Following extensive discussions in recent months, Ice Hockey UK (IHUK), England Ice Hockey (EIH), and Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH) have formally signalled their shared intent to explore the formation of a single, unified national governing body for ice hockey across the UK.

This major step, known as Project Clarity, reflects a collective ambition to build a stronger, more accountable and more efficient structure for the sport. If progressed, the new body would launch in 2026 and is expected to:

• Create up to 15 new roles (eight full-time, seven part-time), providing professional career pathways within the sport
• Unlock new funding opportunities to grow participation and increase access to the game at all levels
• Re-invest over £2 million back into the sport between 2026–2032 through improved oversight, efficiency, and scale

These milestones reflect a commitment to both high performance and grassroots growth — and to ensuring every member, club, official, coach, and athlete receives better service and support.

We all believe that the latent talent and desire to achieve GB success already exists and that it is our duty to unlock the barriers that may previously have existed through a unified approach.

We’re Stronger Together – from home nations and affiliates, to clubs, players, staff and volunteers, and never forgetting the importance of ice hockey’s fan base. Our shared vision and cohesion will be critical to our success.

Whilst many of the ingredients for success are already available, we understand the need to modernise and professionalise our approach – both on and off the ice – to deliver world-class performances and operations. We can only fully action this as one organisation.

The UK Ice Hockey Foundation will also play a key role as a charitable partner, supporting long-term investment in regional development, participation access, and community impact across the home nations.

Over the past 18 months, IHUK has undergone transformational governance reform under the leadership of CEO Henry Staelens, including:

• The development of over 60 new policies and procedures
• Appointment of a modern, independent-majority Board
• A strategy anchored in long-term sustainability, performance, and equity
• Achieving Code Compliance with UK Sport

In October, Ice Hockey UK and England Ice Hockey signed a Shared Services Agreement, which saw Henry Staelens and newly appointed chief operating officer, Grant King, lead both organisations. Since then, EIH has:

• Appointed four independent non-executive directors (INEDs)
• Achieved Sport England Code of Governance compliance
• Rolled out a renewed domestic development model
• Awaiting confirmation of Code Compliance with Sport England

This model has already improved athlete identification, coaching collaboration, and talent visibility within the Great Britain Development Programme, creating early alignment and shared momentum between all three nations.

Henry Staelens, CEO of IHUK and EIH, said: “We’re calling this Project Clarity because that’s exactly what it brings — one clear structure, one transparent and accountable system, and one unified pathway to success for British ice hockey.

“We owe it to our players, clubs, coaches, officials, and members to build something better. This is about resetting the foundation so the game can grow — professionally, commercially, and inclusively. We are the fifth-most-watched team sport in the UK. It’s time our governance reflected that.

“We understand that people may be sceptical – as we know this isn’t the first time unification has been discussed. But the difference now is our increased levels of leadership, alignment, and accountability. It’s clear from talking to everyone with a passion for this great sport that one unified body is the way forward.

“We’re no longer talking about change. We’re actually building it. With better governance, greater transparency and a clear plan to deliver results for the entire hockey community, the sport finally has a chance to reach its potential. A merge will bring far greater resources, better systems, and a joined-up performance and participation model that everyone can believe in.”

John Colley, chair of Scottish Ice Hockey, said: “Scottish Ice Hockey is fully committed to Project Clarity and to engaging fully in the process. The desire for a unified, professional structure has been longstanding in Scotland because, quite simply, it just makes sense.

“This is an exciting and progressive step that will support every level of our sport and build on the improvements we’ve already seen — from stronger player pathways and greater transparency to improved member engagement, wider access, and real growth across our clubs and communities. We must not delay. The time to start preparing for these changes is now.”

Duncan Hough, interim chair of England Ice Hockey, said: “This unified approach is about building a stronger, more cohesive foundation for ice hockey in the UK. One that supports clubs, coaching and players at every level, from development, to local leagues to international competition, and ensures the sport thrives for generations to come.”

In the coming months, representatives from IHUK, EIH, and SIH will lead engagement and consultation across all regions. Further updates will be shared as plans develop.