Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1514026
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 31 "I hope that by being different than the way things have historically looked will inspire any person, regardless of what their skin type is. If they can see people that are breaking the normal rotation, that will hopefully inspire other people to do the same." when the first phone call came across about what to expect and some of the obstacles. He's been a fantastic sounding board for me with this new experience as well as joining the Panthers as an assistant general manager. He's always been a very good mentor and leader for me." Just as Zito has helped him find his footing in the game, Peterson has always welcomed the opportunity to open the door for other people of color to find their own place in the game. To that end, Peterson has been involved with the NextGEN AAA Foundation hock- ey team, a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring and hockey programs to underprivileged youth and under- served communities. He also coached an all-minority team to the 2020 Beantown Summer Classic Tournament title. While his current day job has kept him from devoting as much time as he would like, Peterson has always relished the opportunity to serve as a sounding board for others just as Zito and others have done for him over the course of his career. "I came from a family where no one played hockey. I just got lucky that a col- lege coach started me off and I fell in love with it," said Peterson, who is the first Black assistant GM in the NHL and first Black GM of the U.S. Men's National Team. "I hope that by being different than the way things have historically looked will inspire any person, regardless of what their skin type is. If they can see people that are breaking the normal rotation, that will hopefully inspire other people to do the same." For the time being, Peterson will con- tinue to lead by example, devoting his time and efforts to helping the Panthers take the next step up in their run for the Stanley Cup while also looking to accomplish something that hasn't been done since 1933, bring a Men's World Championship trophy home to the U.S. soil. Both are tall tasks, but Peterson relishes the challenge. "It's funny because at the end of the day, it's hockey and they all mesh together," he said. "I've been lucky enough to have a career of doing what I've always wanted to do and not what I have to do. So, for me, this is just fun. It's not really a burden. It's not extra work. It's just a different type of fun work." P p Brett Peterson is the first Black general manager of the U.S. Men's National Team.