The Guy Behind The Guy
If you've seen a Devils win, watched a big team event like a retirement ceremony, press conference, media availability, NHL Draft, or other key moments, then you've seen me without even realizing it. If I get a text from my parents about the Three Stars of the Game at Prudential Center, it means two things: we won and therefore they saw me on TV. My staff and I are the group responsible for the team's media requests, team operations, PR and alumni initiatives, assisting business operations, broadcasting, and coordinating hockey content. So, what that means is wherever the players go or show up, you get one of us too.
Day-To-Day
During this time, my job involves coordinating our players and management on video calls with media, fans, sponsors, and even our staff. I make sure to connect with all our players and hockey operations staff on a personal side in some way via text or calls throughout this time away. I've worked through some unique things. Like, I recently had Nico Hischier join a conference call with the 250 people who work for the Devils, and we needed a test run. Nico and I did a video test call at 11:30pm at night in Switzerland. Basically, Nico was in bed with the lights out for a 10-minute call, at his parents' house whispering to make sure it worked, which is a great testament to him.
The Hockey Community
I've been fortunate enough to work with tremendous players, coaches, management, and staff throughout my career. Some real legends, Hall of Famers, and unique personalities. This time away from the rink has allowed me to re-connect with those people that I don't get to see and talk to every day. In the past few weeks, I've had calls and texts from countless players and staff including Patrik Elias, Petr Sykora, Mike Rupp, Cam Janssen, Sami Vatanen, Blake Coleman, Larry Robinson, Adam Henrique among others. It's been really great to hear from them.
A Little Home Cookin'
This is the longest stretch I've been at home during my sports business career. While these days right now may be full with those meetings, the part I selfishly enjoy is having dinner at home each night with my wife and two kids. I love to cook with the family, and we have some fun recipes. One is "Party Chicken Wings," which was a recipe my eight-year-old son and I invented last summer on the grill, for my one-and-a-half year-old daughter. She loves it. It's a blend of marinade (olive oil, garlic, onions and peppers, etc.), spices (salt, pepper, coriander, cayenne pepper and more).
Another fun food we prepare is various French Fries. Hand-cut potatoes, soaked in ice cold water, dried and then deep-fried twice. After that we have a variety of flavors to toss them in:
Here's the full recipe:
