Slava Koulikov has been appointed as assistant coach of Great Britain Under-20s. The 37-year-old has been in charge of EPL side Peterborough Phantoms since 2013 after previously being at Slough Jets as player-coach.
Koulikov led the Phantoms to the playoff title last season and was named as the EPL Coach of the Year.
As a player, Koulikov came through the Hull youth system and iced for the Stingrays and Basingstoke Bison in the EIHL.
GB U20s head coach, Tom Watkins, said: “I am delighted to have Koulikov on board with the under-20s.
“He is an excellent coach and a well-respected person and he led the Phantoms to a great playoff success last season.
“He will be a great fit to our coaching staff and will bring so much to the table.”
Koulikov said: “I am very pleased to have been given this chance.
“To be a part of the GB national team is a great honour.
“I hope I can help in bringing some silverware back to the UK and follow on from last year’s great success for the GB Under-20s.”
Meanwhile, Ian Kelly has been appointed as the under-20s equipment manager.
Kelly, who currently works with the Kirkcaldy Kestrels, also held a similar role at Fife Flyers.
Gabrielle McGraw has been named as team physio. Gabby travelled with the under-18s to Tallinn earlier this year.
Ice Hockey UK general secretary, Andy French, said: “These are three excellent appointments to the under-20 squad.
“I can only echo what Tom has said about Slava and he will be a great addition to the coaching staff.
“Ian and Gabby will boost the off-ice staff and they are two people highly respected in their fields of work.”