Ice hockey – national job for former Capitals star

Former Edinburgh Capitals star Jeff Hutchins, who is also an ex-coach to Dundee Stars and is now assistant coach to Fife Flyers, has been appointed head coach of Great Britain (GB) under-18 squad.

The 39-year-old appeared nine times for Great Britain as a player and was part of the squad who won the silver medal in the World Championship Division 1 Group B in 2011.

Canadian-born Hutchins, who has also played for Coventry, Belfast, Newcastle, Bracknell and Sheffield, said: “I have been part of the senior programme as a player and understand what it means to play for your country.”

Edinburgh-based Hutchins guided Dundee Stars to their first major silverware, the Gardiner Conference title, in 2013-14.

Hutchins said: “I am excited to be part of it now as the 18s coach and I have to thank Tony (Hand) and the GB board for entrusting me with this opportunity.

“We have discussed at length about the direction of the programme and what the objectives are moving forward.”

Ice Hockey UK national development head coach, Tony Hand, said: “Jeff’s experience is extensive, not just in the UK but across the world.

“He has some excellent ideas about moving the programme forward and he is well respected in the UK.

“I am sure he will be a great fit for the under-18s and I look forward to working with him.”