Introducing Darren Wilson

In preparation for the 2024/25 British Universities Ice Hockey Association season, the Manchester Metros put the word out that a new head coach was required for the clubs highest ability 'A' team who compete in Checking Division 2 of the BUIHA.

A number of skilled candidates offered their time and the club eventually appointed Darren Wilson as the A's new head coach - his thoughts on his new role are written below:

“I am delighted to announce that I have taken on the role of Head Coach for the Manchester Metros University Ice Hockey Club. With over five years of experience as an EIH-qualified coach and more than 40 years of playing at various competitive levels, including ED1, BD1, and BD2, I am eager to bring my extensive background to this new challenge.

Currently, I hold multiple coaching roles with Blackburn, including Head Coach at Blackburn Hawks Academy, Associate Coach at Blackburn Hawks NIHL1, and Director at both clubs. While this will be my first coaching role at the university level, I believe that the principles of the game remain consistent across all levels, and I’m excited to apply my skills and experience to this new environment.

At Manchester Metros, I will primarily be coaching the A team but will be available to support the B, C, and D teams as needed. My approach will focus on fostering a positive, goal-oriented team culture both on and off the ice. I aim to cultivate a team that is solid, focused, and disciplined, blending a firm coaching style with modern communication and structured feedback.

My coaching philosophy combines a mix of traditional methods with contemporary practices. I emphasise teamwork, solid systems, and technical skills, and I will not tolerate sloppiness or negativity. My goal is to provide the team with a fresh perspective and a platform to perform at their best, ensuring that our training sessions are efficient and focused on achieving success.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to a well-established team and inject new ideas and strategies to enhance their performance. I look forward to working with the Manchester Metros players and achieving great results together.”

- Darren Wilson

With club training starting in the next few days, the Metros are excited to see the development and hopeful success under the guidance of Darren Wilson as each team begins their season, the schedule of is to be released soon!