Coventry Blaze and GB ice hockey coach dies aged 33
Dayle Keen was appointed Assistant Coach for Coventry Blaze ahead of the 2019 season
Last updated 27th Feb 2024
Ice hockey team Coventry Blaze have confirmed the news that assistant coach Dayle Keen has passed away at the age of 33.
In a statement from the club released today (27 February) they share how "devastated" they are receiving the news.
It 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 seeks the support needed."
The Great Britain national team and Ice Hockey UK also shared a statement, which read: "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.
"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."
Dayle "Keeno" Keen was appointed Assistant Coach of the men's Great Britain Under-20s in July 2019.
He was part of two silver medal-winning teams in 2020 and 2023 and helped lead the GB youngsters to bronze medals in 2022 and 2024.
A very popular figure in UK ice hockey, Keen played for Solway Sharks and Kilmarnock Storm before starting his coaching career.
After stints with Basingstoke Bison's juniors and Sheffield Steeldogs in the EPIHL, he joined Coventry Blaze in the Elite League in 2018 as Skills Coach.
He quickly made an impression on the Blaze organisation and was appointed Assistant Coach ahead of the 2019 season.