The hockey season is heating up, and fans across North America are enjoying the fast-paced action, incredible goals, and standout performances. Events like the NHL Frozen Frenzy—where all 32 NHL teams take the ice in one night—bring additional excitement, but beyond the games themselves lies an entire world of opportunities for aspiring professionals.

If you love hockey and dream of turning that passion into a career, there’s never been a better time to get started. Whether your goal is to represent elite players, analyze performance data, develop rising talent, or work in front-office management, the hockey industry offers a growing and diverse range of career paths.

Why the Hockey Industry Is Thriving

Hockey is evolving both on and off the ice. Teams are increasingly relying on analytics, scouting, and player development experts to gain competitive advantages. Technology, video analysis, and data-driven strategies are now standard in professional organizations. Meanwhile, player representation, management, and coaching remain crucial pillars of the sport.

This means opportunities abound for those willing to invest in their education, connect with industry professionals, and acquire the specialized skills that make them stand out. With the right training, mentorship, and networking, you can position yourself for success in this exciting and dynamic field.

SMWW: Your Gateway to a Hockey Career

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) offers specialized online courses that teach you the skills you need to break into the hockey industry. Led by top professionals with real-world NHL experience, these courses provide insider knowledge, practical tools, and mentorship opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else.

Hockey Agent Course

• Instructors: Rick Curran & Mike Curran (ORR Hockey Group, NHL-certified agents)

• Learn how to recruit and represent players across leagues, negotiate contracts, manage endorsements, and navigate the global hockey market.

• This course provides essential guidance for anyone interested in becoming a certified hockey agent, working with professional athletes, and managing their careers effectively.

Hockey Analytics Course

• Instructors: Mike Oke (Peterborough Petes GM & VP of Operations) & Clair Cornish (NHL Scout & Hockey Analytics Expert)

• Master data-driven analysis for player evaluation, team performance, and advanced hockey statistics.

• Learn how to leverage analytics to make informed decisions, optimize team strategies, and identify emerging talent.

Hockey GM & Scouting Course

• Instructors:

  • Doug MacLean (Former NHL President, GM & Head Coach)

  • Mike Oke (Peterborough Petes GM & VP of Operations)

  • Dino Caputo (Penticton Vees Scout)

• Gain insider knowledge on team management, player evaluation, and scouting operations.

• Learn how NHL executives and scouts make decisions on drafting, trading, and developing talent.

Hockey Player Development Course

• Instructor: Mike Smith (Former Chicago Blackhawks GM & Former Toronto Maple Leafs Assistant GM)

• Discover how top organizations develop players’ skills, hockey IQ, leadership, and performance.

• Learn practical techniques used by junior leagues, major junior, NCAA, and NHL organizations to cultivate elite talent.

Hockey Video Performance Analysis with Catapult

• Instructor: Eddie Bishop (Catapult Customer Success Specialist)

• Master video analysis tools, game tagging, and editing workflows used in professional and college hockey.

• Gain the skills needed for video operations roles, scouting departments, and coaching support.

Attend the NHL Draft & SMWW Hockey Career Conference

For those serious about breaking into the hockey industry, the SMWW Hockey Career Conference is an invaluable opportunity. This one-of-a-kind event connects you with NHL executives, scouts, agents, and players. You’ll learn firsthand about drafting strategies, front-office operations, and career pathways while building connections that could launch your hockey career.

How the Frozen Frenzy Reflects Opportunities in the Hockey Industry

While the Frozen Frenzy is exciting for fans, it’s also a reminder of how multifaceted the hockey world is. Behind every goal, save, and win is an entire support system of scouts, analysts, agents, video specialists, and managers. This is where trained professionals make an impact—ensuring teams succeed and players reach their full potential.

Why SMWW Courses Are Your Competitive Edge

• Learn from insiders: Courses are taught by NHL executives, scouts, and former general managers.

• Hands-on experience: Practical assignments simulate real-world hockey operations.

• Networking opportunities: Connect with instructors and peers who are active in the industry.

• Flexible online format: Study at your own pace while building a professional portfolio.

Career Paths You Can Pursue

Completing SMWW hockey courses can prepare you for a variety of roles:

• Hockey Agent or Player Representative

• NHL or Minor League Scout

• Hockey Analytics Specialist

• Player Development Coach

• Video Operations or Performance Analysis Specialist

• Front-Office Management and General Manager Trainee

These courses are designed to help you gain credibility, build expertise, and stand out in a competitive job market.

Take the First Step Today

The hockey season is alive with energy and opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the game or the strategic, behind-the-scenes work, the time to act is now. Enroll in SMWW courses, attend the NHL Draft & Sports Career Conference, and start building the hockey career you’ve always dreamed of.

Many people think the sports industry is only for young professionals or former athletes. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I too old to work in sports?”, the answer is a resounding no. Age can actually be a major advantage when making a career change into sports.

Why Experience is an Asset

Older career changers bring valuable skills and expertise that younger candidates may lack:

• Leadership and management experience – Perfect for coaching, operations, or team management.

• Problem-solving and strategic thinking – Essential for sports business roles and organizational planning.

• Communication and relationship-building – Helps with sponsorships, partnerships, and fan engagement.

• Financial and operational knowledge – In demand for budgeting, analytics, and business operations in sports.

Your professional background gives you a unique perspective, making you an asset to sports organizations seeking seasoned, reliable talent.

The Benefits of a Career Pivot Later in Life

Transitioning into sports doesn’t mean starting over—it means leveraging your existing skills in a new and exciting industry. Career changers often excel in roles such as:

• Sports operations and team management

• Marketing, public relations, and fan engagement

• Scouting and analytics

• Event coordination and sponsorship management

• Coaching, mentoring, and staff development

These positions value experience, maturity, and strategic insight, which older professionals bring in spades.

How SMWW Helps Career Changers Enter Sports

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) provides the training, mentorship, and global network to help career changers succeed:

• Practical, industry-specific training – Eight-week programs covering scouting, marketing, team operations, and more.

• Mentorship from sports professionals – Learn from experienced industry insiders who understand career pivots.

• Global networking opportunities – Connect with students and professionals worldwide to open doors in sports.

• Hands-on projects – Gain real-world experience in areas like scouting, analytics, marketing campaigns, and fan engagement.

Combining your professional experience with SMWW’s training positions you as a strong candidate ready to contribute from day one.

Don’t Let Age Hold You Back

The sports industry needs passionate professionals of all ages. With experience, determination, and the right training, you can pivot into a sports career at any stage of life. SMWW helps career changers gain the skills, confidence, and network needed to succeed.

Your experience is your advantage. Your passion is your fuel. SMWW can help you turn it into a sports career.

Breaking into the sports industry can be tough. The competition is fierce, entry-level positions are limited, and employers are looking for candidates who are passionate, prepared, and ready to make an impact from day one. That’s why so many organizations turn to Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) graduates when hiring.

Here’s why SMWW alumni stand out in the job market:

1. Pre-Trained and Professionally Prepared

SMWW graduates have completed eight-week intensive courses with live, interactive sessions led by industry professionals. These programs go beyond theory, giving students practical experience through assignments, role-playing scenarios, job shadows, and project work relevant to the sports industry.

2. Passionate and Committed

Each student invests in their own training, often paying between $1,000–$2,000 for a single course. This financial commitment demonstrates dedication and a genuine desire to build a career in sports. Employers know these candidates aren’t interviewing on a whim—they are serious about contributing and excelling.

3. Hands-On Experience

Our graduates gain practical experience that directly translates to the workplace. From scouting athletes in remote regions to running marketing campaigns, conducting analytics, or creating fan engagement platforms, SMWW students complete projects that mirror real-world responsibilities in sports organizations.

