Coventry Blaze hit by tragedy as assistant coach Dayle Keen dies age 33
Coventry Blaze have announced the death of assistant coach Dayle Keen at the age of 33.
A statement from the club released on Tuesday read: "The Coventry Blaze are devastated after receiving the news that Assistant Coach Dayle Keen, affectionately known as Keeno, passed away on Monday whilst in Scotland.
"Keeno, 33, has been an integral part of the Blaze team since 2018, and the whole organisation is shocked by his sudden death. Our thoughts are with Keeno’s family, his children, and many friends at this very sad time. We know that this news will be difficult for many to process, and we kindly ask that anyone struggling seek the support needed."
Team GB Ice Hockey have also paid a touching tribute to Keen. A statement read: "The Great Britain national teams and Ice Hockey UK are devastated by the news that Coach Dayle Keen passed away this week.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with Dayle’s family, friends and team-mates. Dayle was a popular character throughout UK hockey, much loved by everyone across the country especially in the GB set-up and his domestic club, Coventry Blaze.
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"Dayle had a positive impact on everyone he met and lit up a room with his wit and humour. Rest in peace Dayle. We will never forget you."
Tributes have continued to pour in following news of his death. Taking to Twitter, the Hull Reckitt Seahawks wrote: "The Hull Reckitt Seahawks are devastated to hear of the passing of Coventry Blaze Assistant Coach Dayle Keen known as “Keeno” by most. Our thoughts and love are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this awful news. RIP, Keeno."
The Nottingham Panthers said: "The Nottingham Panthers send our love and condolences to the family, friends and team-mates of Dayle Keen who passed away on Monday. We send our support to Coventry Blaze and Great Britain Under-20s and stand side-by-side with them in this difficult time."
Dayle Keen, the Coventry Blaze assistant coach, has died at the age of 33 (Coventry Blaze)Pay your tributes to Dayle Keen using the comments section below
Following coaching stints with Basingstoke Bison’s juniors and Sheffield Steeldogs, Keen took up a Skills Coach role with Coventry Blaze in 2018. He went on to become the assistant coach of Great Britain men's under-20 side in July 2020. He helped the side win two silver medals in 2020 and 2023, as well as bronze medals in 2022 and earlier this year.
Speaking after being appointed in the role, Keen said: "I’d like to thank Ice Hockey UK for appointing me and for Danny Stewart, Andy Buxton and Mike Cowley from Coventry Blaze for supporting me. The talent pool at under-20s is really exciting and will make for a great World Championship in Lithuania. I’m really keen to get going with the coaching staff and meet the players looking to make the team.”
Ahead of his coaching career, Keen also had a successful career on the ice having played for Solway Sharks and Kilmarnock Storm.
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