FORMER Murrayfield Racers defenceman Paul Heavey will continue as assistant as Fife-born Martin Grubb takes on the role of head coach of Great Britain under-20s at this month’s World Championship (Division 1B).
Coach Tommy Watkins is unable to attend because of club commitments.
Kirkcaldy-born Grubb is coach of Great Britain under-18s and domestically is in charge of Solway Sharks.
GB, who won a bronze medal in France last year, will take on hosts Hungary, as well as Slovenia, Poland, Italy and Ukraine.
The six-team tournament runs from 11 to 17 December at the Jegpalota Ice Centre in Budapest.
Grubb said: “It will be an honour to step up and coach the Great Britain under-20s in Budapest.
“Most of the players I have coached at under-18 level, so I know what a great group they are.
“There will be a great coaching staff around me and I know everyone is excited for the challenge.”
Ice Hockey UK head development coach, Edinburgh-born Tony Hand, said: “It is a real shame we are losing Tommy this month, but we understand he’s in a very challenging position.
“However, I’m certain Martin, Paul, Slava (Kulikov) and Karl Creamer will do a great job.
“They have a lot of experience and I am confident the team will have an excellent tournament.”
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