Vancouver, BC at Rogers Arena home of the Vancouver Canucks
Every June the NHL Entry Draft sets the future of hockey in motion as a global onslaught of talented stickmen discover the next move of their career. But the success stories coming out of Vancouver aren't limited to the young men in pads, those attending the Sports Management Worldwide NHL Draft Career Conference will be setting the stage for their career growth in the hockey industry too.
Our annual NHL Draft Hockey Career Conference provides people of all ages with a desire to work in professional hockey insight and exposure they can't get anywhere else:
Network with hockey executives
Receive career guidance from hockey insiders
Discover who is hiring and what you need to know to get hired
Connect with other hockey career-minded individuals
Learn strategies to catapult your career to the next level
Ask questions of hockey executives, scouts, media members and more
But the benefits don't end there – conference registration includes lower bowl tickets to both days of the NHL Draft!
Why You Should Attend the 2019 NHL Draft Career Conference
This 2-day event will offer unique panel discussions and Q & A sessions with some of the biggest names in the world of hockey. All attendees will also have the opportunity to network with hockey industry insiders who are deeply connected to the sport.
"Attending the SMWW NHL Career Conference opened doors to opportunities I wouldn't have known about otherwise," says Brittany Wong, Broadcast Media student at Ryerson University and Conference attendee. "The wide range of industry professionals provided something for everyone, from scouting to marketing and business operations – this conference has it all."
If you want to start a career in hockey or advance your current one, attending the SMWW NHL Draft Career Conference is the move you need to make. Find out who is hiring and for what roles, network with hockey executives, and learn strategies to catapult your career to the next level.
"Our NHL Draft Career Conference provides an invaluable opportunity for attendees to learn about careers in the NHL while networking with some of the biggest names in the industry," says Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President of Sports Management Worldwide. "Agents, GM's, Directors of Player Personnel and Marketing Executives all will be present, meeting and speaking with attendees. This is a unique event!"
Past conference speakers have included team executives like the Calgary Flames Brian Burke and Detroit Red Wings Ken Holland, powerful sports agents like Pat Brisson and Rick Curran, media members like NHL Network Senior Reporter EJ Hradek, head coaches, personnel executives, scouts and more.
"SMWW gets the best speakers year after year, who are all able to speak with confidence and experience regarding a wide variety of topics in the hockey industry. Every moment at the conference was time well spent," confirms Dylan Skubel, Ontario Minor Hockey Association Referee and Linesman.
Hockey careers start with Sports Management Worldwide, and our annual NHL Draft Career Conference is a great way to get introduced to the people behind the scenes that make the game great.
"If you are thinking about a career in hockey, SMWW is a cutting-edge program that offers you the training, skills, vital networking, mentoring, and hockey specific training that will assist you in breaking in or advancing your career in professional hockey. They have hundreds of graduates now working at all levels of the game," says Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations, Brian Burke.
Information will be updated as it becomes available. SMWW is assigned space at the Draft by the NHL after they make accommodations for the draft picks, NHL executives, and NHL teams staff.
Thursday, June 20th, 2019 7:00pm- 9:00pm: SMWW Welcome Reception (Optional) (2019 Information to follow. Here is a preview of 2018 to have an idea of what to expect.)
Join hockey executives, SMWW Staff, and hockey conference attendees at the historic Wilson Building at the Press Box Grill. This is a fantastic way to kick off the 2019 NHL Draft with over 24 Texas beers on tap and Texas-made liquors.
Cash bar and light appetizers. Enjoy the taste of Texas in this local favorite cowboy sports bar. (Near the famous Dallas landmark, the 30 foot Giant Eyeball!) The Welcome Reception is optional...but you really shouldn't miss it!
Friday, June 21st, 2019 | 9:00am-5:00pm
Hockey Career Conference
Location to be announced in Vancouver, BC
The Hockey Career Conference will be held at the NHL Draft Headquarters. This conference puts you in the heart of the action prior to the first pick.
This is a day filled with executive panels, discussions about the business of hockey and Q&A periods with those working at the highest level of professional hockey. Includes a networking lunch. See the sample agenda below.
Friday, June 21st, 2019 | 7:00pm
Round 1 of the 2019 NHL Draft held in Rogers Arena, Home of the Vancouver Canucks Conference registration includes lower bowl tickets to both days of the NHL Draft.
Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 | 10:00am
Rounds 2-7 of the 2019 NHL Draft held at Rogers Arena, Home of the Vancouver Canucks
Conference registration includes lower bowl tickets to both days of the NHL Draft.
