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Front Office U welcomes Tanner Hoops.
Tanner is a broadcaster for Gopher Sports Properties and the Director of Broadcast & Media Relations for the Sioux Falls Canaries. With experience spanning collegiate athletics, junior hockey, baseball, radio, and digital media, Tanner has built a career centered on storytelling, audience engagement, and connecting fans to the games they love.
Tanner discovered a passion for sports broadcasting at an early age and pursued opportunities behind the microphone throughout high school and college. While attending Buena Vista University, he gained experience in radio, television, and digital media, laying the foundation for a versatile broadcasting career that has taken him from local radio stations to collegiate athletics and professional sports organizations.
In this conversation, Tanner discusses his journey through the sports media industry, the importance of embracing opportunities and building relationships, and the skills required to thrive in today's evolving digital landscape. He also shares insights from calling games across multiple sports, balancing broadcasting with media relations responsibilities, and creating meaningful connections with athletes, coaches, and fans through storytelling.
Connect with Tanner on LinkedIn.
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Front Office U welcomes David Schmoll.
David is the General Manager of Business Operations for the St. Louis Ambush. After stepping into leadership roles at a young age, David has built a reputation for taking on challenges, developing staff, and creating opportunities for others within the sports industry.
Growing up in St. Louis, David was a passionate sports fan who initially considered careers in law, politics, and broadcasting. Inspired by legendary St. Louis Blues broadcaster Ken Wilson, he envisioned a future behind the microphone before an opportunity with the Mississippi RiverKings opened the door to a career in sports management and operations.
In this conversation, David discusses the realities of becoming a general manager, the challenges of hiring and managing staff, and the lessons he's learned balancing ownership expectations with day-to-day operations. He also shares stories from his journey through hockey, reflects on the importance of embracing opportunities, and even explains how a simple email signature helped create one of his most memorable industry moments.
Connect with David on LinkedIn
Email David: [email protected]
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Front Office U welcomes Jillian Nelson.
Jillian is a Game Presentation Assistant for the Minnesota Lynx, where she helps execute the in-arena entertainment experience that fans see on game day. From preparing halftime activations and coordinating promotions to following detailed game scripts, Jillian plays a key role in ensuring every Lynx game delivers an engaging and memorable experience for fans.
A multi-sport athlete growing up, Jillian played basketball, soccer, and softball before discovering her passion for sports communications. While in high school, she gained hands-on experience creating and running video board content for school events and football games, giving her an early introduction to the behind-the-scenes side of sports production.
In this conversation, Jillian shares what game days are really like in professional sports, including the preparation that begins hours before tip-off, the importance of being adaptable in a fast-paced environment, and how a willingness to say "yes" to opportunities helped launch her career. She also discusses the lessons she learned working across multiple sports and why soccer was originally her first choice before finding her place in the world of game presentation.
Connect with Jillian on LinkedIn.
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On this edition of Throwback Thursday on the Front Office U Show, we welcome back Jeremy Blumes, Head Coach and General Manager of the Ontario Jr. Reign.
Since his last appearance in 2024, the Ontario Jr. Reign captured their second Pacific Division title in three seasons and advanced to nationals, while the organization also earned NCDC Tier II status. Blumes now oversees a growing development model that includes the Ontario Jr. Reign, the San Diego Sabers affiliate program, and, as of January 2026, the St. John Bosco Prep U18 AAA program.
During the conversation, Blumes discusses building a player-first culture, setting expectations and accountability standards, creating pathways to college hockey, and managing the challenges of leading multiple programs. He also shares updates on upcoming tryouts and showcases:
Ontario, California, USA Showcase June 19-21, 2026
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Showcase June 26-28, 2026
Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Eric Weissman.
Eric is a Pro Scout for the Los Angeles Kings, where he evaluates AHL players, NHL prospects, and reserve list talent as part of the organization's player assessment and development process. Working on the professional scouting side, Eric helps identify players who could impact the Kings' future while providing insight on talent throughout North America.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Eric grew up playing hockey, baseball, lacrosse, and roller hockey while developing a passion for the game that would eventually turn into a career. After studying Sport Management at SUNY Cortland, he took an unconventional path into hockey operations, working in roles ranging from broadcast runner and help desk technician with the Buffalo Sabres to production work and event staging during the offseason. Along the way, Eric built a reputation for making himself useful, solving problems, and finding ways to contribute beyond his job description.
In this conversation, Eric shares what life as an NHL pro scout is really like, including how organizations evaluate players beyond the stat sheet, the importance of character and projection when assessing talent, and the realities of building a career in hockey operations.
