Ice Hockey UK’s Great Britain Programme Board have appointed Martin Cingel and Sean Easton as the assistant coaches of Great Britain Under-18s.
Slovakian-born Cingel had a long playing career with Edinburgh Capitals, but also played for Manchester Phoenix, Dundee Stars and Solway Sharks, where he was assistant coach.
The 41-year-old is currently player-coach of Edinburgh’s SNL side and joined the GB U18s coaching staff for last year’s World Championship in Korea.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to represent Great Britain,” said Cingel.
“I know Jeff Hutchins from my playing days very well and I am sure that with Sean we can create a good coaching team.
“I would like to say thank you to Ice Hockey UK for choosing me for the GB Under-18 assistant coach position.”
Easton iced for Chelmsford and Streatham Redskins as a player and is currently head coach of NIHL side London Raiders.
The 31-year-old steps up from this position as assistant coach of Great Britain Under-16s.
“It is honour to represent Great Britain once again,” said Easton.
“The last two years with the under-16s have been fantastic and I’m lucky enough to move up with them.
“This year’s under-18s are a highly talented group and it will be great to see them all competing at trials.
“I would like to thank Tony Hand and David Hand for the opportunity and continued support.
“I want to be able to grow with GB and move up the ranks, so I will continue to better myself and help progress the GB programme.”
IHUK national development head coach, Tony Hand, said: “We excited about these two appointments to the GB Under-18s coaching staff.
“Martin was very impressive in Korea with the under-18s earlier this year and Sean worked very well with the under-16s.
“This completes our under-18 coaching staff and we are confident that, alongside Jeff Hutchins, we have a strong trio for the future.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Simon Leach for all his hard work and input into the GB programme over the last few years.”