He will be assisted by Martin Cingel and Sean Easton, who were also confirmed by the Ice Hockey UK GB Programme Board.

Hutchins represented Britain on nine occasions as a player, with the 39-year-old having been part of the squad which earned a silver medal at the World Championship Division 1 Group B in 2011.

His playing career included spells at Coventry, Belfast, Newcastle, Bracknell, Edinburgh, Sheffield and Edinburgh, before beginning his coaching career with Dundee Stars.

Hutchins is currently the assistant coach and director of player development at Fife Flyers.

“I am very honoured to be named the head coach of the GB under-18s team,” Hutchins said.

“I have been part of the senior programme as a player and understand what it means to play for your country.

“I am excited to be part of it now as the 18s coach.

“We have discussed at length about the direction of the programme and what the objectives are moving forward.

“I am excited to get started.”

Slovakian-born Cingel will join as one of the assistant coaches, having been a member of coaching staff for last year’s World Championship in South Korea.

He enjoyed a playing career with Edinburgh Capitals, as well as featuring for Manchester Phoenix, Dundee Stars and Solway Sharks, where he was assistant coach.

Easton will also be part of the coaching team, stepping up from his position as assistant coach of national under-16s team.

The 31-year-old previously played from Chelmsford Chieftains and Streatham Redskins, while he is the current head coach of the London Raiders.