Stu Philps appointed Canberra Brave coach for upcoming AIHL season

But that was before he pulled on the skates and gave it a go himself. And 26 years later he's still involved in the game.

Well, a little bit more than involved. He's taking over as the new Canberra Brave coach, to add to his role as the Australian women's team coach - who he's currently leading at the world championships in Iceland.

Philps was relishing the chance to coach his hometown team in the AIHL, having played for the Brave's precursor - the Canberra Knights - for 15 years.

He also did a stint as playing coach of the Knights, has been an assistant coach of the Brave and also the strength-and-conditioning coach.

Now he's added the top job to the resume, with former coach Rob Starke returning to Canada.

Philps was looking forward to the chance to continue the work Starke has done - of turning the Brace into an AIHL powerhouse.

"It's exciting to come back and take the role of the head coach and really continue to drive this program on the current trajectory where it's been taken by Rob in the past," he said.

"Hopefully we can continue that trajectory in the future.

"There's no reason there can't be continued success under the Brave brand.

"I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't predict that we'd be Goodall Cup champions at the end of the season."

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

But first he has to finish his current job - leading the Aussie women in their bid for a gold medal.

They were currently undefeated in division two group B and were set to play the Ukraine on Friday.

With just two more wins needed to win the title, it's not just an exciting time for the Australian women, but also the Brave.

New coach. New ownership. New season approaching.

"It's an exciting club and it's an exciting time with the changeover of ownership," Philps said.

"With two new groups coming in - with a new coaching staff and new ownership - it's exciting to see where this team can go for the future.

"Not just this year, but in years to come."