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Want to work in hockey? Here are some ways to stay in the game E v e r y k i d m a y h a v e a dream of reaching the NHL or women's professional hockey league, but a path to the big leagues does not have to always rely on putting the puck in the back of the net or being a stalwart in goal. In fact, it is never too early to think about pursuing a career in hockey if you want to stay involved in the game that we all have come to love. M a n y h o c k e y p l a y e r s m a y view a career in hockey opera- tions as their only professional opportunity after their playing days are over, but sports busi- ness professionals and execu- tive recruiters explain that is far from the reality. Rather, there's a bevy of options available to former players, including youth players, who want to take their career to the boardroom. M a r k G r e s s Jr. , p a r t n e r a t executive search firm Prodigy S p o r t s , s a i d h o c k e y o p e r a - tions, including scouting, ana- lytics and sports medicine is a "no-brainer," but the business side, such as sales and market- ing, finance, human resources and community development, need former players' expertise and knowledge. Working at a high-profile sports agency either as a contract agent or marketing representative, is a popular, though highly competi- tive, career path, too. Game presentation and video production, think of the Vegas Golden Knights' popular pre- g a m e s p e c t a c l e a t T- M o b i l e Arena, is a lesser-known ave- nue in hockey, but it's critical for entertaining fans. Public rela- tions and social media are other areas to consider, too. T h e r e a r e m u l t i p l e e x a m - ples of American-born college and professional players now w o r k i n g i n t h e h o c k e y b u s i - n e s s . A m a n d a K e s s e l o f t h e U.S. Women's National Team is now the special assistant to the president of hockey opera- tions and general manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kessel recently finished a year in the team's executive management program. Meanwhile, ex-North- ern Michigan defenseman Don Waddell is the president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, while fellow Detroit native and former University of Michigan goalie Shawn Hunwick is a certified player agent with Denver-based KO Sports. For a career in hockey, spe- cific undergraduate majors and classes to consider center around communications, statistics, ana- lytics, kinesiology and sports science. Gress explained that a 38 // SEPTEMBER 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Many teams, such as the Golden Knights, have various jobs involving game presentation and entertainment. CAREER GOALS PHOTOS BY Getty Images; USA Hockey Archive