March 18, 2021

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) Board have accepted the resignation of Joy Johnston as a Non-Executive Director. Johnston, appointed to the EIHA Board in January 2017, will leave her post on March 31, 2021.

“It has been a privilege for me to serve the EIHA and the sport I love for so many years,” commented Johnston. “Ice hockey has been more than a sport for me. It has influenced my life and given me unique opportunities both domestically and internationally.

“There have been many changes to the EIHA Board in recent months. I leave knowing that the organisation has a very committed and passionate team of hardworking individuals who will ensure a bright future for the EIHA and our sport.”

Johnston refereed with the EIHA for over 20 years and held an international referee licence between 2000-2015. She officiated at over 16 international tournaments, including three Olympic Games. Johnston refereed the bronze medal game at the Torino 2006 Games, oversaw Canada win gold against the USA at the Sochi 2014 Games and was a referee supervisor at the PyeongChang 2018 Games.

Alongside her time on the ice and EIHA Board representation, Johnston was instrumental in growing the officiating programme within the UK. Appointed as Referee-in-Chief of Ice Hockey UK in 2017, under her leadership a new management structure was established that provided a clear pathway for officials to progress from the grassroots to IIHF tournaments. Johnston stood down from this role on March 14.

On Johnston’s departure, Andrew Miller, Acting Chair of the EIHA added: “Joy has played a key role in our sport for many years and has made a significant voluntary contribution to the EIHA.

“Joy’s support of the EIHA has come at a critical time when we have worked to make significant reforms in how we manage and operate the organisation. She has set the EIHA on a positive pathway, particularly in the last few months, as we have brought new people into the sport to help us move forward.

“I thank Joy for her unrivalled and focused commitment on the development of ice hockey in this country.”

Johnston will leave the EIHA on March 31 at the same time as Travis Ward who stood down earlier this month.

A process for the election of four EIHA Non-Executive Directors is underway and the deadline for individuals to put themselves forward is March 19, 2021. The elections are open to all stakeholders within the sport and further information is available here.

The elected Non-Executive Directors will join Acting Chair Andrew Miller as well as Thomas Lillie and Daniel Smith who were co-opted to the Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors on March 10.