Percy Nicklin

Who is Percy Nicklin?

Percy Harold Nicklin was an ice hockey coach who is best known for putting together and coaching the Great Britain national ice hockey team which won gold at the 1936 Winter Olympics.

Nicklin had had a successful coaching career in Canada with the Moncton Hawks, leading them to Allan Cup victories in 1933 and 1934. In 1935 he moved to England where he coached for Richmond Hawks before taking up coaching duties for both Harringay Racers and Harringay Greyhounds.

In 1936, Nicklin, together with J.F. Ahearne, put together a Great Britain national team from players who had learned the game in Canada but who were qualified by birth to play for Great Britain. The team managed to win the gold medal, beating the favourites, Canada, along the way. Introducing more British players Nicklin coached the Great Britain to two European Championship titles in 1937 and 1938.