New GB Women’s head coach Mike Clancy says he’s focussed on doing the things needed to make the team successful.
The 46-year-old is moving up from his previous role as assistant coach after first joining the GB programme as Head Coach of the men’s under-16s in 2019.
And he’s already gearing up for the Olympic qualifiers and the World Championships, which take place in the course of the next year.
“I’m deeply, deeply honoured, privileged and humbled to have been given this opportunity to represent Great Britain as the women’s Head Coach,” he said.
“It’s a really exciting time for the women’s programme as we start to work towards preparing for the Olympic Qualifiers in October and next year’s World Championship.
“I’m excited to catch-up with the coaching and management team ahead of starting to work on a number of scheduled camps to select the team to compete in Korea.
Clancy replaces Cheryl Smith in the role as GB Women’s coach (PHOTO: Ice Hockey UK)
“I’m deeply passionate about creating the right environment to support the winning culture needed to bring success to the women’s programme.”
Clancy has worked with England Under 16s/17s and U19s, as well as coaching The Midlands in the Conference programme.
As a player, Clancy was a netminder, playing for Deeside Dragons, Sheffield Scimitars, Trafford Metros, Telford Tigers and Altrincham Aces before turning out for Flintshire Freeze.
David Hand, Chair of the GB Programme Board, said: “Mike is no stranger to GB after starting out with the men’s under-16s before moving on to the Assistant Coach role with the women.
“He has plenty of experience and is highly regarded with the sport in the UK, so we are excited to see him lead our women’s team.
“We look forward to working with Mike in what is an important year for the women’s programme, starting with the Olympic Qualifiers later this year.”
