I would highly recommend to anyone with a goal of pursuing a career in professional hockey that they give serious consideration in attending the SMWW Hockey Career Conference which is absolutely an incredible value for the return on the investment.
Jacques de Carbonnieres
Sheryar Abdullah
Mat Billette
Jacob Gollapalli
The stories and honesty of each speaker was very informative and helpful. I left with more confidence that ever, this conference is filled with guidance.
Buffalo, New York: June 25-27, 2026
2026 Hockey Career Conference at the NHL Draft
Work the NHL Draft. Build Your Hockey Career.
This is an intimate, behind-the-scenes hockey career conference designed to put you face-to-face with the people who run the game.
Join Sports Management Worldwide in Buffalo, New York during the 2026 NHL Draft and position yourself inside the epicenter of professional hockey. Network with NHL executives, gain career insight, and add high-level industry exposure to your resume.
Meet and interact with:
-
NHL General Managers
-
Directors of Player Personnel
-
Scouts & Analytics Executives
-
Player Agents
-
Broadcasters & Media Members
-
Front Office & Marketing Leaders
If you’re serious about working in hockey, this is not just an event — it’s access.
2026 Hockey Career Conference Agenda*
*Speakers are subject to change and are not guaranteed
Thursday, June 25th, 2026
2:00 - 4:00 PM PST: Conference Check-In
The Westin Downtown Buffalo
250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
6:00 - 8:00 PM PST: Welcome Reception
The Draft Room
79 Perry St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Friday, June 26th, 2026
Location: The Westin Downtown Buffalo - Louis Ballroom
250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
7:45 AM - Registration Opens at The Westin Downtown Buffalo (If you have a name badge & program you can skip this)
8:15 AM - Welcome to the 2026 NHL Draft Career Conference
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
8:30 AM - Inside the NHL: A Candid Conversation with Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly
Bill Daly - NHL Deputy Commissioner
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
9:00 AM - The Business of Hockey: How NHL Agents and GMs Shape Careers, Contracts & Trades
Doug MacLean - Former NHL GM/Coach, SMWW Mentor
Mike Curran - NHL Agent, ORR Hockey, SMWW Mentor
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
10:00 AM - Building NHL Talent: How Coaches, Scouts & GMs Develop Future Stars
Mike Johnston - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) Team President and General Manager
Dave Brown - Erie Otters (OHL) General Manager
Mike Oke - Peterborough Petes (OHL) VP of Hockey Operations/SMWW Mentor
Moderator: Dino Caputo - Penticton Vees (WHL) Regional Scout, SMWW Mentor
11:00 AM - The Rise of Women's Hockey: The Growth of the PWHL and New Career Opportunities
Brian Burke - Former NHL General Manager
Chris Burkett - PWHL Vice President
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
11:45 AM - Honoring SMWW Advanced Certificate Graduates & Welcoming College Groups
12:00 PM - Buffet Lunch (included)
1:00 PM - "Telling the Stories!" The Role of Media in the Hockey Industry.
EJ Hradek - NHL Network Insider/Analyst
Michael Harrington - The Buffalo News Sports Writer
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
2:00 PM - Get Hired in Hockey: Careers in Ticket Sales, Events, Marketing & Fan Engagement
Allie Anneheim - Buffalo Sabres Vice President, Ticket Sales and Service
Tim Quinn - Erie Otters (OHL) Social Media & Color Commentary Manager
Mark Million - Peterborough Petes (OHL) Director, Merchandise & Community Growth
Moderator: Ike Worth, SMWW Business Operations Manager
3:00 PM - Inside Hockey Operations: How Teams Scout, Evaluate, Analyze, & Build Winners
Chase Rochon - St. Andrew’s College Director of Hockey Operations
Jon Christiano - Former Buffalo Sabres Director of Pro Scouting
Moderator: Mike Oke - Peterborough Petes (OHL) GM, SMWW Mentor
3:50 PM - Draft Day Playbook: How to Maximize Your NHL Draft Experience
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
Doug MacLean - Former NHL GM/Coach, SMWW Mentor
Mike Oke - Peterborough Petes (OHL) GM, SMWW Mentor
Dino Caputo - Penticton Vees (WHL) Regional Scout, SMWW Mentor
TBD - Stanley Cup Secrets: Tales from the Keeper of the Cup + Photo Op
Phil Pritchard - Hockey Hall of Fame VP & Keeper of the Stanley Cup
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
6:00 PM - Head to KeyBank Center
6:50 PM - Doors Open / Seating for Live NHL Draft Broadcast
7:00 PM - First Pick of the 2026 NHL Draft
Live from KeyBank Center
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
10:30 AM EST- Doors Open at KeyBank Center
11:00 AM EST - NHL Draft, Rounds 2-7
Note: Saturday is unstructured. Continue networking throughout the day. Wear your badge, shake hands, meet mentors, and do the SMWW Shake & Bake!