4. Business-Minded Sports Professionals

Sports aren’t just a game—they’re a business. SMWW graduates understand this, learning how to grow fan bases, maximize ROI, and drive organizational success. They bring a results-oriented mindset that is rare among entry-level candidates.

5. Global Perspective and Cultural Awareness

With students from over 160 countries, SMWW graduates bring diverse perspectives and international experience to the table. They are trained to work across cultures, languages, and markets—an increasingly valuable skill in today’s global sports industry.

6. Motivated by Realism and Resilience

Graduates know the realities of working in sports, including competitive environments and modest starting pay. Their persistence and resilience, combined with a love for the industry, make them reliable, motivated, and ready to face challenges head-on.

7. No Hiring Fees, Just Ready-to-Work Talent

Employers benefit from a pool of highly trained candidates without paying any fees. SMWW students pay for their own training, meaning the organization gains access to skilled, motivated, and prepared professionals at no cost.

How Employers Engage with SMWW Graduates

• Job Postings: Companies can post openings directly to SMWW classrooms, connecting with pre-qualified candidates quickly.

• Course Projects: Organizations can collaborate on student projects, creating real-world value while observing potential hires in action.

• Guest Speaking & Mentorship: Professionals can participate in panels, Zoom sessions, or career conferences, sharing expertise and scouting future talent.

SMWW graduates don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them. Employers hire them because they are skilled, passionate, and ready to contribute immediately. These are candidates who understand the business of sports, have hands-on experience, and bring global perspectives to every role.

Whether you’re looking for your next entry-level hire or a candidate with specialized skills, SMWW graduates are prepared to make an impact and grow with your organization.

As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in this year’s World Series, one Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) faculty member has a particularly special connection to both dugouts. Dan Evans, who teaches our Baseball GM & Scouting Course, has held leadership roles with both franchises—leaving a lasting impact that’s still visible on the field today.

Building a Foundation of Success with the Dodgers

From 2001 to 2004, Dan served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, overseeing all aspects of baseball operations with a $150 million scope. During his tenure, the Dodgers achieved the second-best career winning percentage by a General Manager in franchise history (.546).

Dan’s leadership transformed the organization’s philosophy, steering it back to its roots in scouting and player development. He rebuilt the farm system, emphasizing pitching, defense, and homegrown talent—an approach that helped sustain the club’s success for years to come.

Under his direction:

• The 2003 Dodgers bullpen became one of the most dominant in MLB history.

• The organization executed two of the most productive amateur drafts (2002–2003) in modern baseball, producing future All-Stars such as Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, James Loney, and A.J. Ellis.

• The club reclaimed its place as an international powerhouse, signing standout players from Japan, Taiwan, Venezuela, and beyond.

• Dan also made history by hiring Kim Ng, now baseball’s first female General Manager, as VP/Assistant GM—cementing his legacy as a forward-thinking executive.

Expanding the Global Game with the Blue Jays

After his success in Los Angeles, Dan joined the Toronto Blue Jays as Major League Scout and Pacific Rim Operations Director from 2013 to 2018. There, he was tasked with expanding the Blue Jays’ global scouting presence—a challenge he not only met but exceeded.

Before Dan’s arrival, the Blue Jays had no presence in the Pacific Rim. Under his leadership, the organization quickly became a leader in international scouting, building relationships and evaluating talent across Japan, Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei. His expertise also extended to MLB advance scouting, including postseason assignments against the Texas Rangers—whom the Blue Jays famously defeated in consecutive playoff series.

Dan’s contributions played a part in the Blue Jays’ 2015 and 2016 runs to the American League Championship Series, helping position Toronto as a consistent contender.

Learn Directly from a Proven MLB Executive

As two of his former organizations battle for baseball’s ultimate prize, Dan Evans continues to share his decades of experience with aspiring professionals through SMWW’s Baseball GM & Scouting Course.

