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09/04/2013
Belfast Giants Boss Quits
Northern Irish ice hockey team the Belfast Giants have bid farewell to their coach Doug Christiansen, following the shock announcement that he has left to helm the Sheffield Steelers.
The news came less than 24 hours after he was behind the bench in the EIHL Playoff Championship game.
Team members weren't informed until after 18:00 on Monday night. The club is says it has "been left shocked by the timing".
The 34-year-old American is something of a favourite among fans, having spent three seasons with the Giants and leading them to the Elite League title in 2012.
The team finished in second place this season and won the inaugural Earhardt Conference Trophy.
A statement from the club said: "The Giants Organisation would like to thank Doug Christiansen for his 100% work ethic and commitment to the Giants during his 3 years behind the bench for the Belfast Giants."
The search for a new head coach will start today.
Christiansen arrived in the UK in 2007 as player coach of the Edinburgh Capitals.
He collected the Elite league coach of the year award in season 2009-10, shortly before coming to Belfast.
Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith said he was delighted with the news.
"I am sure this is the appointment that will help see an upturn in the clubs results and title aspirations," he said.
"Our fans deserve the best we can find and a man who has strong leadership qualities, technical ability and motivation powers to get the best out of our team every single night.
"I'm delighted that the move has come about so quickly - that was unexpected as I thought finding the right candidate for the job would take a little longer. However, after speaking with Doug I was sure we had the right man right in front of us.
"As a club we want success; we have a history of success. I believe that Doug shares our aims and aspirations and is motivated to take the Steelers back to the top in UK hockey"
Christiansen is presently working with the GB national side in Manchester ahead of the World Championships next week in Hungary.
(IT)
The news came less than 24 hours after he was behind the bench in the EIHL Playoff Championship game.
Team members weren't informed until after 18:00 on Monday night. The club is says it has "been left shocked by the timing".
The 34-year-old American is something of a favourite among fans, having spent three seasons with the Giants and leading them to the Elite League title in 2012.
The team finished in second place this season and won the inaugural Earhardt Conference Trophy.
A statement from the club said: "The Giants Organisation would like to thank Doug Christiansen for his 100% work ethic and commitment to the Giants during his 3 years behind the bench for the Belfast Giants."
The search for a new head coach will start today.
Christiansen arrived in the UK in 2007 as player coach of the Edinburgh Capitals.
He collected the Elite league coach of the year award in season 2009-10, shortly before coming to Belfast.
Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith said he was delighted with the news.
"I am sure this is the appointment that will help see an upturn in the clubs results and title aspirations," he said.
"Our fans deserve the best we can find and a man who has strong leadership qualities, technical ability and motivation powers to get the best out of our team every single night.
"I'm delighted that the move has come about so quickly - that was unexpected as I thought finding the right candidate for the job would take a little longer. However, after speaking with Doug I was sure we had the right man right in front of us.
"As a club we want success; we have a history of success. I believe that Doug shares our aims and aspirations and is motivated to take the Steelers back to the top in UK hockey"
Christiansen is presently working with the GB national side in Manchester ahead of the World Championships next week in Hungary.
(IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Still a few wintry showers in the north and down North Channel coasts, otherwise dry with some clear intervals and perhaps the odd fog patch in the south. Minimum temperature -5 °C.
