Single unified governing body for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales ratified at board meeting on 16 June 2026. 

Ice Hockey UK (IHUK) has today announced the completion of an historic merger that unifies England Ice Hockey, Scottish Ice Hockey and Ice Hockey UK into a single, governing body for the sport – making ice hockey the United Kingdom’s first Olympic sport to fully consolidate its governance and development across all home nations. 

The merger, approved in-principle by member clubs in a vote in December 2025, and formally ratified by the respective Boards on 16th June 2026, marks a watershed moment for the sport and the wider sporting system. The unified body will oversee the sport from grassroots to elite level under one strategy, with the changes taking effect from 30th June 2026. 

Clifton Wrottesley, Chair of Ice Hockey UK: 
“This is a landmark moment for ice hockey in the United Kingdom. By coming together as one, we are creating a stronger, more unified sport that is better equipped to realise its full potential. This agreement gives us the platform to modernise how we operate, unlock new opportunities for investment and growth, and deliver a clear, ambitious vision for the future of the game across all four home nations, alongside all of our partners in the sport.” 

Duncan Hough, Chair of England Ice Hockey: 
“This agreement is the result of significant engagement and commitment from across our membership, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the journey so far. EIH has benefited in recent years from shared services and closer cooperation with IHUK and by bringing all three organisations together, it allows us to provide even greater support for clubs, players and volunteers.” 

John Colley, Chair of Scottish Ice Hockey: 
“Reaching agreement on the merger is a hugely positive step for the sport. Throughout this process, it has been vital that the voices of our members have been heard, and that will continue as we move forward. This new structure provides an opportunity to strengthen the game in Scotland, while bringing the skills, experience and insight from SIH to a unified approach that benefits the whole UK ice hockey community.” 

Tim Bratton, Interim CEO of Ice Hockey UK: 
“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for our sport.  Thanks to the support of our members, we have been able to create a merged entity that will have a transformational impact on our ambitions to grow the game in the UK.  The focus now turns to implementation, bringing the new organisation to life in a way that delivers real, tangible benefits for those involved in the game at all levels. By aligning our people, resources and expertise, we can build a more efficient, responsive and forward-thinking governing body that enhances the experience for everyone in ice hockey.” 

Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport: 
“It is imperative that our sporting system finds new ways to become more efficient and effective. UK Sport is actively supporting governing bodies to deepen their collaboration, and we congratulate Ice Hockey UK and its members on taking this step to enhance their governance and operations.” 

With over 14,000 registered members across the UK, and two-million tickets sold annually to UK-based leagues and national-team games, ice hockey has risen to be the fifth most attended sport in the country and the UK’s most watched indoor sport.  

About Ice Hockey UK 
Ice Hockey UK is the unified national governing body for ice hockey across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Following the historic merger ratified on 16th June 2026, IHUK oversees the sport from grassroots participation to elite international competition, representing approximately 14,000 registered members. Ice hockey is the UK’s most watched indoor sport and the fifth most attended sport nationwide. 

Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH) oversaw the grassroots and participation element of the sport across Scotland and Northern Ireland, whilst England Ice Hockey (EIH) administered the sport in England and Wales. 

Media Contact: 
For further information, interview requests, or media accreditation, please contact: 
Chris Ellis, Media Manager (Ice Hockey UK) media@icehockeyuk.co.uk