Learn directly from NHL executives Doug MacLean and Mike Oke in this 8-week online course. Master the tools and strategies used by pro scouts and GMs to break into hockey’s front offices — including hands-on training with RinkNet, Elite Prospects, and Steva.
As hockey explodes worldwide, the demand for scouts & operations staff has never been higher. Hockey jobs start at SMWW — with thousands of alumni now working in the NHL, AHL, OHL, NCAA, and international hockey.
Graduates now working: NHL • AHL • OHL • NCAA • DEL • SHL • Liiga • KHL
NEXT START DATE: September 22
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Hockey management is more than spotting talent — it’s roster building, contracts, cap strategy, operations, and communication. This program prepares you for front-office and scouting roles across pro and collegiate hockey.
Pro scouting & player evaluation (traits, projection, hockey IQ)
College vs. major junior evaluation & NHL Draft prep
Draft lists, tiers, and “War Room” simulations
GM responsibilities & front-office operations
Capology & CBA essentials (roster/waivers/LTIR)
Contracts, trades, asset valuation & negotiation
Traditional vs. modern video/data scouting workflows
Writing professional scouting reports & the language of scouting
Venue/franchise operations basics & collaboration across departments
RinkNet
The industry standard for scouting and hockey operations, used by nearly every NHL and CHL team, plus the USHL and NAHL. You’ll receive membership and guided training throughout the course.
Elite Prospects Premium
Your one-year subscription is included ($120 value). Explore one of the world’s most powerful databases for player scouting and development.
Steva Hockey Video Software
The NHL’s official provider of scouting video content. Learn video tagging, analysis, and pro-level reporting. (PC-native; Mac solutions provided.)
Week 1: The modern front office & scouting fundamentals
Week 2: Player traits, projection, and report standards
Week 3: College vs. major junior; regional scouting frameworks
Week 4: Video analysis in practice (Steva) + building clips
Week 5: Draft models, lists, tiers & “War Room” simulations
Week 6: Contracts, trades, asset valuation & negotiation
Week 7: Cap & CBA foundations (waivers, LTIR, cap strategy)
Week 8: Career portfolio, interviews & pathway planning
Graduates work across the NHL, AHL, OHL, WHL, QMJHL, NCAA and internationally in the DEL, NL (Switzerland), SHL, KHL, Liiga, Czech Extraliga, and more.
Roles this course prepares you for:
Hockey Scout • Hockey Operations • Player Personnel • Assistant GM • Video/Analytics • Team Services • Front Office • Coaching Support • Hockey Administration • Entry-Level Internships
Weekly live Zoom mentorship with Doug MacLean & Mike Oke
Hands-on training with RinkNet, Elite Prospects & Steva
Resume/CV redesign to hockey standards + mentor references
Lifetime access to recordings & alumni community
Access to SMWW Scouts Network and ongoing career coaching
“SMWW is a quality organization. I have personally hired their graduates!”
— Mike Johnston, GM/Head Coach, Portland Winterhawks; Former Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins
“Want a career in hockey? SMWW has the track record. Their graduates are in front offices, scouting departments, and operations staffs all over the game.”
— Brian Burke, Legendary NHL Executive & Stanley Cup–Winning GM (Anaheim Ducks)
“I gained knowledge about scouting & management I wouldn’t have otherwise — it opened doors.”
— Ryan Colville, Video Coordinator, Los Angeles Kings
“SMWW offers a tremendous opportunity for people to break into a career on the business side of hockey.”
— EJ Hradek, NHL Network
Doug MacLean
24 years in the NHL as President, GM & Head Coach. Former President/GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets; led the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final as Head Coach. Former Sportsnet analyst; bestselling author of Draft Day (2023). Weekly live mentorship and references for standout graduates.
Mike Oke
General Manager of the Peterborough Petes (OHL) since 2013; previously Chief Scout, International Scouting Service (ISS), managing multi-league scouting for NHL and CHL drafts. Deep background in coaching and player personnel. Has supported over 1,000 SMWW graduates on pathways into hockey.
