Warrior Hockey, which is owned by New Balance, announced a significant restructuring of its global product development
organization and the acquisition of Smith Hockey Company, Inc. of
Brockport, N.Y.
Warrior Hockey said restructuring is designed to sustain its growth, touting that it remains the “fastest growing hockey company in the world” six years after the brand’s launch.
“To simplify our business, drive improved focus and accountability and continue to develop disruptive technologies, the Warrior Hockey organization is being separated into four Strategic Business Units; Sticks, Goalie Protective, Helmets and Player Protective,” said Lorrie Owen-Turner, general manager for Warrior Hockey.
Each business unit will be led by a strategic business unit manager who will have ownership of the product development process as well as having P&L ownership of their respective product categories. Design, development and product management resources will be re-aligned within each business unit to create a fully integrated, specialized product development team.
“This represents a significant investment in resources and we believe this additional horsepower and laser focus will have a strong and positive impact on the product we bring to market,” says Owen-Turner.
As part of this change, Warrior Hockey also announced the strategic acquisition of Smith Hockey Company, a leading niche player in the goalie protective category. Pete Smith, company founder and one of the most highly respected and influential product developers within the Goalie Protective category during the last 20 years will join the Warrior Hockey team to lead its Global Goalie Protective Category as Strategic Business Unit Manager.
“Pete has been a visionary in the goalie category for many years and his fingerprints can be found on many of the most successful pads in the marketplace today. He has built a very successful direct to consumer business strictly through word of mouth and outstanding product and we are very fortunate to have him join our team and bring his experience to our goalie protective business,” said Owen-Turner.
“I am humbled by the incredible brand loyalty I have developed with my customer base during the last eight years,” says Peter Smith. “The opportunity to join Warrior Hockey and leverage their resources, commitment to building outstanding product, and their unique brand positioning is an exciting opportunity. The goalie protective category has been relatively stagnant and I believe this alignment with Warrior will provide the platform necessary to accelerate and commercialize innovative design and product ideas to help the brand become the #1 Goalie Protective Company in the world.”
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Warrior Sports makes equipment, footwear and apparel for lacrosse and hockey athletes.