I would highly recommend to anyone with a goal of pursuing a career in professional hockey that they give serious consideration in attending the NHL Draft Career Conference which is absolutely an incredible value for the return on the investment. - Patrick Edwards, International Scouting Services - Hockey Scout
Where is the SMWW NHL Draft Career Conference?
NHL Draft Career Conference will be held:
Location to be announced in Vancouver, BC
NHL Draft Career Conference Welcome Reception will be held:
Location to be announced in Vancouver, BC 2019 NHL Entry Draft will be held:
Rogers Arena, Home of the Vancouver Canucks
NHL Draft Career Conference Registration Includes:
Seeing major events first hand is a great way to improve your industry knowledge and connection. That is why we have included one ticket to both days of the 2019 NHL Draft as part of your conference registration. Being able to experience a live event like the NHL Draft is exciting and rewarding!
All of the tickets we distribute are in the lower bowl (100 level) and grant access to all 7 rounds. Tickets will be distributed at conference check-in on Friday. Additional tickets are not available. Additional conference materials include:
Thursday night Welcome Reception
Friday Networking Lunch
SMWW Name badge and credentials
Registration packet including conference agenda and speaker biographies
** Please note that the conference fee does not include flight or hotel accommodations.
Walk-up registrations will not be accepted. Please register online in advance.
2018 Hockey NHL Career Conference Agenda This is a copy of the 2018 agenda. A similar agenda will be sent out for 2019 within the month prior to the event.
Thursday, June 20th, 2019
7:00pm-9:00pm SMWW Welcome Reception
Press Box Grill (half mile from the NHL HQ Hotel)
1623 Main Street, Dallas Texas 75201
Friday, June 21st, 2019
7:30am-5:00pm SMWW Hockey Career Conference
The Fairmont Dallas Hotel - Regency Ballroom, Level 2
1717 N Akard Street, Dallas, Texas 75201
7:30 am: Coffee
8:15 am: Opening Remarks Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Sports Management Worldwide President and Founder
8:30 am: The Business of Hockey
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Sports Management Worldwide PresidentNicole Lee, NHL Director Integrated Marketing
Grady Raskin, Dallas Stars Vice President, Corporate Partnerships
9:30 am: On - Air with...
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Sports Management Worldwide PresidentEJ Hradek, NHL Live Host
John Shannon, Sportsnet Sportscaster
Gary Lawless, Vegas Golden Knights Insider
10:15 am: Identifying the Next Big Star
Moderator: Mike Oke, OHL Peterborough Petes General ManagerRyan Bowness, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins Professional Scout
Doug Marshall, CVS Analytics Chief Analyst
Scott Vargas, Iceberg Hockey
11:30 - 1 pm: Networking Lunch
1:00 pm - Team Management at the Highest Levels
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Sports Management Worldwide PresidentBill Zito, NHL Columbus Blue Jackets GM and USA Men's National Hockey Team GM
Reagan Carey, USA Women's National Hockey Team GM
2:00 pm - The Player/Agent Relationship
Moderator: Mike Oke, OHL Peterborough Petes General ManagerHarkie Singh, Uptown Hockey NHLPA Agent
Ty Dellandrea, 2019 NHL Draft Prospect
3:00 pm - The Business of Minor League Hockey
Moderator: Dino Caputo, WHL Tri-Cities Americans ScoutMike Oke, OHL Peterborough Petes General Manager, SMWW Faculty
Trevor Whiffen, OHL London Knights Governor
Matt Canavan, ECHL Allen Americans President and GM
4:00 pm - Player Safety and League Operations
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Sports Management Worldwide PresidentPatrick Burke, NHLPA Senior Director Player Safety
Damian Echevarrieta, NHL Group Vice President, Player Safety and Hockey Operations
George Parros, NHLPA Director Player Safety
4:45pm - How to be Next Year's Success StoryJustin Shemie, Concordia University Men’s Hockey Team Head Scout
Jeff Baidoo, NHL Minnesota Wild Account Executive, SMWW Alum
5:00 pm - Closing remarks with Dr. Lynn Lashbrook and Mike Oke
6:30pm - First Round of the NHL Draft & Fan Fest Tickets included with registration!
Saturday, June 22nd, 2019
9 am - 1 pm: Rounds 2-7 of the NHL Draft & Fan Fest Tickets included with registration!
