Slava Koulikov has left his position as head coach of Peterborough Phantoms to join fellow Planet Ice NIHL National Division side Sheffield Steeldogs on a three-year deal.
Koulikov leaves the Phantoms after 11 years, during which time he has been a player-coach and more recently their permanent head coach since 2015.
It has been revealed that Koulikov requested a release from his contract last week, which Peterborough’s owners “reluctantly” agreed to.
During his time at the Phantoms, the club won six trophies. In his final season, they finished fifth in the NIHL National Division standings but went on to reach the playoff final, losing 6-1 to MK Lightning at the division’s end-of-season ‘Final Four’ event in Coventry.
“I’m delighted to welcome Slava to Sheffield,” Sheffield Steeldogs owner Tony Smith said.
“We are all convinced that he is a perfect fit for the club as we move forward looking ahead to the new season. His experience and knowledge of our league is without question, and as a club we know we are moving in the right direction with him on board.
“Slava shares our vision for the future, which is why it was right to commit to him for three seasons.
“I’m also pleased that Slava joins our team of coaches. Working alongside Aaron Fox [Sheffield Steelers head coach] will benefit both Slava as a head coach, and the Steeldogs, meaning our ultimate goal of developing more British players that will help us win games and trophies becomes a reality.”
‘Peterborough has been my home for so long’
Photo credit: Peterborough Phantoms
Koulikov joins a Steeldogs side that finished sixth last season and also reached the NIHL National Cup semi-finals.
The 46-year-old, who penned an emotional message to supporters of his former club, said: “Peterborough has been my home for so long now. The club gave me an incredible opportunity and we have all worked so hard there. I thank them for everything.
“This opportunity, though, is something that I couldn’t turn down. I’ve had opportunities before but they haven’t been right for me or my family. This one, I had to move forward with.
“I love the direction that the Steeldogs is heading in. It is the only club trying to do things this way, from the Steelers to the Steeldogs and then into the teams and academy below. A conveyer-belt that we hope will produce the next group of British players.
“This move is also good for my development as a coach. Working alongside Aaron Fox every day can only improve me, and that in-turn can only benefit the Steeldogs.”
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