

“This is a very exciting time with a new head coach and, with new structures being put in place, we can put together a GB team to be proud of.”

Sheffield twins, Cheryl and Michelle Smith, represented GB Women from 1995 to 2001.

Cheryl collected the best defender award at the 2001 World Championship (Division 1B),while Michelle was named best forward for the third year running and top points-scorer as the pair picked up a silver medal.

The duo, who have both been assistant captains for GB Women, have six domestic league titles each.

Cheryl and Michelle are professional golfers and Michelle spent time on the Ladies’ European Tour, before sustaining an injury which saw her out of the game for five years.

“We had a terrific time during our spell playing international ice hockey and now want to help put something back into the women’s game,” said Cheryl.

“Both Michelle and I want to pass on our knowledge and experience to the girls coming up through the ranks as part of the coaching team.”

Michelle added: “We appreciate how hard it is to make it to the top of any sport. We have the experience and commitment to help GB women’s hockey move forward.

“Being offered a position on the coaching team is a huge honour and one we were delighted to accept.”

Andy French, general secretary of IHUK, said: “Ice Hockey UK are very excited about the new women’s coaching staff.

“All four gave fantastic interviews and presentations. We believe they are the ones that can take the programme forward. Led by Paul, they have some great ideas for the future and I think the women’s side is in very safe hands.”

“I would like to welcome them to the GB national programme and I believe exciting times are ahead.”