Uk Ice Hockey Players Association - ukihpa

WORLD SU***DE PREVENTION DAY
TOGETHER, WE ARE STRONGER

We are deeply saddened by the closure of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de, one of UKIHPA’s trusted associates. For nearly 30 years, PAPYRUS provided vital support, education and hope to young people and families across the UK.

On World Su***de Prevention Day, we want every member of the UK ice hockey family to know that you are not alone.

UKIHPA has experienced and trained professionals within our support network who are available to help both junior and adult members. We can provide a confidential first point of contact, listen without judgement and help members understand the support available to them.

Our assistance can include:

* One-to-one emotional and welfare support
* Mental-health guidance from experienced professionals
* Support for junior members and their parents or guardians
* Help for players, coaches, officials and backroom staff
* Signposting and referrals to appropriate specialist services
* Continued check-ins so members do not feel they are facing difficulties alone
* Support with pressures connected to the game, including injury, selection, safeguarding concerns and career transition

You do not have to wait until you reach crisis point before speaking to somebody. If something is affecting your wellbeing—or you are concerned about a teammate, player, friend or family member—please reach out.

Asking for help is not a weakness; it takes courage. Support, understanding and confidentiality are available when you need them.

The Samaritans are also available to everyone across the UK, free of charge, 24 hours a day:

☎️ Call 116 123

If there is an immediate danger to life, please call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department.

One game. One family. One association.

🌐 www.ukihpa.com

🙅❤️🤟

🏒 HAND IN HAND — THE GOAT BACKS UKIHPA! 🐐🇬🇧

This is absolutely incredible news for UKIHPA and another hugely significant moment in our journey.

We are immensely proud to receive the support of Tony Hand MBE — a true pioneer, an icon of the British game and a man widely regarded as the greatest British ice hockey player of all time.

Born in Edinburgh in 1967, Tony enjoyed an extraordinary playing and coaching career spanning more than three decades. In 1986, he made history when he was selected by the Edmonton Oilers, becoming the first British player ever to be drafted by an NHL team.

Tony’s achievements, longevity and contribution to British ice hockey have inspired generations. Few people understand the demands, pressures and challenges of the sport—or how it has developed—better than he does.

Following the recent support of his brother, Paul Hand, we are incredibly honoured to now have both Hand brothers standing behind the work and ambitions of UKIHPA.

Tony believes there is a genuine need for a professional and independent organisation that can provide guidance, representation and protection across areas including medical care, injury, insurance, welfare, career management and life after hockey.

For somebody of Tony’s stature and experience to publicly support our mission sends an incredibly powerful message:

The people within our sport deserve to be supported, represented and protected—and nobody should have to face difficult situations alone.

Thank you, Tony, for lending your name, experience and voice to UKIHPA and the future of British ice hockey.

🌐 Visit www.ukihpa.com to read Tony Hand MBE’s full statement coming very soon !

Hand in Hand, we’re building a stronger future for everyone in our game.

One game. One family. One association.

🏆 THREE AMBASSADORS. THREE MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS. ONE INCREDIBLE WEEKEND! 🏆

What a weekend for our UKIHPA playing ambassadors!

⭐ Lukasz Hanretty – Junior Ambassador
⭐ Deakan Fielder – National League Ambassador
⭐ Chad Smith – SNL Ambassador

All three took to the ice this weekend—and all three were named Man of the Match! 👏🔥

From junior hockey through to the senior game, our ambassadors continue to lead by example both on and off the ice.

Huge congratulations to Lukasz, Deakan and Chad from everyone at UKIHPA. We couldn’t be prouder to have you representing our association!

One game. One family. One association. 🏒

🌐 www.ukihpa.com.

Wise words from Paul hand ❤️🇬🇧🏒. Having spent almost 30 years in ice hockey, representing Great Britain at U18, U20 and senior level, as well as Scotland, I’ve seen first-hand how far the British game has come.

With GB competing at the highest level and so much homegrown talent coming through, the future is exciting. But as the game grows, so must the guidance, protection and support available to its players.

From injuries and medical care to insurance, welfare, career advice and life after hockey, players deserve independent support and someone firmly in their corner.

The UK Ice Hockey Players Association has a vital role to play in creating a safer, fairer and more sustainable future for everyone involved in our sport.

There has never been a better time for UKIHPA.”

— Paul Hand
Former Great Britain and Scotland International.

🇬🇧 Team GB Under-17s warming up and getting focused ahead of their group game against Slovenia! 🇸🇮

Good luck to the players, coaches and staff—go out there and make the country proud! 🏒🔥

🏒 UKIHPA Director Gareth Hale is currently at the Under-17 Inline Hockey European Championships at the SETU Arena in Waterford!

If you’re attending, come over and say hello. Gareth will be happy to answer any questions about UKIHPA, our membership options, and the support, representation and opportunities we offer players, parents, coaches and staff.

Come and find him for a chat—and best of luck to everyone competing! 🇬🇧🏒

One game. One family. One association.
Inline Hockey Ireland BIPHA GB

🚨 NEW SEASON — ARE YOU COVERED? 🚨

Before the season begins, every club, coach, volunteer, player and parent should check:

✅ DBS, PVG or AccessNI checks
✅ Safeguarding training and reporting procedures
✅ Qualified first-aiders and emergency equipment
✅ Emergency, evacuation and lockdown plans
✅ Concussion protocols
✅ Safe, correctly fitted protective equipment
✅ Venue, travel and activity risk assessments
✅ Qualified and insured coaches and staff
✅ Player, personal accident and liability insurance
✅ Martyn’s Law awareness and staff training

Players and parents: do you actually know what your insurance covers—including dental injuries, rehabilitation, loss of earnings or serious injury?

Never assume you’re protected. Ask, check and understand your cover.

For support, training or confidential advice, contact UKIHPA. Our DMs are always open. 🔒

🏒 One game. One family. One association.