ZURICH – The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation has announced that Manuele Celio will coach the U20 national team. He was behind the bench of the Swiss team at the last three U18 World Championships.

Celio takes over from Richi Jost, who will have a new position in youth development. The Ticino native is the most successful of seven players from the Celio dynasty who represented Switzerland in international competition.

Manuele Celio, who spent his career with Ambrì-Piotta and Kloten, appeared in eight World Championships (four each in the A-pool and B-pool) and two Olympic Winter Games in the ‘80s and ‘90s. He represented Switzerland in 182 national team games.

After ending his playing career in 2003, the 45-year-old became an assistant coach in the National League B with GCK Lions and an assistant coach and later head coach of several national junior selections.

Since 2006 he’s been working full time with Swiss Ice Hockey. As a head coach he led the U17 national team to the silver medals at the 2009 European Youth Olympic Festival, and coached the Swiss team at three U18 World Championships (2009 8th place, 2010 5th place, 2011 7th place).

Celio was also an assistant coach of Sean Simpson’s men’s national team in the last two World Championships and he held the same position in the 2007 U20 World Championship.

Celio will be assisted by Alex Reinhard while Alfred Bohren will take over the U18 national team.