Our Ambassadors

UKIHPA LEGACY AMBASSADOR ANNOUNCEMENT

The United Kingdom Ice Hockey Players Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Iain Robertson as a UKIHPA Legacy Ambassador.

Iain's contribution to our sport spans many years, having proudly played across Scotland with clubs in Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee, Paisley, and Ayr, while also achieving the honour of representing Great Britain on the international stage.

His dedication, passion, and commitment to ice hockey have earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and supporters alike. Having experienced the game at multiple levels throughout his career, Iain brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to UKIHPA and our members.

As a Legacy Ambassador, Iain joins a growing team of highly respected figures within British ice hockey who are committed to supporting players, officials, staff, and families while helping preserve the rich history and traditions of our sport.

Speaking about his appointment, Iain said:

"I have always wanted nothing but the very best for the future of British ice hockey. The game has given me so much throughout my life, and I'm excited to be part of an organisation that is working hard to support players, families and the wider hockey community. I believe UKIHPA has an important role to play in the future of our sport, and I'm proud to be involved as a Legacy Ambassador."

We are honoured to welcome Iain to the UKIHPA family and look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build a stronger future for hockey across the United Kingdom.

Please join us in welcoming Iain Robertson to the UKIHPA team.

One Game. One Family. One Association.

WELCOME, JONKER

UKIHPA are incredibly proud to officially welcome British Ice Hockey Hall of Famer Peter "Jonker" Johnson as our Senior Legacy Ambassador.

Quite simply, Jonker is one of the true giants of British Ice Hockey.

From the rinks of the North East to the world stage with Great Britain, Peter Johnson dedicated his life to our sport both on and off the ice. A fierce competitor, natural leader, respected coach and one of hockey's great characters, his contribution to British Ice Hockey across generations is almost impossible to measure.

Beginning his senior career at just 16 years old, Jonker became a legendary figure with the Durham Wasps and throughout North East hockey. Despite standing only 5ft 6in, he played the game with incredible toughness, passion and heart — earning a reputation as one of the hardest, most uncompromising players of his era whilst also becoming one of its finest point scorers.

His career numbers speak for themselves:

• 444 official games
• 509 goals
• 933 points
• Great Britain International
• 14 GB caps
• Two World Championships
• Durham Wasps Captain
• Hall of Fame Inductee
• First ever North East England Wall of Fame member

But Jonker's legacy stretches far beyond statistics.

After retirement, he became one of the most respected coaches in British hockey, guiding clubs to titles and promotions while helping shape the next generation of British talent. He worked alongside legendary GB coach Alex Dampier during one of the greatest periods in Great Britain history, helping lead Team GB to promotion to the World 'A' Pool in 1993.

His coaching influence also directly impacted UKIHPA itself, with both directors Marc Twaite and Scott Plews having had the privilege of playing under Jonker during their careers — a reflection of the respect he carried throughout the game and the influence he had on generations of British players.

His passion for junior development was unmatched, coaching countless young players and becoming the first ever coach of the Great Britain Under-16 side.

Perhaps most special of all, hockey became a true family legacy. His sons Anthony Johnson, Stephen Johnson and Shaun Johnson all followed in their father's skate tracks to represent Great Britain — a remarkable achievement and a true reflection of the standards, passion and dedication Jonker passed down through his family and throughout British hockey.

Peter Johnson represents everything UKIHPA stands for:

Passion. Honesty. Toughness. Loyalty. Heritage. Player-first values. And a lifelong commitment to British Ice Hockey.

Welcome to UKIHPA, Jonker.

One Game. One Family. One Association.

FIRST OF THE PAST. FIRST OF THE FUTURE.

Paul Adey — British Ice Hockey legend and Hall of Famer — becomes UKIHPA's first official member and inaugural Legacy Ambassador.

"I'm proud to be asked to be part of the new UKIHPA association. Having former British players leading the organisation is incredibly important for the future of the game.

Over the years, many have faced challenges, so it's great to see what the guys are building. I'm proud to play a key role in the conversations ahead, helping to support both current and former players within British ice hockey.

An independent, player-led association — similar to what existed before — is something the game truly needs. You never know when you might need that support until it's too late.

I'll be working closely with the directors and fellow ambassadors to ensure no player is left without the support they deserve. Even players coming over from overseas can face difficulties within UK ice hockey, and we're here to provide a platform where they feel represented and supported.

With ice hockey being such a high-risk sport, that support network is vital. This association will also play a key role in growing the game, which makes it a perfect fit for me at this stage of my career — something I'm extremely passionate about, especially alongside the GB players leading the way."