NHL Draft Information:
For those of you who have never experienced the NHL draft live, it is fascinating!
The National Hockey League is the lone sports league without war rooms at team offices, instead, teams bring their entire personnel staff right to the draft. Each team brings their GM, top player personnel executives and their scouts, all the key decision makers for each team will be right in front of you!
Imagine watching the top 600 NHL executives on the arena floor making decisions for their teams that will affect years of hockey. This is a must-attend event for any hockey fan.
What else is there to do in Vancouver, BC?
Watch this video:
What airport should you fly into?
Vancouver International Airport, 25-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, BC.
Where should you stay?
SMWW Conference attendees are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre will host the Hockey Career Conference. There are numerous hotels nearby, however, SMWW does not have any representation with respect to any such properties. Here are a few suggestions:
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (Conference Hotel)
1088 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R9, Canada
+1 604-331-1000
Samson Vancouver
1018 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L5, Canada
Best Western Plus Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites & Conference Ctr.
1100 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2B6, Canada
+1 604-669-7070
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver Downtown
1110 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R2, Canada
+1 604-684-2151
The Burrad
1100 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y7, Canada
+1 604-681-2331
Century Plaza Hotel & Spa
1015 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y5, Canada
+1 604-687-0575
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa Vancouver
845 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1, Canada
(800) 663-0666
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6, Canada
+1 604-682-5511
O Canada House Bed & Breakfast
1114 Barclay St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1H1, Canada
+1 604-688-0555
Landis Hotel & Suites
1200 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W2, Canada
+1 604-681-3555
Ramada by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown
1221 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M6, Canada
+1 604-901-4933
Howard Johnson Hotel by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown
1176 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L8, Canada
+1 604-688-8701
HI Vancouver Central
1025 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L4, Canada
+1 604-685-5335
Comfort Inn Downtown
654 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K4, Canada
+1 604-605-4333
Moda Hotel
900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3L9, Canada
+1 604-683-4251
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6, Canada
+1 604-684-3131
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver
791 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T4, Canada
+1 604-689-9333
Kingston Hotel
757 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3A6, Canada
+1 604-684-9024
L'Hermitage Vancouver
788 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3A4, Canada
+1 778-327-4100
The Westin Grand, Vancouver
433 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6L9, Canada
+1 604-602-1999
OPUS Vancouver
322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6, Canada
+1 604-642-6787
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
838 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6A2, Canada
+1 604-689-8033
the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection
45 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada
+1 604-676-0889
Hampton Inn & Suites
111 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A8, Canada
+1 604-602-1008
Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre
180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4P4, Canada
+1 604-681-2211
YWCA Hotel Vancouver
733 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
+1 604-895-5830
Georgian Court Hotel
773 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
+1 604-682-5555
Hotel Blu & Residences Vancouver
177 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A8, Canada
+1 604-620-6200
Directions to the Conference hotel From Vancouver International Airport (YVR):
Take Grant McConachie Way E to Granville St in Vancouver
Continue on Granville St to Davie St
Continue on Davie St. Drive to Hornby St (continue to hotel on left)
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.
Alternate transportation: Limousine Service; on request
Estimated taxi fare: 31 CAD (one way)
Subway service, fee: 9 CAD (one way)
Parking at Conference hotel:
On-site parking, fee: 5 CAD hourly, 30 CAD daily
Valet parking, fee: 33 CAD daily All fees quoted are daily and do not include taxes.
Check Out Our Photos From The 2017 Conference In Chicago!
Past Speakers (2019 speakers to be announced at a later date)
Note: Due to Team Meetings, speakers are not guaranteed and will change. The closer we get to the date, the more accurate the schedule becomes as executives do not yet know their team meeting schedules. Keep coming back to this agenda to see the most recent additions all the way up to draft day!
