National field hockey team parts ways with Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino

The change of technical leadership of the national team è official.

"The Italian Ice Sports Federation announces the consensual termination of the contract that bound Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino to the Italian national ice hockey team in the role of head coach". This is stated in an official note, which specifies that the successors of the two Italy coaches have not yet been identified.

"Keenan,” the FISG recalls, “was unable to attend the World Championships in Bolzano and cannot guarantee his presence for the next 6 months. Unfortunately, this timeline proves to be incompatible with the schedule leading up to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics. Hence the decision to find a replacement in the role of head coach, who will select his coaching staff".

"Mike Keenan will continue to work with the FISG as a technical and strategic advisor in the Olympic ice hockey program and in relations with the NHL and NHLPA. The federation, staff and team would like to thank Keenan and Pelino for his work, professionalism and dedication shown during his experience as head coach of the Azzurri" the statement further reads.

"At the same time, the FISG sports directorate is working at full speed to define in a short time the structure of the coaching staff of the national team. Regarding press rumors of the last few hours, talks and negotiations with possible candidates are underway, but no agreement" has been found or signed yet,

, concludes the Federation.