He also discusses the inspiration behind his Hockey Operations educational platform, Pipeline Hockey, where he has transformed years of industry experience into practical learning modules designed to help aspiring hockey professionals better understand the business and operational side of the game.
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn.
Pipeline Hockey
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Front Office U welcomes James Lipscomb.
James is the Hockey Operations Manager for the New Jersey Devils, where he helps oversee the countless day-to-day details that keep an NHL hockey operations department running smoothly. From coordinating with pro scouts and managing draft preparation to balancing year-end meetings and organizational priorities, James plays an important role behind the scenes.
Originally from the Bronx, James grew up playing Little League baseball and rec basketball before first stepping into team operations as the manager of his high school varsity basketball team. That early experience sparked an interest in the behind-the-scenes side of sports that ultimately led him to a career in the NHL.
In this conversation, James shares what life inside a professional hockey operations department is really like, including how game days become valuable networking opportunities with visiting team staff, the importance of flexibility in a fast-paced environment, and why simply being a dependable, good person matters so much in hockey operations.
Connect with James on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Jude Scibelli.
Jude is the Equipment Manager for the Boston Fleet, where he oversees the day-to-day operations that keep a professional hockey team running behind the scenes. Originally from Springfield, Jude began his journey in hockey as a locker room attendant with the Springfield Thunderbirds in 2016 before balancing responsibilities with both the Thunderbirds and College of the Holy Cross hockey program.
In this conversation, Jude shares what life is really like in an equipment room — from early mornings and skate sharpening to managing jerseys, organizing road trips, and preparing the locker room for a professional team every single day. The episode also explores Jude’s path through the hockey world, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the persistence it took to keep pursuing a career in the game when he was close to walking away from it entirely.
Connect with Jude on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Bryan Wilson.
Bryan is a Publisher and Editor for The Hockey News, where he primarily covers the Calgary Flames while also contributing across the digital media landscape of hockey coverage. With experience spanning writing, video editing, broadcasting, and digital content production, Bryan has seen firsthand the evolution of sports media.
In this conversation, Bryan shares insights into the changing world of hockey journalism, the realities of covering an NHL team on a daily basis, and the importance of adaptability in modern sports media. The episode also touches on content creation, relationship-building in the industry, and Bryan’s past mentors.
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn
Follow Bryan’s coverage on The Hockey News
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Front Office U welcomes Mike Lorenz.
Mike is the CEO of NGU Sports Lighting and has played a pivotal role in transforming the sports lighting industry twice. He first made his mark as President of Ephesus Lighting, where he helped scale groundbreaking LED technology into a dominant force across professional and collegiate sports. Under his leadership, Ephesus reached a defining milestone in 2015 when its system powered the first ever LED lit Super Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium, signaling a major shift in how stadiums and arenas approach lighting.
After Ephesus was acquired by Eaton, Mike launched NGU Sports Lighting, built around his personal mantra, Never Give Up. Through NGU, he is pioneering an innovative Performance Lighting Delivered model to make advanced sports infrastructure more accessible and scalable than ever before.
This conversation explores the evolution of sports lighting and the leadership mindset required to navigate risk, failure, and growth. Mike also shares lessons on confidence, relationship building, and why surrounding yourself with optimistic, resilient people matters.
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
https://ngusportslighting.com/
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Front Office U welcomes Chris Whalen.
Chris is a hockey player development expert and former OHL video coach with a background in scouting, roster evaluation, and front office operations. After spending several seasons on the management side with organizations in Hamilton and Brantford, Chris built a well-rounded foundation across video analysis, draft preparation, and player development before transitioning full-time into his own development business.Through his work, Chris trains a diverse group of players ranging from AAA to junior and pro levels, focusing on the often-overlooked side of the game: hockey sense. Using detailed video breakdowns, both from his clients and NHL footage, he teaches players how to read plays, recognize patterns, and make better decisions with and without the puck. His approach emphasizes puck touches, routes, deception, and situational awareness, while also incorporating a strong mentorship component.
This conversation explores the gap in traditional player development, why hockey IQ and decision-making separate players at higher levels, and how Chris is helping the next generation think the game more effectively.
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Jeremiah Wait.
Jeremiah is the Director of Defensive Personnel for SMU Football, where he plays a key role in scouting, evaluation, and information gathering, as well as coordinating Pro Day coverage and official visits.
He’s built his path in football through hands-on learning and initiative, including experiences with the Scouting Academy and as a student in the New York Jets scouting school, while consistently leveraging tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, and email to build connections and opportunities in the industry.
This conversation dives into the details behind recruiting operations, the importance of organization and communication at the highest levels, and how aspiring scouts can break into the industry through persistence and relationship-building.