Past Speakers Have Included:
Ken Holland, Detroit Red Wings, General Manager and Executive Vice President Reagan Carey, USA Women's National and Olympic Team General Manager E.J. Hradek, NHL Network Host Bill Zito, Columbus Blue Jackets Asst. General Manager Ryan Bowness, Pittsburgh Penguins Professional Scout Brian Burke, Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Sports Management Worldwide, President Rick Curran, NHL Agent, Orr Hockey Group Gordie Clark, New York Rangers, Director of Player Personnel Chris Snow, Calgary Flames, Director of Video and Statistical Analysis Patrick Burke, NHL Director of Player Safety Michael Schuckers, Co-Founder, Statistical Sports Consulting Neil Glasberg, PBI Sports and Entertainment, President Mike Oke, Peterborough Petes, General Manager Rick McLaughlin, Texas Stars, President/General Manager Harkie Singh, Uptown Sports Director of Player Development Cameron Lizotte, Peterborough Petes Defenseman & NHL Draft Prospect William Boll, Quantum Pro Hockey, Chief Operations Officer Adelyn Biedenbach, Florida Panthers Digital Media & Communications Dino Caputo, Tri-Cities Americans, (WHL)Regional Scout, SMWW Faculty Marc-Andre Dumont, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, GM /Head Coach Serge Payer, NHL Agent Barclay Parneta, Tri-Cities Americans Head Scout & Prospect Development Coach Zoran Rajcic, Everett Silvertips Executive VP and Asst. GM Lisa Hollenbeck, WHL Portland Winterhawks Director of Hockey Administration Rob Rossi, Pittsburgh Tribune Lead Sports Columnist And many more…
And more...
► Other Speakers by Year
► 2017
John Ferguson: NHL Boston Bruins Exec. Dir. Player Personnel and GM Providence Bruins
Trevor Whiffen: OHL London Knights Governor
Mike Oke: OHL Peterborough Petes GM
Ryan Bowness: NHL Pittsburgh Penguins Professional Scout
Wendell Young: AHL Chicago Wolves GM
Burton Lee: OHL Peterborough Petes, Exec. Dir. Business Ops.
Nicole Lee: NHL Director Integrated Marketing
Sara Bailey: NHL Chicago Blackhawks Dir. Corporate Partnerships
Lisa Hollenbeck: WHL Portland Winterhawks Director of Hockey Admin.
Manny Schmidt: NHLPA Agent
Matt Keator: NHLPA Agent
Eustace King: NHLPA Agent
EJ Hradek: NHL Live Host
Julie Stewart-Binks: ESPN Reporter
John Shannon: Sportsnet.ca Sportscaster
Dino Caputo: WHL Tri-City Americans Scout
Mike Johnston: WHL Portland Winterhawks Head Coach and GM
Barclay Parneta: WHL Tri-City Americans Asst. GM
James Boyd: OHL Ottawaa 67’s GM
Ari Kaplan: Scoutables President, Analytics Expert
Drake Berehowsky: Statstrack Founder, ECHL Orlando Solar Bears HC
Bob Teofilo: Synergy Sports Technology Manager of Hockey Products and Services
Bryan Campbell: Detroit Red Wings Dir of Stat’s Analysis and Hockey Admin.
Bill Guertin: The 800-Pound Gorilla CEO
► 2016
Brian Burke: NHL Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations
Patrick Burke: NHL Director of Safety
John Shannon: Sportsnet.ca Sportscaster
EJ Hradek: NHL Live Host
Rick Curran: Orr Hockey Group NHL Agent
Kelly Friesen: PPI Hockey Vice President & Yahoo! Sports
Burton Lee: OHL Peterborough Petes, Exe. Dir. Business Operation
Mike Sundheim: NHL Carolina Hurricanes VP of Communications
Christine Joseph: NHL Buffalo Sabres Vice President of Human Resources
Trevor Whiffen: OHL London Knights Governor
Dave Brown: OHL Erie Otters GM
Roger Shannon: QMJHL Moncton Wildcats Dir. Of Hockey Operations/Scouting
Mike Oke: OHL Peterborough Petes GM
Graham Beamish: NHL Buffalo Sabres Pro Scouting Coordinator
Bob Teofilo: NHL Arizona Coyotes Director of Hockey Operations and Analytics
Zac Urback: OHL Mississuaga Steelheads Hockey Club Coordinator of Hockey Analytics
Drake Berehowsky: Statstrack Founder, Former Coach of the OHL Sudbury Wolves
Mar Appleby: ProScout Hockey Solutions Architect, Founder and President
► 2015
Brian Burke: Calgary Flames President of Operations
Patrick Burke: NHL Director of Safety
Ryan Bowness: Winnipeg Jets, Mgr. of Hockey Operations and Team Services
Gordie Clark: New York Rangers, Director of Player Personnel
Chris Snow: Calgary Flames, Director of Video and Statistical Analysis
Michael Schuckers: Co-Founder Statistical Sports Consulting
Drake Berehowsky: Statsrak Founder, Former NHL Player, Professional Hockey Coach
Rick Curran: NHL Player Agent, Orr Hockey Group