Students in Dan’s class gain insider insight into how MLB front offices operate, how teams evaluate talent, and what it takes to build a championship-caliber roster—directly from someone who’s done it at the highest level.

Whether your goal is to become a scout, front office executive, or baseball operations analyst, there’s no better time to learn from one of the few people who has built winning teams on both sides of the diamond.

Enroll in the Baseball GM & Scouting Course today and start your path toward a career in baseball operations.

Congratulations to Derek Ryan, a graduate of our Basketball GM & Scouting course, on starting his new role as Coordinator, Partnership Strategy & Service with the Phoenix Suns! 

Derek’s journey is a great example of how combining education, networking, and hands-on experience can open doors in the sports industry. His dedication to learning the business side of basketball through Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) has helped him take this exciting next step in his professional career.

We’re proud to see Derek making moves in the NBA and continuing to represent the SMWW community with excellence! 

SMWW Agency is proud to announce that Michael Collier, SMWW's Hockey Agency Director, has officially been certified as a Licensed Player Agent with the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association (PWHLPA).

This achievement marks a significant milestone for both Michael and SMWW, positioning our organization as a leader in the representation of female hockey players worldwide. Michael’s certification expands SMWW’s reach within the rapidly growing landscape of women’s professional hockey, reinforcing our commitment to supporting athletes at every level of the game.

In addition to his new PWHLPA accreditation, Michael currently represents two female hockey players, as well as a Russian goaltender in collaboration with a KHL agency. His dedication to player development and representation continues to strengthen SMWW’s presence across the global hockey industry.

SMWW Agency proudly welcomes Luquay Washington, a standout linebacker from Central Connecticut State, to the agency. He will be represented by SMWW Agent Advisor Justin Allen.

Luquay is dedicated to perfecting his craft, constantly seeking ways to improve both his physical skills and football IQ. His commitment to being a sharp student of the game is evident in every aspect of his preparation. Known for his unselfishness as a teammate and his relentless motor, Luquay has a nose for the football and consistently makes impact plays that shift momentum in favor of his team.

With a 4.4 forty-yard dash, he brings explosive speed off the edge and rare versatility—able to rush the passer with force while also dropping into coverage with ease. His athleticism, discipline, and instinctive playmaking have helped him stand out at high-level showcase events, including a recent United Football League (UFL) Showcase.

Luquay’s drive and leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for professional football and a valuable addition to the SMWW roster. As he continues his journey toward the next level, SMWW and Justin Allen are excited to support his growth and career advancement.

What Does an NFL Scout Actually Do?

NFL scouts are the evaluators who identify, analyze, and project player potential for professional football teams. They spend countless hours watching film, visiting practices, and building detailed player reports that directly influence draft and free-agent decisions.

Types of Scouts

• College/Area Scouts – evaluate college talent for the NFL Draft
• Pro Scouts – assess players already in professional leagues
• Advance Scouts – study upcoming opponents
• Directors of Scouting/Player Personnel – manage departments and strategy

How Much Does an NFL Scout Make?

Salary depends on level, experience, and team budget. Here’s a verified breakdown based on league data and SMWW faculty insights:

• Entry-Level Scout or Assistant

$20,000 – $45,000/year
Example: College scouting intern, Arizona Cardinals — ≈ $35K + travel per diem

• Area Scout / Pro Scout

$50,000 – $125,000/year
Examples:

• New York Jets College Area Scout — ≈ $60K–$80K
• Dallas Cowboys Pro Scout — ≈ $75K–$100K

• Senior / National Scout

$90,000 – $175,000/year
Example: San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens national scouts — ≈ $120K–$160K

• Director of Scouting / Player Personnel

$175,000 – $300,000 +
Examples:

• Kansas City Chiefs Director of College Scouting — ≈ $200K–$275K
• Detroit Lions Director of Player Personnel — ≈ $250K–$300K + postseason bonuses

Perks of the Job

Scouts often receive team-paid travel, lodging, and per diem allowances, along with exclusive access to team facilities, player data, and draft events.
It’s demanding work — long hours, constant travel, and late-night film sessions — but for many, it’s a dream career.

