Name:Taylor Cashman
Job title:Manager of hockey administration
Education: South Saint Paul High School (2015), University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, minor in Leadership Studies (2019)
Years of hockey experience (Include on- and off-ice hockey-related experience): I started playing hockey when I was 7 and played competitively throughout my senior year of high school. For my first practice, my dad geared me up with a set of used equipment, a wooden straight stick and sweatpants over my pads as socks. I remember seeing other kids with composite sticks, name brand equipment and fancy laces and thought there was no way I could play hockey with what I had. I now laugh over how materialistic sports can be, but when you have a set of equipment and love for the game, it doesn't matter.
I was fortunate enough to participate in camps and play competitively in AAA, 3v3 and High-Performance leagues growing up. I played four years of hockey school hockey and served as captain during my senior year. Some of my favorite memories are from out-of-town tournaments as well as making it to the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament three times. After graduating high school, I loved going back to my hometown to help at practices or the summer camp put on by the high school coaching staff. I still like to go out and play when I can.
Describe your job in 2-3 sentences:If I had a dollar for every time I thought of how to answer this ... I am an event planner, travel agent, immigration specialist, tournament and camp logistics, organizational guru and problem-solver are a few of the tasks I face on a daily basis. I am usually juggling tasks for management, scouts, players, player family members and coaches individually or all at once.
Describe a moment where you proudly thought to yourself, "I can't believe this is my job!"
It was my third month on the job, and we were hosting the Winter Classic at Target Field against the Blues. I remember every moment of that day. From walking out of the tunnel, and quite literally catching my breath thanks to the -40 windchill, and hearing the buzz of the sold-out stadium, to sitting in a heated suite with coworkers and family. I had to take a second and humble myself, knowing most people will never experience something like this.
What sports did you play, and enjoy most or least, growing up?
I played pretty much every sport growing up, but the three I stuck with and played competitively are hockey, soccer and golf. I still like to mess around with a soccer ball and skate when I can, but I play golf weekly and have really gotten into pickleball as well.
Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert, and how does it impact your work?
Before COVID-19, I would have said I am 100% extroverted. COVID-19 has made me appreciate my alone time and reset if needed. I do really enjoy connecting with people, which I think is key in the sports world. Being able to form relationships with everyone from our building custodian to the general manager is really important to me, and I credit that in part to my extroverted abilities.
Are you a morning person or night owl?
Night owl
What's your favorite book
"Where the Crawdads Sing"
What's your favorite movie or TV show?
"Yellowstone"
What is your most-used emoji?
Eye roll
