Hockey: Injury puts Smith out

North Harbour player/coach Darren Smith is out of the National Hockey League and faces a race against time to be fit for the Oceania Cup/World Cup qualifying matches in Fiji.

Smith limped out of last Saturday's game - in which the defending champions beat Midlands 4-0 in Hamilton - after 20 minutes with a major tear in a calf.

Black Sticks coach Kevin Towns says Smith is now on a programme involving swimming and cycling.

"We felt it was best he did not play again in the NHL so he will be ready for the games in Fiji," said Towns.

"I'm not too concerned about his match fitness as he has had plenty of hockey this year."

Towns and Smith have concerns over striker David Kosoof, who missed the game in Hamilton with a groin injury. Kosoof has more than one problem and will have scans before any decisions are made.

Smith has replaced himself in the North Harbour side with young striker Sam Bartholomew, who will travel for the game against Northland in Whangarei on Sunday.

"I will wait a bit longer before considering replacing Dave," said Smith.

Under NHL rules, a player once replaced cannot return to action this season.