Dino Caputo
Over a decade scouting at the WHL level as Regional Scout for the Penticton Vees and previously with the Tri-City Americans. Former Head WHL Scout with International Scouting Services & Coach at the University of Lethbridge.
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
SMWW President & Founder; former D1 Athletic Director. Brought UAF Hockey into the CCHA. President of SMWW Sports Agency. Hosts weekly all-course Zoom sessions on career strategy and networking across sports.
Graduates of the Hockey GM & Scouting Course gain a clear pathway into the game:
SMWW Scouts Network: Eligible to join SMWWscouts.com, our global scouting network, with your own profile and published scouting reports.
Career Support: Customized hockey portfolio, resume redesign, and professional references from Doug MacLean, Mike Oke, and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook.
Job Opportunities: Many of our graduates are now working in the NHL, AHL, OHL, WHL, NCAA, and internationally — and often call on SMWW when they’re hiring.
Certificate + LinkedIn Badge: Receive an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment and an official LinkedIn badge to showcase your achievement and training to the industry.
Keep Advancing: As an SMWW alum, you’ll receive a discount on future courses and the opportunity to stack credentials toward the Hockey Front Office Advanced Certificate.
As an SMWW graduate, you can also be featured as a certified scout on SMWWscouts.com — where teams may request a complimentary scouting report from you to evaluate your work.
Doug MacLean spent 24 years in the National Hockey League serving in many management and coaching capacities including NHL President, GM, and Head Coach. In addition, Doug is a beloved former Canadian sportscaster working in television and radio as a Hockey Analyst with Sportsnet Canada for 9 years. In 2023, Doug became a Best Selling author with his first book "Draft Day" and has consistently hit the bestseller lists in Canada.
Doug was the President, General Manager, of the Columbus Blue Jackets for 10 years. Prior to that, MacLean was Head Coach of the Florida Panthers. MacLean is probably best known for leading the then-upstart Florida Panthers team to the Eastern Conference championship and playing in the Stanley Cup Finals. The next two years, Doug went on to lead the Florida Panthers to the Eastern Conference playoffs.
MacLean served as Assistant Coach with the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals and Associate Coach and Assistant GM of the Detroit Red Wings, including a stint as the GM for the AHL Adirondack Red Wings. MacLean's first professional head coach position came in 1990 when he was sent to the Baltimore Skipjacks, the Capitals' AHL affiliate, Doug started his coaching career at the Junior A and University levels in Canada.
Doug clearly succeeded at every level of hockey, working up the ladder and now he wants to give back and assist you with your hockey career in the Hockey GM & Scouting Course. Register for the course and get to know Doug in the weekly Zoom chats. Catapult your hockey career.
Since 2013 Mike Oke has been the general manager of the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after joining the team three years earlier as the manager of player personnel.
Prior to joining the Petes, Mike worked with the International Scouting Service (ISS) as Chief Scout where he was responsible for day-to-day operations and managing the scouting staffs responsible for developing scouting reports on players eligible for the NHL Draft, as well as the WHL, QMJHL, OHL, and CHL import drafts.
Mike also has a deep background in coaching having been an Assistant Coach in charge of video with Team Pacific at the 2008 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge, the Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach with the Oshawa Generals, an Assistant Coach at Wilfrid Laurier University of the Ontario University Athletic Association and Head Coach/Manager with the Trenton Sting of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League.
Oke has assisted with over a thousand SMWW graduates acquiring jobs in professional and collegiate hockey. The team of Sinden and Oke can get you where you want to go!