— Paul Adey

WELCOME, DEAKAN

We are proud to officially welcome Deakan Fielder as an NIHL Ambassador for UKIHPA.

Deakan brings with him a wealth of experience from across the UK and overseas, alongside a deep understanding of what it truly takes to progress through the game at every level.

From his early days in Telford to developing through the Okanagan Hockey Academy, representing Great Britain U20's on the world stage (Bronze Medalist), and competing both in the UK and abroad with the Fresno Monsters, Swindon Wildcats, Bees IHC, and Telford Tigers — his journey speaks for itself.

Coming from a true UK hockey family, the game has always been part of his DNA. His father, Dave, enjoyed a long and dedicated career in the sport, while his brother also progressed through junior hockey — giving Deakan a deep-rooted understanding of the game from every angle.

Deak's is our kind of player — great skill, high standards, and a no-nonsense approach to the game. Exactly the mentality we want representing UKIHPA both on and off the ice.

Off the ice, Deakan continues to give back to the sport through his work in strength and conditioning, having set up 26 Fitness. His work ethic, knowledge, and dedication to developing others will only help raise standards and improve the quality of players coming through the sport.

With over 250+ senior games and a continued commitment to the game both on and off the ice, Deakan represents exactly what UKIHPA stands for — experience, dedication, and giving back to the sport.

As an NIHL Ambassador, Deakan will play an important role in helping us connect with players across all levels, sharing insight, supporting development pathways, and ensuring players always have a voice.

This is only the beginning.

One game. One family. One association.

UKIHPA WELCOMES CHAD SMITH — SNL AMBASSADOR

UKIHPA is delighted to officially welcome Chad Smith as our Scottish National League (SNL) Ambassador.

Chad brings a huge amount of experience, knowledge and passion for Scottish ice hockey to the Association.

Having represented Great Britain at U18 and U20 level, including serving as Alternate Captain of the GB U20s, Chad has also experienced senior hockey with the Fife Flyers and Glasgow Clan and is now approaching his fifth season in Edinburgh.

But what really stood out to us is Chad's commitment to the next generation of Scottish players.

Alongside continuing his own playing career, Chad is a Player/Associate Coach and Level 2 coach, actively working to support and develop young Scottish talent both on and off the ice.

For UKIHPA, that makes him exactly the type of person we want representing our Association.

Chad said:

"I'm still enjoying my hockey and I want to keep having fun, competing and hopefully winning trophies. But a massive part of what I enjoy now is helping the young Scottish talent coming through, both on and off the ice.

If my experience can help younger players develop, make better decisions and enjoy their hockey, then that's something I'm really passionate about."

As our SNL Ambassador, Chad will provide another important link between UKIHPA and players across Scotland — listening to their experiences, highlighting the issues that matter and helping us continue to build a genuine voice for players at every level of the British game.

We've said from day one that UKIHPA isn't about one league, one country or one level of hockey.

It's about the people within our game.

Welcome to the UKIHPA family, Chad.

INTRODUCING OUR FIRST JUNIOR AMBASSADOR

We are proud to officially welcome Lukasz Hanretty to the UKIHPA as our first Junior Ambassador.

At just 13 years of age, Lukasz is already showing all the attributes of a future leader within British Ice Hockey. A strong, powerful skater, he plays the game the right way — moving the puck with confidence, intelligence, and composure.

But what makes Lukasz truly special goes far beyond his on-ice ability.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in skating, with both his mum Kathy and dad Mark working as professional figure skating coaches, it's no surprise that skating excellence runs through his DNA. However, his journey hasn't been without challenges — starting just before the COVID period, stepping away from the ice during lockdown, and then returning with determination and hunger to learn the game.

After being inspired by his first Nottingham Panthers game, Lukasz made the switch to hockey — and hasn't looked back since.

Through his development:

• Mentored early on by Mike Urqhuart
• Progressed through Sutton Sting
• Earned England trial recognition
• Now competing at a high level with Nottingham Lions

Lukasz continues to grow both physically and mentally within the game, always striving to improve, listening to his coaches, and leading by example for his teammates.

Off the ice, he is just as impressive. With a passion for aviation and ambitions of becoming a commercial pilot, alongside running a successful YouTube channel JetBritain with over 20,000 followers, Lukasz represents the modern young athlete — driven, creative, and focused on building a future both inside and outside of sport.

His dream? To represent his country and one day pull on the jersey for the Nottingham Panthers.

At UKIHPA, we believe in supporting players from the very beginning of their journey — giving them a voice, guidance, and a platform to grow.

Lukasz embodies everything we stand for:

Dedication. Respect. Development. Leadership.

Welcome to the family, Lukasz.

One Game. One Family. One Association.