Spotlight: Mark Dulgerian — The NFL’s International Scout

Not all scouts focus on U.S. colleges. Mark Dulgerian, an NFL International Scout, travels across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean identifying crossover athletes for the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program.

He searches for elite traits — explosiveness, agility, and adaptability — in rugby players, track stars, and other global athletes transitioning to football.

Dulgerian helped discover Travis Clayton, a former rugby player from England drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2024.

“You’re not just scouting talent — you’re scouting possibility.”
— Mark Dulgerian, NFL International Scout

His story shows how the global reach of scouting continues to expand and how diverse the pathways into the profession have become.

SMWW Success Stories: From Online Course to the NFL

SMWW has trained 30,000+ alumni in 164 countries — many now working in the NFL, CFL, NCAA, and media.

• Dane Vandernat, former Oakland Raiders Director of Player Personnel, now SMWW mentor
• Brett Kollmann, YouTube’s top NFL film analyst and SMWW grad
• Rico Oliver, Atlanta Falcons College Scout and course alumnus
• Chris McComas, SMWW grad → CFL Edmonton Elks scout

See more alumni on our SMWW Success Stories page.

See Scouting in Action at the Senior Bowl

Each year, SMWW hosts a  film session and networking event at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Participants break down live player film with NFL mentors like Dane Vandernat and Ric Serritella, Brian Baldinger,  meet team personnel, and experience real-world scouting.
Learn more → SMWW Senior Bowl Meet & Greet

Scouting as a Second Career or Side Gig

You don’t need to be 25 or fresh out of college to work in football.
Many of today’s most passionate scouts are retired professionals, teachers, military veterans, or executives who’ve turned their lifelong love of football into a second career or side hustle.

SMWW’s flexible 8-week online courses make it possible to:

• Train remotely while keeping your current job
• Work part-time scouting regional colleges or semi-pro leagues
• Build a network through weekly live Zoom sessions with NFL insiders

For some, scouting is an encore career; for others, it’s a meaningful post-retirement role that keeps them close to the game they love.

How to Become an NFL Scout

The SMWW Football GM & Scouting Course provides hands-on education taught by NFL veterans Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Dane Vandernat, and Russ Lande.

You’ll learn:

• Professional film breakdown
• Scouting report writing and grading
• Roster construction and salary-cap strategy
• Live networking with current NFL executives

 Faculty Insight

“Your network and your reputation matter more than your title. Teams hire people they trust to find talent. The SMWW community gives you that credibility.”
— Dane Vandernat, Former Director of Player Personnel, Oakland Raiders

The Bottom Line

So, how much does an NFL scout make?
From $20K to $300K+, depending on level and experience. But the real reward is being part of the heartbeat of football — discovering the next great player before anyone else.

Ready to meet the professionals shaping the draft?
Attend the SMWW NFL Combine Career Conference in Indianapolis — held each year alongside the NFL Combine.

Enroll Now in the Football GM & Scouting Course and turn your football passion into your next career chapter.

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming European Hockey Clubs (EHC) Belfast Hockey Business Forum—a major gathering of professionals shaping the future of hockey across Europe and beyond.

This two-day event brings together club executives, league representatives, agents, and industry leaders to explore the business side of the game. As the global leader in sports career education and training, SMWW is excited to be part of the conversation.

Who Will Be There

Representing SMWW at the forum will be some of our most respected hockey leaders:

• Mike Oke – General Manager and VP of Hockey Operations for the Peterborough Petes, and long-time SMWW mentor of SMWW's Hockey GM & Scouting and Hockey Analytics courses

• Daniel Nyegaard – SMWW’s European Hockey Agency Director

• Michael Collier – SMWW’s Global Hockey Agency Director

Together, they’ll be engaging with clubs, leagues, agencies, and aspiring professionals from across the hockey world—sharing SMWW’s mission, making new connections, and building opportunities for our graduates and partners.