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President, and Founder of Sports Management Worldwide has been working and teaching in Sports Management for over 30 years and has demonstrated a lifelong passion for helping students reach their career goals in the world of sports. In addition to his varied sports career, Dr. Lashbrook has served at the collegiate level as Athletic Director. During his years as the Athletic Director at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Dr. Lashbrook brought UAF Hockey into the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. During his hockey years at UAF, Lashbrook mentored the rising young hockey coach Don Lucia who is currently the head coach at the University of Minnesota, where he has led the Gophers to five Frozen Fours and two National Championships (Although most people would agree, Don mentored Lynn!).
Dr. Lashbrook is currently President of the SMWW Sports Agency which includes professional hockey players and several certified NHL sports agents. He has worked in the business of hockey at the college level behind the scenes and administratively. You will love his unique perspective, high energy, and great knowledge of the big business of hockey.
All SMWW Courses include a live interactive zoom video chat with Dr. Lynn Lashbrook and all SMWW students, once a week for the eight-week course.
Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats: A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive zoom video chats with fellow students, Doug MacLean, Mike Oke, and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook. This is a tremendous opportunity to network within the professional and collegiate hockey industry by getting to know your mentors and fellow students personally via Zoom. Chats are recorded and archived so you can listen at your convenience if you miss class.
Online Education: This innovative academic course is facilitated through a web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy the online discussion boards, weekly readings, weekly quizzes, course projects, and interaction amongst fellow hockey business-minded students and faculty. All training materials you will need are included in the course fee and will be shipped to your door. The hockey books that have been hand-picked by Mike & Doug are included in the course fee are worth the price of the course all by themselves!
Global Participation: SMWW students participate from over 162 countries. Courses have an international influence and instructors will cater assignments to specific countries or leagues. Countries with economic challenges are eligible for economic discounts.
University Credit Available: For additional fees to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, you may receive graduate or undergraduate university credit for Sports Management Worldwide's courses. Click here for more information.
Optional Yearly NHL Draft Career Conferences: All SMWW students and faculty are invited to attend the yearly Sports Career Conference at the NHL Draft held in June every year. All SMWW Students receive a huge discount and are encouraged to attend to utilize their skills and network within the industry.
Advanced Certificates: Want to take your career to the next level? Our Advanced Certificates have been hand-selected by our team of sports industry experts to put you on a path to success. These bundles allow you to take advantage of our biggest discount available, by bundling multiple courses and becoming an expert in that field. Learn more about our Advanced Certificates here.
Military Discount: For those individuals who represent their country in military service, (active, reserve, or retired) we offer a discount. Thank you for serving your country! For more information on the Military Discount please Click Here.
Tax Write Off (For USA Citizens): SMWW course tuition, books, and supplies can be used for education tax credits. Save your receipts and consult with your tax advisor on how this applies to you.
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THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $650
Or a single payment of $1,950 Includes all course textbooks and access to a web-based classroom. Shipping is additional.
APPROXIMATELY $1950
If we offer an economic discount in your country, it is included in the estimate above. Exact pricing including the discount is shown before you complete checkout. Payment plan options are provided during checkout. PAYMENT METHODS:
       Prerequisites: Must be 18 or older to participate and have a passion for sports.
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Volta Sports & Entertainment Director - Partnership
Delaware Jr Blue Hens Interim Hockey Director U18 & U16 AA Elite Head Coach and Player Development
Philadelphia Flyers Game Day Operations
Peterborough Petes' Scout
Assistant Hockey Coach for Ontario Hockey Academy
Sports Reporter/ Anchor at Fox Sports
Colorado Avalanche Scout
Draft Prospects Hockey Regional Scout (BCHL, WHL)
USA Hockey Marketing & Sponsor Services, Manager
BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting
Arizona Coyotes Director of North American Amateur Scouting
Victoria Royals, BC Regional Scout
NHLPA Certified, Owner Link Management International
Portland Winterhawks Director of Hockey Admin
Minnesota Wild, Associate Account Exec, Fan Relations
Game Entertainment, Dallas Stars, Director
Hockey Club Fribourg-Gotteron, Sports Manager of Youth Programs
University of Minnesota Women's Ice Hockey Director of Hockey Operations
Los Angeles Kings Video Coordinator
Buffalo Scouts, Amateur Scout
Chief Sales Officer at Prosharp Inc
Veritas Hockey Management Director of Hockey Operations/Agent
Western Canada Account Manager
"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."
