In the past few weeks, we have seen the PZHL make multiple coaching changes. The Men’s senior, U20, U18, and U16 team will have new leaders behind the bench next year. With all the changes on the men’s team, it is not that surprising that some changes have been made to the women’s side as well. Ivan Bednar is out as the national team head coach but will be staying on as staff coordinator for both the senior and u18 squads. Tomasz Marznica has been named the senior team head coach, while Magdalena Jabłońska will be leading the U18 squad.

Tomas Mrazinica is a former PHL defenseman who played briefly with GKS Katowice in the mid-2000s. He has been working in coaching since 2007. Training the various youth teams for MUKS Naprzód Janów. In 2015 and 2017, he served as the head coach of Janow’s U20 team. Starting in the 2017-2018 season, he became the head coach of Naprzod Janow’s women team. He also became Ivan Bednar’s first assistant in the same season. The 38-year-old has served in that role until his recent promotion to head coach.

Magdalena Jabłońska is also a former defenseman playing in the PLHK from 2013 to 2019 with Naprzod Janow and Atomowki Tychy. The 30-year-old is the first female to assume a head coaching role with either of the women’s national teams. She is also the tenth female to hold a staff position with either of the teams. Jabłońska has served in a coaching role for both JKH GKS Jastrzębie and Naprzod Janow.

Marta Zawadzka, vice president of the PZHL, commented on the changes on the PZHL website. “We have made changes, but Ivan Bednar remains in the staff and will support Tomasz Marznica. They both worked together and know each other perfectly. We invest in our trainers and follow the footsteps of the best. In the national team of Finland and Switzerland, women’s teams were handed over to young trainers who have the support of more experienced trainers. Our team was taken over by Magdalena Jabłońska – explains Marta Zawadzka, vice president of PZHL.”

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