Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/602910
DECEMBER.2015 // MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM 15 Those other opportunities came in the form of Rollerblade Inc., a Minnesota-based company where Majka started as a sales representative before making his way up to the position of vice president of product marketing. It was in that position that Majka was introduced to Bob Naegele Jr., the owner of Rollerblade Inc. Naegele Jr. was working on bringing a professional hockey team back to Minnesota—and he wanted Majka to be a part of it. "It was a dream come true," Majka said of helping bring back an NHL franchise to Minnesota. "It sounds like such a cliché, but it's true. I didn't set out to necessarily work with an NHL hockey team, but it was a real blessing to have hockey come back to Minnesota and have a front-row seat and be a part of its re-emergence." Once the Wild came home, Majka again worked his way up the corporate ladder to become the COO of Minnesota Sports Entertainment, the enterprise where the Wild exist. In addition to operating Xcel Energy Center and all of its events—hockey and non-hockey—Majka and his crew also operate RiverCentre Convention Center. Managing so many events and different venues keeps his day-to-day job interesting, and he wouldn't change a thing. "My job really is something great," he said. "I can't forget to mention how important the State of Hockey brand has been to our success. I give the fans the credit for what we've become and for helping with our marketing efforts that make my job so fun." kATIe hOlMGreN Adult Hockey Manager at USA Hockey Hometown: Plymouth Years in the Position: 5 Favorite Part: "Working with different people around the country who love the game as much as I do." Word of Warning: "I don't think people realize all of the work that's done at USA Hockey on every level. Those grassroots efforts are as important as the elite teams. Entering this you'll have to realize and respect that." Katie Holmgren has always been a rink rat. Growing up surrounded by family that played hockey, it was in her blood. The only difference is, Holmgren started on the ice in figure skates. It wasn't until high school that she traded her toe pick for a new set of blades. "My best friend had played for a couple of years and convinced me to give it a shot," she recalled. "By the end of my sophomore year I was playing both JV and varsity and was even named assistant captain my senior year." Holmgren took her hockey passion down I-35 to Iowa State University, where she was captain and team president for the Cyclones' club squad. While at ISU she majored in sport management, a natural role thanks to her experience with the club hockey team. To complement that role, she took an internship with a minor league baseball team, helping with everything from game-day operations, to group ticket sales. After graduation, Holmgren first took a job outside of sports, but only until someone forwarded her a job opening at USA Hockey. It was for a newly created coordinator of the adult women's hockey position. She jumped at the chance and soon found herself the first to hold the title. "Having been the first-ever coordinator of adult women's hockey was a lot of fun," Holmgren said. "I got to shape what the job looked like." Holmgren has since been promoted to adult hockey manager, overseeing adult coordinators and adult hockey events across the nation. She serves as the primary liaison for USA Hockey adult leagues and has even served as the general manager for the U.S. Women's National University teams at the World University Games. And although she may not get to play the game she loves "nearly as much as [she'd] like to" Holmgren's passion still thrives in her work environment. "[Now I get to work] with different people around the country who love the game as much as I do," said Holmgren. "Get experience right away. It's never too early. If you're in high school, write for your student newspaper. When you get to college don't wait until your junior or senior year to get involved." —Brian Deutsch, assistant director of athletic communications, University of Minnesota "Always be willing to learn. Whether you played or not, you can work in sports. It's a huge industry, there are so many levels and so many ways to be involved, so don't be afraid to try something new that might get you in the door and lead to your dream job." —Katie Holmgren, adult hockey manager, USA Hockey "Take the opportunity that presents itself and do a good job. You'll see that opportunity grow and you'll be surprised at how fast those next opportunities come if you're doing a good job, which comes with having a true passion for the job itself." —Christian Koelling, director of hockey operations, University of Minnesota Duluth