In Memory of Dennis Hay
Olympian, Coach, Club Legend, and Father of Edinburgh University Hockey
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Hay – a towering figure in Scottish hockey and a cherished part of the Edinburgh University Hockey Club family. His legacy as a player, coach, mentor, and friend is both historic and deeply personal to so many of us.
Dennis officially stepped back from his involvement with the club in 2015, retiring from his role as Honorary President. While his formal title ended then, his presence, influence, and memory have continued to shape Edinburgh University Hockey ever since.
A Life in Hockey: From Grassroots to Olympic Glory
Born in Aberdeen on 5 October 1940, Dennis Hay’s hockey journey began during the 1950s, when matches were still played on grass pitches. He quickly distinguished himself and rose through the ranks to represent both Scotland and Great Britain with distinction.
Between 1964 and 1974, Dennis earned 64 caps for Scotland – a remarkable record in an era with far fewer international fixtures. He was a linchpin in midfield, missing only one match in a decade of international appearances. In 1972, he was selected to represent Great Britain at the Munich Olympics, the pinnacle of any sporting career. He was also part of Scotland’s first indoor side, playing in Paris in 1973.
After his playing days, Dennis transitioned into coaching and continued to make history. He led the Scottish Women’s Team to the World Cup in 1987, and then went on to guide the GB Women’s Team to a fourth-place finish at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Four years later, in Barcelona, he coached the same side to a historic bronze medal – Great Britain’s first ever Olympic medal in women’s hockey.
To this day, Dennis remains the only Scotsman to both play and coach at the Olympic Games, and the only one to win a medal as a coach.
The Father of Edinburgh University Hockey
In 1999, Dennis brought his wealth of experience to Edinburgh University, taking on the role of Men’s Coach and working alongside Eugene Connely on the women’s side. The pair led a transformation of the hockey club, shaping it into a force within the student game and the national leagues.
Under Dennis’s guidance, Edinburgh University established itself as a consistent First Division contender. In 2005, he stepped back from elite competition to focus more fully on the development of student players – a move that reflected his passion for growing the game at grassroots and university level.
Dennis’s devotion to student sport was unmatched. His coaching was informed by his elite experience, but always rooted in approachability, development, and care for the individual. He coached not just performance players, but every member of the club with the same attention and respect.
His commitment didn’t end with coaching. In his later years, he took on the role of Honorary President of the club, remaining a guiding figure and presence at Peffermill – often seen braving wind and sleet on a Wednesday or Saturday to watch, advise, and support generations of players. He formally stepped down from this position in 2015, but remained a treasured figure in our club’s collective memory.
Dennis was also a dedicated member of Inverleith Hockey Club and contributed widely to the Scottish game beyond the university.
A Legacy That Endures
Dennis Hay’s story is one of pioneering achievements, Olympic milestones, and transformative coaching. But above all, it is a story of enduring impact on those around him.
His influence on Edinburgh University Hockey Club – as a builder, leader, and guardian of its culture – remains foundational to who we are. From the performance squads to the social teams, every member of EUHC has benefited from Dennis’s belief in the power of university sport.
We send our sincerest condolences to Dennis’s family, friends, and everyone across the hockey world who mourns his passing. His memory will forever remain part of our history and our future.
Thank you, Dennis. You built the path so many of us now walk.
Dennis Hay (1940–2025)
Olympian. Coach. Mentor. Father of EUHC.
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