IHUK Announces New Chairman

Jim Anderson has been appointed as chairman of Ice Hockey UK for the next three years.

Anderson took over on an interim basis when Mohammed Ashraff stood down from the position back in February.

His first taste of the sport came in 1979 as a member of the board of the Kirkcaldy Ice Hockey Club (Fife Flyers) and since then he has been an ever-present in Scottish ice hockey.

He has held many important posts in the sport north of the border, including two terms as chairman of Scotland’s governing body.

Anderson has worked closely with others on establishing a strong relationship with the Dumfries & Galloway Council.

This has resulted in the town staging four World Championship groups, including the Senior Women’s tournament taking place in March 2015 and the Under-20 and Under-18 Men’s competitions last season.

Anderson has also been instrumental in IHUK’s Learn to Play program, a development plan for the sport in conjunction with the IIHF.

He is also team leader of Great Britain Under-20s, who head off to Estonia this week for the U20 World Championship (Division 2A).

Anderson said: “I am thrilled to be officially taking over as chairman of Ice Hockey UK.

“Ice hockey is a massive passion of mine and to hold this position is a real honour.

“We are making massive strides forward at the moment and they are exciting times to be involved in the national governing body.

“There are many plans for the future, including the restructure of the sport and the proposed U20’s league, which will change the sport in a massively positive way.”

IHUK board member, Tony Smith, said: “Jim is an excellent appointment to be chairman for the next three years.

“He has a lot of drive and ambition and is very dedicated to British ice hockey.

“Jim is a very experienced man in ice hockey and respected throughout the sport.

“He has served the sport of ice hockey as a volunteer for many years and his dedication to Great Britain has been first class.

“Jim and the Ice Hockey UK board have lots of exciting plans for the future and I am looking forward to seeing them implemented.”