The Swede replaces his compatriot Fredrik Glader in the top job after he accepted an offer to become sport director at Swedish club side MODO Ornskoldsvik.

Glader achieved promotion with Denmark this year, meaning they have qualified for the 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championships in Canada.

The country has not played at the top level since 1992, with Elander now tasked with keeping them among the elite.

The 59-year-old previously coached Sweden's women's team for nine years, winning Olympic silver in Turin in 2006.

He also guided his home country to bronze at the World Championships in 2005 and 2007.

"I'm very grateful to have received this offer from the Danish Ice Hockey Association (DIHA)," he said. 

"It is encouraging that women's ice hockey is dealt with the greatest possible seriousness.

"Denmark has strong talents, and I know many of the players and know what they stand for. 

"I believe that the teamwork and team spirit is in order. 

"I'm really looking forward to taking the team to the World Championship in Canada. 

"It's an outstanding challenge."

Ulrik Larsen, director of the DIHA, added: "We believe that we have found a good replacement in Peter Elander, whom we look forward to working with.

"Our women's national team is well underway and we continue with a strong man in the position as national coach. 

"The plans for the World Championship in Canada in 2020 are as ambitious as before, as is the ambition for the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. 

"The rest of the team staff continues and we are glad about that."