Keen ‘extremely proud’ to take up new GB role

New Great Britain Under-20s assistant coach Dayle Keen says he is “extremely proud” to be taking up a role within the national team programme.

The 28-year-old will combine his new GB position with his role as assistant coach at Elite League side Coventry Blaze.

Keen joins fellow assistant Richard Hartmann and head coach Martin Grubb in completing the under-20s coaching staff.

As a player, the Scottish-born former forward came through the youth system at North Ayrshire and Kilmarnock.

He has coached at every level of British ice hockey, including Sheffield Steeldogs and Basingstoke Under-18s, and has worked in skills development throughout Europe, working with players from NHL and SHL level down to juniors.

Keen said: “I’d like to thank Ice Hockey UK for appointing me and for Danny Stewart, Andy Buxton and Mike Cowley from Coventry Blaze for supporting me.

“The talent pool at under-20s is really exciting and will make for a great World Championship in Lithuania.

“I’m really keen to get going with the coaching staff and meet the players looking to make the team.”