Andy French was appointed the new general secretary of Ice Hockey UK, replacing Neville Moralee who passed away earlier this year.

French is currently director of hockey operations for the British Elite League and has been involved in the sport since 1983.

Ice Hockey UK President, Eamon Convery, said:  “Andy has so much experience in ice hockey, and his contacts and communication with the International Ice Hockey Federation and national governing bodies across world will be a great asset for Ice Hockey UK.”

Andy French added: “I am excited to be taking up this position and realise I have some big shoes to fill with all the work carried out previously by Neville Moralee. These are great times for the sport all across the country at all levels. The GB national teams at all levels are improving every year which can been seen by their positions they hold in the world rankings.”

“They are the strongest the have been in many years and their recent performances at the World Championships proved how far we have all come. Our next aim for the GB national teams will not only be preparing for the upcoming World Championships, but also concentrating on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia in four years time, where both men and women have a great chance of qualifying.”