Hand names his GB assistant
6:00am Friday 6th January 2012 in Ice Hockey By Nigel McFarlane
GB ICE HOCKEY:
Great Britain head coach Tony Hand has named Doug Christiansen as his assistant coach for the senior team.
Christiansen, who first arrived in the UK as player-coach of Edinburgh Capitals in 2007, is now in his second season as coach of Belfast Giants.
The 33-year-old was born in Milwaukee, USA and had a playing career mostly in North America, with a short spell in Italy.
Christiansen said: “I am extremely honoured to join to the coaching staff of the Great Britain national team. I am excited to work for Tony and help him in any way necessary.
“Tony has been extremely helpful to me throughout my coaching career and we have built an excellent relationship. Our shared coaching experiences in Edinburgh and Belfast have given us a lot to talk about and I have learned from many of his experiences.
“Tony and I share a tremendous passion for the game and I expect that energy to be shown by the players throughout the tournament.
“I would like to thank Ice Hockey UK and Tony for this fantastic opportunity. I will do my best to continue to develop the British game and assist Tony in achieving his team goals.
“Paul Thompson and Rob Wilson have left big shoes to fill but we are going to do our best to build off their excellent foundation. I know our Pool is very difficult but we will make sure to assemble a team that can make the nation proud.”
Hand added: “Doug is a very thorough and experienced coach who has done a fantastic job in Belfast.
“I have no doubt he will do the same for GB and I look forward to working with him for the upcoming World Championship in Slovenia.”
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