He takes over from Gareth Cox, who was sacked on Monday, and will be assisted by bench coach Mitch Stead.

Smital, 39, is in his sixth season with the Bees and has scored nearly 200 goals for the club.

Precision Sports Marketing, the owners of the Bees, released a statement confirming Smital's appointment and the sacking of Cox.

"I stated previously that if tough decisions needed to be made, then we would make them,” stated chairman Andrew Cross.

“We started the season with a 33% increase in playing budget supported from an increase in ticket sales and sponsorship. With the latter not hitting forecasts, we had to consider areas where costs could be saved.

"Gareth and Stuart [Robinson, general manager] did little wrong and recent on-ice results had proved what a valuable contribution they made. We simply cannot afford to have non-playing staff on the payroll.” Smital's first game in charge will be at home to Sheffield Steeldogs on Saturday before a trip to Telford Tigers the following evening.

Director of hockey for Bees, Ben Beeching, said: "I am very excited to be working with Lukas who is a legend within the Bracknell ice hockey family.

“His knowledge and experience of this game is second to none at this club. I am sad to see Gareth and Stuart depart. From the short time we worked together I can see why they are held in the highest regard.” * PICK UP A COPY OF THE NEWS ON THURSDAY FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GARETH COX.