Coaching at JHL

April 15, 2026

2026 Junior Hockey League Coaching - collaboration in action. 

The Junior Hockey League (JHL) is underway this week at King’s College, Auckland, bringing together New Zealand’s leading U21 men’s and women’s players in a fast paced, highly competitive event. 


Modelled on the Premier Hockey League, the JHL is designed to bridge the gap between U18 hockey and high performance environments, and the coaching groups leading each team play a key role in that transition.


It provides not only players, but coaches and an official’s valuable experience in a high-performance environment and support to develop their knowledge and skills.

As part of the league, appointed coaches from across Aotearoa are provided with a range of opportunities to connect with their peers. These include informal conversations over meals, as well as structured sessions such as Coaching Connects, facilitated by Hockey NZ. These opportunities provide coaches with time to network, reflect, and exchange insights on successful practices and ongoing challenges. This collaborative approach is a core strength of the JHL, aligning strongly with the National Coaching Direction and supporting coach development through both self-directed and collaborative learning.


Here are your coaching teams in action at Kings College, Auckland, for this years JHL.


Tridents

Women

•  Head Coach: Rocio Gonzalez Canda (Auckland)

•  Assistant Coach: Casey Crowley (North Harbour)

Men

•  Head Coach: James Grant (Waikato)

•  Assistant Coach: Josh Kumarboff (North Harbour)


Falcons

Women

• Head Coach: Kerry Thomas (Wellington)

• Assistant Coach: Matthew Witheford (Hawkes Bay)

Men

• Head Coach: Brandon Roach (Manawatu)

• Assistant Coach: Levi Loudon (Wellington)


Alpiners

Women

• Head Coach: Jolene Casey (Otago)

• Assistant Coach: Rory Crawford (Canterbury)

Men

• Head Coach: Hymie Gill (Otago)

• Assistant Coach: Sam Grimshaw (Canterbury)


Mavericks

Women

• Head Coach: Darren Smith

• Assistant Coaches: Mel Aiken (Tauranga)

Men

• Head Coach: Jamie Stones (Taranaki)

• Assistant Coach: Ben Tanner (Waikato)


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