MAVERICKS HOCKEY ANNOUNCE DARREN SMITH AS GENERAL MANAGER

The Mavericks are pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Smith as General Manager - Hockey, marking an exciting return to the region for the former Vantage Black Sticks Head Coach and General Manager High Performance.

Smith, who concluded with Hockey NZ at the end of 2024, brings extensive experience to the position, including previous leadership of the region when it operated as Midlands Hockey from 2007-2011. His appointment signals a strong commitment to developing hockey across the Mavericks' associations of Taranaki, Waikato, Thames Valley, Tauranga and Bay of Plenty.

Smith's career spans 30 years in international hockey, including 212 caps for the Vantage Black Sticks, multiple Olympic Games, World Cups, and Commonwealth Games campaigns as both player and coach, before moving into high performance leadership. He has led three international programmes as Head Coach and worked with multiple elite programmes both internationally and in New Zealand.

"I am very excited to return to an area that holds special memories and has so much talent," says Smith. "Our five associations have strong foundations. I'm looking forward to working alongside them to further develop our pathways, association programmes and Mavericks teams. Looking at our history and the talent that has come from our area into the Vantage Black Sticks, we have always had a strong presence."

Jon Tanner, who drove the inaugural Mavericks Premier Hockey League campaign, sees Smith's appointment as a crucial step forward. "The Premier Hockey League provided an opportunity for the talent we have in our region to play quality hockey. It was a major step forward in developing players who are more prepared for the Vantage Black Sticks programme. Having worked with Darren previously when bringing him to Midlands in 2007, I know his leadership will be invaluable as we build on this momentum. He understands our region and has the vision to take us forward."

Smith commenced his role on Monday, 3 February, having relocated to Cambridge with his family. His wife Beth has taken up a position as a solicitor with Norris Ward McKinnon in Hamilton, and their children Brady and Campbell have started at their new schools.

"We're excited to be settling into the Waikato region and becoming part of this community. There's a real opportunity here to build something special with hockey in our region, and I can't wait to be a part of it."

Contacts: Darren Smith - 022 587 9241 Jon Tanner - 027 291 9790