There are some all very capable people who would complement any team looking for well informed expertise.
If any teams are in the market for dedicated and informed expertise By The Fans For The Fans might be a place to begin looking.
In fact, here is my list of nominees who should be considered as valuable resources for any organization lucky enough to have their services;
Dale West for play by play announcing
John Macdonald for coaching
Kim for tickets and admissions
Greg for 50-50
SHARPIE for public relations and promotions
KEV for general manager
CSSPOSTAL for media web design and promotions
PEPSIHEAD for scouting
CAMRON for transportation
WEXDOG for timekeeping/announcing
SABATH for public relations
BLUEICE for public relations
STINGER for music and announcing
KRUSTYRL for media and public relations
SINN BINN for media relations/promotions
ZIPPERS for media relations/promotions
CSTR and NUTMEGNORTH for public relations
Wayjoy
This message has been edited by wayjoy on Apr 1, 2009 11:58 AM
Perhaps anyone who is a "free agent" looking to catch on in a volunteer or employment capacity with a Jr. A club in our great league could use this thread Wayne started to make available their e-mail information, as well as what aspect they would like to get into, in addition to Wayne's comprehensive list. That way, if any team officials are reading this thread, and happen to need somebody for a specific position they have the contact info readily available.
Seriously, folks. A thread like this could be a valuable resource for any team looking to find quality people. EVERY team needs quality people, from the GM and front office staff to the guy who slides the pucks onto the ice for warmup.
In my case, I am looking to build a career in sports, so I am looking for a team to hire me on at a fair rate (travel and expenses) and gain experience in a particular field. But if you are a fan of hockey, volunteering for your local team is a fantastic way to see free hockey. And if you are a high school student, it can count towards your mandatory community service hours. There is so much benefit to working with a Jr. A hockey club that I cannot begin to list them here.
I would think many more people would list their e-mails here.
I can't believe more people aren't posting here...but then again, I haven't received any e-mails from this thread, either. Here I am, willing to work for any team in the league for the right deal (for some teams, the commute would mean the deal would have to be REALLY right), and nobody even drops me a line to ask. Either no one who is hiring is looking at this thread, or else they think I wouldn't be interested in their team. Heck, I'd go outlaw if they paid me enough and the cheques were good! So, if any high ranking hockey people are reading this, drop me a line and let's talk.
In addition to public relations, I have Pointstreak experience and Nutmeg has done Poinstreak, Announced and even sang the anthem.
That's in addition to admissions, 50/50, chuck-a-pucks, security, game night programs, rookie camps, several other game night games for fans, stats, baking various sweets, ordering customs boards signs and banners, arranging the team logo to be painted on the ice, mascot, recording video of games, music, penalty box door-keeper, game-night accounting and bookkeeping, ordering team equipment and signs, selling merchandise, ordering game-night dinners for players, organizing fan buses, coaching from the stands, colour commentary, paying the refs, photography at team events, and always carrying a spare cylinder for the air horn.
Thanks for the post Wayne.
The reason some have not posted could be that they have been a volunteer since 1979 and are happy with that job.
or; They have been there done that and have retired to just watch fantastic hockey.
or. they have volunteered so long for a team ( such as myself) and have been employed on a part time basis.
To Sharpie and whateveritis;
Both of you seem to have an issue with cheques or lack thereof. just kidding-lol
Yes, I have never made any secret of the fact that I am looking to build a full-time career in Jr. A hockey, and I am also realistic enough to know that Jr. A teams are not exactly licenses to print money. BUT...there are lots of ways for me to put in a full-time effort for a team, and make full-time money, without hurting the bottom line of the team's books. Let's face it, commissions, bonuses, incentives, there are lots of very lucrative and mutually beneficial forms of compensation. And, like I said, I will work for anybody. If Collingwood were to call me with an offer, and pay for my travel expenses, I would commute from Ajax without problem. I'm not proud, I'm hungry.
One feeling I do have is that nobody is going to start calling people for employment or volunteer purposes for next season until we see how the league is going to shake down for next season. We don't even know which teams are going to fall to the Central side of things next season, and I have a feeling I will get an e-mail or two once we do.
Personally, I think a good, full-time PR person is essential for a Central Division team. Their entire mandate is to develop kids for the next level, and a good, consistent PR plan can help kids get noticed. It is my humble opinion that somebody who can provide that should be an essential paid staffer for CD teams.
Once again Wayne has started a thought provoking Thread. I have to say I agree with the wait and see how it all plays out attitude at this time. The Teams also have alot on their plates with local staffing, players and scheduling. Thats not to say that those mentioned at the top of the thread would not be interested.
