Ice Hockey UK is pleased to confirm the head coaches for Great Britain’s national teams for the 2025–26 season.
The rest of the coaching staff for each team are still being finalised and will be announced in due course.
This season will see the continuation of investment in our GB Futures / GB Next Gen programme, which will integrate more young talent into senior environments and strengthen the pipeline to future Great Britain teams.
GB Men Head Coach: Pete Russell
Pete Russell continues in his role of head coach. The most decorated coach in GB history, Russell recently reached 75 games behind the GB bench and has led the national team to four gold medals and multiple top-flight campaigns.
GB Women Head Coach: Beth Hanrahan
Beth Hanrahan served as an assistant coach for GB Women at last season’s World Championship in Dumfries, helping the team to a bronze medal. She brings NCAA player development and technical expertise and is currently assistant coach at Brown University (NCAA).
GB U20 Men Head Coach: Martin Grubb
Long-time Solway Sharks Head Coach, Martin Grubb continues in his role head coach of GB U20 Men. He’s been part of six GB junior medal-winning teams at World Championship tournaments. Grubb has helped develop numerous players into full GB internationals and has a wealth of IIHF World Championship experience.
GB U18 Men Head Coach: Jamie Elson
Cardiff-based Jamie Elson replaces Sean Easton as head coach of GB U18 Men. Elson has held GB age-group roles since 2020 and delivered strong development programmes across the UK. With a strong video-analysis background, Elson also has EIHL and IIHF experience.
GB U18 Women Head Coach: Sean Alderson
Sean Alderson led GB U18 Women to gold and promotion last season and also took interim charge of GB Women at the World Championship earlier this year. He has worked with the national team since 2011 and has huge experience across men’s and women’s teams in the GB programme.
GB Futures (U16 Boys/Girls) Head Coaches: Euan King & Reg Wilcox
Euan King, long-serving Great Britain and Cardiff Devils goaltending and development coach, is confirmed as GB Futures U16 Head Coach, having recently lead them at the Estonia Four Nations tournament in August. King has been part of the GB Programme since 2019-20, winning two gold medals.
Former GB Women’s Head Coach, Reg Wilcox will continue to lead GB U16 Women and support the Futures integration. Wilcox has extensive experience in the GB Women’s programme for over two decades and has been part of six medal-winning teams at senior and junior level.
One GB Programme
This coaching group, led by Pete Russell, will work together as the leadership team for the Great Britain programme.
There will be appropriate integration across age groups, including aligned game models, shared video and scouting resources, as well as targeted player transitions between GB Futures / GB Next Gen and senior environments.
We are also reaffirming a clear commitment to transparent decision-making:
- Selection by committee: In-depth selection committees for each team using agreed criteria and shared evidence which includes video and reports
- Accountability: All selection processes and programme standards will be overseen and held accountable by the GB Performance Committee
- Consistency: Common standards for culture, wellbeing and performance will apply across all teams
Grant King, COO & Interim Performance Director, said: “This group of coaches brings a fantastic blend of continuity and fresh energy.“With Pete Russell leading a connected coaching team and with transparent, committee-based selection held to account by our Performance Committee, we’re focused on standards, depth and a clear identity across every level of the GB pathway.
“We wish each of the coaches all the very best for the season ahead and would like to thank the outgoing coaches for the time, commitment and dedication to the GB programme.
“We are still finalising each teams’ full coaching staff and announcements will follow in due course.”