"SMWW is a quality organization. I personally have hired their graduates!"
"SMWW offers a tremendous opportunity for people to break into a career on the business side of hockey."
“SMWW’s Hockey GM and Scouting course was a great networking resource that helped me expand my network which lead to getting an internship with Ontario Hockey Academy and I am now an Assistant Coach with the Academy over more than 150 students.”
“SMWW’s Hockey GM and Scouting course was a great networking resource that helped me expand my network which lead to getting an internship with Ontario Hockey Academy and I am now an Assistant Coach with the Academy over more than 150 students.”
I took the Hockey GM and Scouting Course iand it taught me the ins and outs of hockey as well as what to look for in a player. I started scouting in the North American 3 Hockey League for 5 years, the NAHL for 3 years and just hired on with the Madison Capitols in the United States Hockey League. Through the learnings of the course and connections I’ve made along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today without SMWW. Also, I attended the NHL Draft which was a great networking event and I had the opportunity to share my progress and goals with Dr. Lashbrook.
I took the Hockey GM and Scouting Course iand it taught me the ins and outs of hockey as well as what to look for in a player. I started scouting in the North American 3 Hockey League for 5 years, the NAHL for 3 years and just hired on with the Madison Capitols in the United States Hockey League. Through the learnings of the course and connections I’ve made along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today without SMWW. Also, I attended the NHL Draft which was a great networking event and I had the opportunity to share my progress and goals with Dr. Lashbrook.
The Hockey GM and Scouting course is a fantastic stepping stone for anyone that has ever wanted to get involved in hockey operations. From diving into the role of General Manager and building a roster, to what to look for when scouting players and building a draft list, this course will provide you with the opportunity to pursue hockey as a career. The weekly sessions with Harry Sinden, Dino Caputo, and Mike Oke gave us the opportunity to network with our peers and discuss the hot topics of hockey. I will be using the information, insight, and resources for years to come.
The Hockey GM and Scouting course is a fantastic stepping stone for anyone that has ever wanted to get involved in hockey operations. From diving into the role of General Manager and building a roster, to what to look for when scouting players and building a draft list, this course will provide you with the opportunity to pursue hockey as a career. The weekly sessions with Harry Sinden, Dino Caputo, and Mike Oke gave us the opportunity to network with our peers and discuss the hot topics of hockey. I will be using the information, insight, and resources for years to come.
I am very satisfied with the SMWW Experience. SMWW provides unique ways to expand your knowledge in the Business you are interested to work in and gives you the opportunity to become an expert with specific knowledge you can only have by following an SMWW Course. Mentors like Harry Sinden, Mike Oke, Dino Caputo, and Claire Cornish are very relevant if you want to understand the Sector and ask questions. The organization and the tools provided (books, expert insights, videos) are very useful to study. SMWW is the best Online Studying Platform I experimented with!
I am very satisfied with the SMWW Experience. SMWW provides unique ways to expand your knowledge in the Business you are interested to work in and gives you the opportunity to become an expert with specific knowledge you can only have by following an SMWW Course. Mentors like Harry Sinden, Mike Oke, Dino Caputo, and Claire Cornish are very relevant if you want to understand the Sector and ask questions. The organization and the tools provided (books, expert insights, videos) are very useful to study. SMWW is the best Online Studying Platform I experimented with!
SMWW gave me the opportunity to ask endless amount of questions about scouting and general managing to three very intelligent mentors who thoroughly answered all questions asked. I believe the knowledge and connections I gained through this course will undoubtedly propel my professional career in the sports industry.
SMWW gave me the opportunity to ask endless amount of questions about scouting and general managing to three very intelligent mentors who thoroughly answered all questions asked. I believe the knowledge and connections I gained through this course will undoubtedly propel my professional career in the sports industry.
