Peterborough Phantoms coach is part of the new ownership team at the city’s ice hockey club

Koulikov, club director of hockey Jon Kynaston, local businessman Nik Day and club stalwart Ian Offers have formed a new ownership team following the decision of long-standing owners David and Jo Lane to step down to concentrate on their DALROD business.

The consortium of four will be equal shareholders, and plans are already in place for the new 2021-2022 National League season, which is due to commence later this year.

Head Coach Slava Koulikov, who has led the Phantoms to several trophies and cup finals during his six years at the club and has also held an operational role in the general business, is now looking forward to the future as a joint owner.

Koulikov said: “First of all, a massive thank you to Dave and Jo for taking the Phantoms organisation to a new level in the last six years.

“As the new board we are going to do everything in our power to make sure Phantoms are moving forward on and off the ice, by having a competitive first team as well as focussing our attention to develop home grown players for the future.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice in September with my players, as well as reconnecting with the off-ice staff. Most of all however, we can’t wait to hear our loyal and loud fans at the first game.”

Day has been involved in the sport, and club, more recently as a passionate sponsor, match night supporter and also father to a young budding Phantom, Tom, who plays for the club’s Under 13 side. Day is the managing director of SOS Leak Detection and is extremely excited to now be in a position to help continue the club’s upward trajectory.

Day said: “It is a privilege to be part of the new look Phantoms. My congratulations and best wishes go to Dave and Jo for the excellent work they have done for the club. Ice hockey is a quick moving, all-ction game that captures and maintains your attention like no other sport, and to be part of this new team with exciting growth and development plans for the future good of the game is a great place to be.”

Kynaston has been an influential figure within the club since its inception in 2002. He has played a key role in the Phantoms’ success through the eras of the English Premier League, National South and more recently National League structures.

Kynaston said: “Firstly, it is great to pick up from the solid platform Dave and Jo have built over recent years and our thanks go to them for their dedication and ongoing support to make this possible. Alongside Nik, Ian and Slava we look forward to creating another exciting era in this fantastic club’s history. In difficult times comes opportunity and with the support of our loyal fanbase, staff, partners and sponsors, we can strive to bring more excitement and enjoyment to the Phantoms. We know the challenges ahead, but we relish them and are excited to get started.”

Offers has been involved with Peterborough Ice Hockey for over 20 years. Most recently as the coach of the Phantoms Para Hockey Team and current GB Para Hockey Coach. He has also managed the website, social media and PR writing duties, as well as roles within the junior set up. He’s even driven the team bus!

Offers said: “I’m proud to be part of the new consortium, having seen the club go from strength to strength on and off the ice prior to the covid-19 shutdown.

“Our social media and streaming services are held up as an example by clubs at our level and above. In my role within the new ownership set-up, I aim to help the media operation enhance our offering further, whilst also working to bring the Para Ice Hockey team into the Phantoms fold, eventually creating both a junior and senior outfit.

“I’m looking forward to working with everyone to continue Dave and Jo’s legacy.”

The club will be announcing news in the coming weeks on new player signings, season tickets and a fresh range of summer merchandise. Regular updates as we move closer to the long-awaited return of Phantoms Hockey and the new 2021-2022 National League season can be found at www.GoPhantoms.co.uk.