Ken Holland: Detroit Red Wings, Executive VP & GM
EJ Hradek: NHL Live Host
Adelyn Biedenbach: Florida Panthers, Coordinator of Digital Media & Communications
Rob Rossi: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Lead Sports Columnist
Dino Caputo
Marc-Andre Dumont: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, GM & Head Coach
Barclay Parneta: Tri Cities Americans Head Scout & Prospect Development Coach
Neil Glasberg: PBI Sports and Entertainment, President
Serge Payer: NHL Player Agent
Harkie Singh: Uptown Sports, Director of Player Development
Zoran Rajcic: WHL Everett Silvertips Executive VP and Asst. GM
Mike Oke: OHL Peterborough Petes GM
Lisa Hollenbeck: WHL Portland Winterhawks Director of Hockey Administrations
William Boll: COO Quantum Pro Hockey
► 2014
Brian Burke: Calgary Flames President of Operations
Tracey Corderio: Manager, Agent Certification and Team Tours NHLPA
Andy Scott: NHL Agent
Eric Cornel: NHL Draft Prospect
Jennifer Bullano: Pittsburgh Penguins Sr. Director of Communications
Zoran Rajcic: WHL Everett Silvertips Executive VP
Ken Holland: Detroit Red Wings GM & EVP
EJ Hradek: Sr. Reporter for NHL Network
Nicole Lee: NHL Manager, Integrated Marketing
Marc Appleby: PowerScout Hockey President
Dustin Nielson: Host of Neilson & Fraser
Mike Johnston: GM and Head Coach WHL Portland Winterhawks
Kyle Gustafson: WHL Winterhawks Asst. Coach
Lisa Hollenbeck: WHL Portland Winterhawks Exec. Asst. of Hockey Operations
Dino Caputo: Tri City Americans Scout
Mike Oke: OHL Peterborough Petes GM
Scott Carroll: CCHL, Director of Scouting and Recruitment
Manny Schmidt: Link Management International President and NHLPA Certified Agent
► 2013
Jon Christiano: Buffalo Sabres Dir. Of Pro Scouting
Joe Favorito: Communications & Strategic Marketing Professional
Chris Botta: Sports Business Journal & New York Times, NHL Writer
Pat Brisson: NHLPA Certified Agent
Ken Holland: Detroit Red Wings, GM and EVP
Jim Price: Rinknet Scouting, President
Trevor Whiffen: London Knights Governor & Memorial Cup Chairman
Brian Burke: Anaheim Ducks Advisor & Scout, former Toronto Maple Leafs GM
Szymon Szemberg: International Ice Hockey Federation
Mike Oke: OHL Peterborough Petes GM
Dino Caputo: Tri City Americans Scout
Mike Johnston: Portland Winterhawks GM & Coach
Kyle Gustafson: Portland Winterhawks Asst. Coach
Travis Green: Portland Winterhawks Asst. Coach
Lisa Hollenbeck: Portland Winterhawks Executive Asst.
► 2012
Jim Benning: Boston Bruins, Asst. GM
Jeff Gorton: New York Rangers Asst. GM
Don Reynolds: Uptown Sports Agency
Tom Lynn: Veritas Hockey
Manny Schmidt: Link Management International
Todd Reynolds: Uptown Sports Agency
EJ Hradek: SR. Reporter for NHL Network
Ryan Kennedy: Associate Senior Writer for the Hockey News
Rob Rossi: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh Penguins Beat Reporter
Travis MacMillian: Winnipeg Jets, Amateur Scout
Den Fedorchuk: Straubing Tigers & Kassel Huskies, German Elite League Head Coach (DEL)
Brain Werger: USHL, Director of Communications
Wade Klippenstein: Prince George Cougars Asst. GM
Mike Johnston: Portland Winterhawks GM & Head Coach
Travis Green: Portland Winterhawks Asst. Coach
Jim Price: Rinknet Scouting
Dennis McCarroll: Rinknet Scouting
Brandt Berglund: XOS Technology
Ron Mauthrin: Steva Hockey
► 2011
Brian Burke: Toronto Maples Leaf’s GM
Bill Robertson: Minnesota Wild, VP
Skip Prince: USHL Commissioner
Brian Lawton: Tampa Bay Lightening GM
Dave Schwartz: Minneapolis TV Sportscaster
Mike Rand: Minneapolis State Tribune Asst. Sports Editor
Steve Nash: Integrity Sports
Matt Keator: NHLPA Certified Agent and Family Advisor
Scott Mayfield: NHL Draft Prospect
Mike Johnston: Portland Winterhawks GM
Kyle Dubas: Sault Ste Marie GM
Trevor Whiffen: London Knights Governor
Dean Fedorchuck: International Coach
► 2010
Bob Miller: LA Kings Broadcaster
EJ Hradek: ESPN & NHL Network
Larry Brooks: New York Post Beat Writer & Columnist
Trevor Whiffen: London Knights Governor
Wade Klippenstein: Prince George Cougars Assistant GM
Mike Johnston: Portland Winterhawks GM/Coach
Zoran Rajcic: Everette Silvertips Director of Business Ops
Travis MacMillian: Atlanta Thrashers Amateur Scout
Mike Oke: Peterborough Pete Dir. Of Player Personnel
Chris Keeney: Columbus Crew, Vice President of Ticket Sales