It is a true honor to be a part of the SMWW family as someone who is an aspiring general manager, I feel with the networking I have completed throughout the past couple of years will create my success. I want to give tremendous thanks to Mike Oke, Harry Sinden, Dino Caputo and Mike Smith for sharing me their perspective of the game I love most.
It is a true honor to be a part of the SMWW family as someone who is an aspiring general manager, I feel with the networking I have completed throughout the past couple of years will create my success. I want to give tremendous thanks to Mike Oke, Harry Sinden, Dino Caputo and Mike Smith for sharing me their perspective of the game I love most.
The Hockey GM Scouting Course was an unbelievable learning experience for me. Even though I have followed the sport since childhood and was already familiar with the business side of hockey, the course taught me several new things. For example, I never imagined that I would enjoy the scouting portion of the course as much as I did. As a result, I am currently pursuing a career in scouting and the course has already opened doors for me.
The Hockey GM Scouting Course was an unbelievable learning experience for me. Even though I have followed the sport since childhood and was already familiar with the business side of hockey, the course taught me several new things. For example, I never imagined that I would enjoy the scouting portion of the course as much as I did. As a result, I am currently pursuing a career in scouting and the course has already opened doors for me.
In my eight weeks of taking the management and player scouting course it helped me to take what I knew from playing the game of hockey my whole life, and applying the skills I learned throughout the course and putting them into a package to help me enhance my trade into the scouting world of hockey. I like from week one how we started on the history of hockey and how the times have changed on to week eight where we able to apply what we learned right into the offices of pro-hockey teams. I recommend this course to anyone as it makes me feel more professional and I feel more confident in walking into any office and applying for a hockey scouting job. My favorite part was working with Rinknet and doing actual scouting reports. Thanks Sports Management Worldwide.
In my eight weeks of taking the management and player scouting course it helped me to take what I knew from playing the game of hockey my whole life, and applying the skills I learned throughout the course and putting them into a package to help me enhance my trade into the scouting world of hockey. I like from week one how we started on the history of hockey and how the times have changed on to week eight where we able to apply what we learned right into the offices of pro-hockey teams. I recommend this course to anyone as it makes me feel more professional and I feel more confident in walking into any office and applying for a hockey scouting job. My favorite part was working with Rinknet and doing actual scouting reports. Thanks Sports Management Worldwide.
I wanted to touch base with SMWW as I have been living in Sweden for the past sixteen months. I've been working as a full time scout with IF Björklöven Hockey Allsvenskan since last September. Currently I am one of three full-time scouts in Swedish hockey.
I wanted thank Dr. Lashbrook and the staff at SMWW for all your help. The course opened many doors for me within the hockey community in Edmonton as well the course provided me an opportunity to develop contacts in Sweden and Finland. The course gave me instant credibility when trying to arrange interviews for the course assignment which was the most valuable part of the course.
Having a background in amateur sport administration but no experience in hockey I am still amazed I have my dream job. I owe it all to SMWW.
I wanted to touch base with SMWW as I have been living in Sweden for the past sixteen months. I've been working as a full time scout with IF Björklöven Hockey Allsvenskan since last September. Currently I am one of three full-time scouts in Swedish hockey.
I wanted thank Dr. Lashbrook and the staff at SMWW for all your help. The course opened many doors for me within the hockey community in Edmonton as well the course provided me an opportunity to develop contacts in Sweden and Finland. The course gave me instant credibility when trying to arrange interviews for the course assignment which was the most valuable part of the course.
Having a background in amateur sport administration but no experience in hockey I am still amazed I have my dream job. I owe it all to SMWW.
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.
Mat Billette
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Phil McRae
Rod Holt
Manny Schmidt
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Jeff Baidoo
Jeff Neal
Dany Gelinas
Greg Adrian
Zachariah Ziegler
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