Connect with Jeremiah on LinkedInFollow Jeremiah on Twitter: @mrfootballwait
Jeremiah's Email: [email protected]
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Front Office U welcomes Max Kagan.
Max is the head coach of the Chenango Forks High School hockey program. As a former player, Max used that experience as motivation to stay connected to the game and pursue a path in coaching and sports.While attending Binghamton University, Max took a proactive approach by reaching out to local high school programs, getting his start as a goalie coach before quickly moving into an assistant role. When a head coaching opportunity opened after his first season, he stepped in and led Chenango Forks to a county championship, showcasing his leadership and ability to step into responsibility early.
His experience also spans athletics communications, sports marketing, scouting, and game operations, and leadership as VP of Outreach and Alumni Relations with the Binghamton University Sports Management Group.
Max is set to join the New York Islanders this summer in a corporate strategy internship. This conversation dives into overcoming adversity, taking initiative, and how gaining experience across multiple areas of the sports industry can help shape a well-rounded career.
Connect with Max on LinkedIn
Follow Max on Instagram @coachmaxkagan
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Front Office U welcomes Durham Welch!
Durham is the Co-Special Teams Coordinator for football at Hamline University, bringing a unique and resilient perspective shaped by his multi-sport background and unconventional journey through athletics. A former college athlete who competed in both soccer and football, Durham’s path wasn’t defined by immediate success, but by perseverance and growth through adversity.
Durham shares how those challenges helped shape his coaching philosophy, allowing him to better connect with athletes who may not always be in the spotlight. He emphasizes the value of communication as a transferable skill and how embracing failure played a key role in his development, both on and off the field. The conversation also dives into his transition into coaching, the importance of taking advantage of opportunities, and his long-term goal of becoming an Athletic Director while continuing to grow in the coaching space.
Connect with Durham on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Carey Durant!
Carey is a scout for the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, bringing years of experience across both coaching and scouting at the junior level. His journey in hockey began with a deep passion for the game, inspired by watching his older brother, and ultimately led him to opportunities with organizations like the London Knights before finding his role in Guelph.
Carey shares his path through the game. He reflects on the realities of working in hockey, emphasizing how failure is often a necessary step toward growth and long-term success. The conversation also dives into the evolving landscape of the OHL and the importance of resilience in a competitive industry.
Connect with Carey on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Shamus Sullivan!
Shamus is the host of the Winded Pod, a podcast that started from a simple TikTok response and has since evolved into a platform highlighting unique stories across the sports world. What began with a gambling focus has grown into an interview-driven show with a strong emphasis on amplifying women in sports, as well as athletes, photographers, and content creators from around the globe.
He shares his journey growing up as a multi-sport athlete, his early interest in sports media and storytelling, and how his passion for creative, editorial-style content shaped the direction of his podcast. Shamus also discusses the freedom of building something without a traditional boss or deadlines, the importance of connecting with peers, and lessons learned along the way as he continues to grow his platform.
Connect with Shamus on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes back Jon Kliment!
Jon joined the podcast back in 2023 when he worked with the Macon Mayhem. He rejoins the podcast to share career updates, including working for the Elmira River Sharks, Mississippi Sea Wolves, Boston Bruins and now with the Topeka Scarecrows. He reflects on his different experiences in broadcast and media relations and advice for those aspiring to work in sports.
Connect with Jon on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Nick Zoroya!
Nick shares about his career in sports, including working now at Wayne State University. Nick has degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
His previous career experiences include Athletic Director at Canton Prep High School, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Concordia University Ann Arbor, General Manager / Content Strategist for Lacrosse All-Stars, and Broadcast team for the University of Michigan.
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Devon Buckland!
Devon shares about his role in business operations within junior hockey. He is responsible for partnership and sponsorship, handling player tuition, and team itineraries, amongst other tasks.
He shares about his past career experiences including working for a radio station and the imprtance of networking with your coworkers.
Connect with Devon on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Joey Goldstein!
Joey joins Victor Anderson to discuss his role at Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. Joey also shares about some of his past experiences working in Professional Hockey with the Iowa Wild and the San Jose Sharks' AHL Affiliate.
Connect with Joey on LinkedIn
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Front Office U welcomes Stuart Sokoloff!
Stuart joins the show to discuss the rapid growth of women’s professional sports through his work with Athletes Unlimited, a network of leagues spanning basketball, softball, and volleyball that are reshaping the landscape of pro women’s sports. Stuart shares what sustainable growth really looks like.
Stuart also reflects on how sports shaped his competitive mindset and time management skills. He offers insight into the value of internships, building practical experience early, and developing the discipline needed to succeed in a fast-moving industry.
Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn.
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