Dave Robinson: Hamilton Bulldogs, Corporate Sales Executive
Joseph Cote: Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Clippers Executive, Director of Season Ticket Sales
Tim Cranston: Certified NHLPA Agent
Patrice Cormier: Prospective 2008 First Round NHL Draft Pick
Jim Benning: Boston Bruins. Director of Player Personnel
Matt Ebbs: International Scouting Services, GM
Jim Price: RinkNet, President and Founder
Dennis McCaroll: Rinknet, Program Support Specialist
Travis MacMillian: University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Former HC
Paul Henry: Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL Scout
Scholarships For the NHL Draft Career Conference Are Available
SMWW will award a limited amount of full and partial scholarships for each SMWW Career Conference. You must be 18 years or older to be considered. If interested, fill out an application, submit your resume and a one-page letter explaining why you should receive a scholarship to: info@smww.com.
Scholarships do not include lodging or airfare. Those who have completed an SMWW training program will be given preference.
Thank you! We will let you know as soon as conference dates are announced!
Brian Burke Calgary Flames GM
"If you are thinking about a career in hockey, SMWW is a cutting edge program that offers you the training, skills, vital networking, mentoring, and hockey specific training that will assist you in breaking in or advancing your career in professional hockey. They have hundreds of graduates now working at all levels of the game."
Mike Johnston Portland Winterhawks GM/Head Coach Former Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach
"SMWW is a quality organization. I personally have hired their graduates!"
EJ Hradek NHL Network
"SMWW offers a tremendous opportunity for people to break into a career on the business side of hockey."
Testimonials:
Matt Chalmers
Toronto, Canada
The SMWW NHL Draft conference reenergizes you and sets you on a path for sports career success. There is a passion and enthusiasm you just don’t find in most other conferences. My network has expanded greatly since attending the conference, along with my confidence.
Cory Myers
Ebensburg, PA
This conference is a must for anyone with a passion for hockey. As a Junior hockey coach I wanted to learn everything about the game, this conference taught me more than I could have imagined. Such a great program with so many great people.
Toby Kienzle
University of Washington
The SMWW NHL Draft Career Conference is the most valuable and interesting career conference I have ever been to. My only regret is not doing it sooner.
Dylan Skubel
Ontario, Canada
SMWW gets the best speakers year after year, who are all able to speak with confidence and experience regarding a wide variety of topics in the hockey industry. Every moment at the conference was time well spent.
Brittany Wong
Toronto, Canada
Attending the SMWW NHL Career Conference opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. The wide range of industry professionals provided something for everyone, from scouting to marketing and business operations – this conference has it all.
Steven Shelby
University of Central Florida
SMWW has created a terrific event at the NHL Draft, helping people get on the path towards a career in hockey. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the amount of information that was shared.
Frank Scarpaci
Concordia University
The stories and honesty of each speaker was very informative and helpful. I left with more confidence that ever, this conference is filled with guidance.
Justin Shemie
Moncton Wildcats Scout
SMWW’s hockey conference is where I found my first job in hockey. Today I am the Head Scout of the Concordia University Men’s team and a scout for the Moncton Wildcats. I would not have built the contacts that got me to where I am today without attending their conferences.
Vince Capano
Everything about the SMWW Hockey Career Conference at the NHL Draft was extremely professional and it's an experience that I will remember forever. I met so many incredible people and gained a lot of connections; without this opportunity, I'm not sure that I could've gained the type of connections that I did. Thank you for an incredible weekend!