Why This Forum Matters

The EHC Hockey Business Forum has become a key event on the international hockey calendar. As the sport continues to grow in reach and sophistication, the forum offers a space to discuss trends in analytics, operations, player development, and international collaboration.

For SMWW, it’s a chance to connect directly with the people shaping hockey’s future—and to show how our graduates, programs, and scouting network are already contributing to the game at every level.

What SMWW Brings to the Table

With over 30,000 alumni in 164+ countries, SMWW is a proven pipeline into professional hockey. Our 8-week, online, mentor-led courses are designed to give students real-world skills, direct access to current NHL and pro executives, and a strong foundation in areas like scouting, analytics, video analysis, player agency, and operations.

Whether it’s helping a club find a skilled video scout, collaborating with a federation on staff development, or guiding a former player toward a front-office role, SMWW exists to build hockey careers.

Looking Ahead

SMWW’s presence at the Belfast Forum is part of our growing investment in European hockey. We’re excited to meet with club and league leaders, share our vision, and find new ways to support the sport—from talent development to executive education.

If you're attending the forum, stop by the SMWW booth to connect. We’d love to meet you and talk about where hockey is going—and how we can grow the game together.

J. Vincent Demps is a New York City native with a lifelong passion for sports and a remarkable professional journey that spans military service, private investigations, and now, elite sports management. He currently serves as an SMWW Agent Advisor within the SMWW Agency, representing athletes worldwide with integrity and strategic guidance. For over two decades, Vincent has also led Masterchek Inc., a successful full-service investigative firm providing surveillance and background checks for insurance companies, private wealth clients, and Fortune 500 corporations.

A decorated military veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Demps holds more than twelve private investigator licenses across the U.S., is a certified PI CEU trainer in five states, and is one of only five certified private investigator trainers in the State of Tennessee. His educational background includes a degree from Fisk University in Political Science and Business Management, and additional degrees in Cybersecurity and Homeland Security. He has also earned a Negotiation Mastery Certificate from Harvard Business School Online and is currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee College of Law, studying contract law and business management.

Driven by a lifelong ambition to work in sports, Vincent enrolled in Sports Management Worldwide’s (SMWW) Athlete Management course in January 2024, where he studied under industry leaders Joel Corry and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook. Since then, he has expanded his credentials to include 14 athlete agent licenses, WNBPA and FIBA certifications, and is currently preparing to sit for the NBPA agent exam in January 2026.

As the founder and president of Elite Sports Empowerment Inc. (ESE), Vincent leads a sports management firm that assists athletes with contract negotiations, branding, player development training, and NIL representation. ESE currently represents over 30 male and female athletes playing both domestically and internationally. His agency is known not only for its professional expertise but also for building long-term relationships that empower clients to grow as athletes and business professionals.

Demps brings to the sports industry a tireless work ethic, exceptional multitasking ability, and outstanding leadership skills. Having grown up in Harlem, New York, where basketball was a dominant part of the community, his passion and understanding of the game run deep. While he possesses broad knowledge across all sports, basketball remains at the heart of his sports journey.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Vincent has a long history of mentoring youth, frequently visiting schools in Tennessee and Mississippi to speak with students about career opportunities after high school and college. He serves as the President of the Memphis Fisk Alumni Association and is the Board Chairman of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund, which raises scholarship support for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Vincent is also a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he holds a leadership position in his chapter and serves on the Scholarship Leadership Foundation. His community involvement reflects his deep commitment to leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy, all of which mirror the values he brings to his work as a sports agent advisor.

With a strategic mindset, proven leadership experience, and a dedication to service, J. Vincent Demps is not only building a thriving sports management firm—but is also shaping the next generation of athletes, leaders, and changemakers.