I have a great love for this game at all levels. Wherever I am if there is a game to be seen im there.
Remember and Support our Troops
If you are able, wear Red on Fridays.
Well ladies and gentlemen maybe I can offer some assistance to your pursuit of employment. Apart from the Community College courses which offer 2 year full time programs, there are private companies offering more condensed part-time courses for those seeking careers within the sports, and entertainment industry.
Bottom line folks is the US market is more than 10 times the size of the Canadian market so immigration etc can be an issue. Fitness Clubs are always looking for commission based reps, many sports oriented brands seek spokes persons for open events at malls, trade shows, etc. Most of you list your areas of expertise in areas of off-ice official duties, use them to get into a Major Jr team in your area. Once in you can parlay you desire to learn other areas of the operation into an opportunity, and remember it's not what you know it's WHOM in the tight knit world of sport. I did it 12 yrs ago, retired from my career and pursued one in sport. Good luck folks let me know if I can offer some assistance.
These sites below are listing sites containing open positions, as well as some job fairs and training courses in various areas within a team or league.
http://www.sportshiring.com/ http://www.jobsinsports.com/ http://www.teamworkonline.com/
In fact, DP is one of the better people in Jr. A hockey to know.
Great links, buddy.
As I have talked to you about before, I want to build myself a career in Jr. hockey, eventually moving up from there, but those are great avenues as well.
For those who want to build a career in sports, there are a lot of ways to do it, but like DP says, it isn't what you know it's whom you know. Making the right contacts and talking to the right people is the best thing anyone young and volunteering with a Jr. A team can do. Not only is it great job networking, but some of my favourite people to sit, have a beer, and shoot the bull with (DP included) I've met through hockey.
Sharpie...Experience in any related area will help you get that opportunity in hockey. Internships, volunteering, etc. are great to get that foot in the door, as well as attending some of the sports programs offered by some of the specialty hiring agencies. There is one such agency in the GTA that guarantees you a position in Pro sports upon graduation. I did alot of time in other sports like lacrosse, football, and soccer before I had the luxury of saying I only want to work in hockey.
I am going to keep bumping this one up until the start of the next hockey season, folks.
I might not be around as much on the forum come summer when other things take me away.
But periodically, you can expect this list of talented people to be up near the top for any perspective team owners who might want their team to be even better.
I'll warn everyone right now, you better have a good job to fund the "hobby" of working in this league. You lose more money than you get back and you receive nothing for your time. You have to do it because you love it. I'm down about 5 figures over the last 8 years.
I don't know about that. Last season I got paid very well for just the timekeeping, announcing and scorekeeping, and paid well by both Whitby and Markham. And this season I had a very lucrative offer on the table from a team to do the public relations and promotions, but for reasons I am not going to go into I turned that offer down, it was basically a matter of personal principle. I just decided I was willing to work for less than what they were offering if that was what it took to work somewhere where I feel I can trust all of the people surrounding me. So yes, if you work hard for a long time, and make the right friends and connections, there is some money to be made at this level. But at the same time, I'm not naive enough to think that my entire career can be built at this level. It is more or less a means to an end.
I will keep you posted on the details. However, I can with 100% certainty say that I have accepted a position with the Ajax Attack for next season. There are still the last few i's to dot and t's to cross, but it will be Ajax for sure. Also, they are allowing me to keep my timekeeping job with Whitby, which is fantastic news since Whitby has been very good to me.
Good luck to everybody else who is looking for positions in Jr. A hockey.
Thanks aci guy, I didn't even notice you mentioned me until today a month later... I suck a bit!
Congrats Sharpie on your new gig! I'm jealous!
I've been applying more out of province, as I don't want to be around when our beloved OP goes down in flames.
But aciguy is correct, I am a decent photographer - I think I put up some of the photos I took at Markham games this year? And have a background in communications. And.. well... I think everyone knows my email address.
Anything further on the job front for such expertise as Csspostal , Pepsihead , Aciguy , CSTR or Dale West to name a few?
Now, I know some hockey organizations would never think of a nondescript fan forum thread for the potential of some excellent people for their respective teams.
Pity though. Many are kind of like "I know what is best for my team and I will hire whomever I damned well please" mentality.
There some quality people in this list all of whom I know. Any team would be wise to approach them to see what they can bring to the table.
Aciguy hope you bring your great camra work with you looking forward to a great season this .The first in a couple of years for us Trenton fans.Good luck ACIGUY. GO HAWKS GO
Current Topic - A wealth of expertise.............right here
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