Ice Hockey UK (IHUK) has announced that Doug Christiansen is the new head coach of the Great Britain senior men's national side.  The 35-year-old, who has been assistant coach of GB since 2012, replaces Tony Hand. Christiansen will combine the role with his new job as coach of Elite League side Sheffield Steelers. He was born in Milwaukee, USA and played in both the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League in North America.  The former forward also had a spell in Italy and first arrived in the UK as player-coach of Edinburgh Capitals in 2007-08.  In his third year in Scotland he was named as Coach of the Year by the ice hockey journalists, before moving to Belfast Giants. He spent three seasons with the Giants, winning the Elite League title in 2011-12. Christiansen was again named as Coach of the Year - this time by journalists and in the official league awards voted for by the 10 teams. 

"Being named GB coach is the biggest honour of my hockey career. I am absolutely thrilled by the appointment," said Christiansen.  "I would like to thank Tony Hand for all of his efforts the last two seasons. I learned a lot from him and it was a privilege to work for him."  "Hockey in Great Britain is at a crossroads. It is my vision to help push GB forward building a world-class program."

Corey Neilson and Pete Russell have been named as assistant coaches of the Great Britain national side.

With files from Ice Hockey UK