Conference Schedule
Conference Check-In
Thursday, June 25th | 2:00-4:00 PM
Location: The Westin Buffalo
250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Welcome Reception
Thursday, June 25th | 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: The Draft Room (A bar next door to Key Bank Arena, home to the Buffalo Sabers)
79 Perry St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Hockey Career Conference
Friday, June 26th | 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Westin Buffalo
250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
NHL Draft Round 1 (Tickets included with registration)
Key Bank Centre, home of the Buffalo Sabers
Friday, June 26th | 7:00 PM
NHL Draft Rounds 2-7 (Tickets included with registration by request)
Saturday, June 27th | 11 AM
Want to Work in the NHL?
If you’ve been searching:
-
How to work in the NHL
-
Hockey scouting jobs
-
NHL front office careers
-
How to become an NHL agent
-
Sports management jobs in hockey
This conference is designed for you.
During the NHL Draft, the entire hockey world gathers in one place. Executives, scouts, coaches, agents, and media members are all present — and SMWW places you in the middle of it.
Whether you’re pursuing a role in:
-
Front Office Operations
-
Player Development
-
Scouting & Analytics
-
Hockey Operations
-
Sales & Marketing
-
Broadcasting & Media
-
Player Representation
This event provides direct access to decision-makers and the insight you need to break in.
Conference Highlights
-
Exclusive Q&A with Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner
-
Photo opportunity with the Stanley Cup
-
Learn directly from NHL GMs, agents, scouts, and executives
-
Behind-the-scenes insight into how Draft decisions are made
-
High-level networking in an intimate setting
This isn’t a lecture hall. It’s a career accelerator.
Who Should Attend?
This conference is ideal for:
-
Aspiring NHL Agents, Scouts, Analysts, and GMs
-
Students & graduates of sports management programs
-
Coaches and broadcasters transitioning into pro hockey
-
Professionals pivoting into the hockey industry
-
Serious fans ready to turn passion into profession
If you want to start or advance your hockey career, attending the 19th Annual SMWW Hockey Career Conference at the NHL Draft is a strategic move.
You’ll learn:
-
Who is hiring
-
What qualifications matter most
-
How executives evaluate candidates
-
How to position yourself in a competitive industry
What Makes This Event Unique?
As NHL club executives, scouts, and coaches operate on the Draft floor, you’ll be positioned to observe and learn in real time. Hundreds of media professionals report on every move — and you’ll witness how front offices operate under pressure.
SMWW gives you access most aspiring professionals never receive.
"Our Hockey Career Conference provides an invaluable opportunity for attendees to learn about careers in the NHL while networking with some of the biggest names in the industry," says Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President of Sports Management Worldwide. "Agents, GMs, directors of player personnel, and marketing executives will be present, meeting and speaking with attendees. This is a unique event."
.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a separate ticket to the NHL Draft?
A: No, your SMWW registration includes NHL Draft access.
Q: Can I attend if I'm not an SMWW student?
A: Yes! This event is open to all hockey career seekers.
Q: Will I meet people who can help me get hired?
A: Absolutely. This conference is designed for serious networking.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Business casual with your SMWW name badge at all times.
2026 Featured Speakers*
*Speakers are subject to change and are not guaranteed
Doug MacLean
Former NHL Team President/GM/Head Coach
Bill Daly
NHL Deputy Commissioner
Chris Burkett
PWHL Vice President of League Operations
Rick Curran
ORR Hockey Group NHLPA Agent
NHL Agent
EJ Hradek
Sr Reporter for NHL Network & Host, NHL Now!
Mike Curran
ORR Hockey Group NHLPA Agent
Mike Oke
OHL Peterborough Petes General Manager, SMWW Faculty
Dino Caputo
Penticton Vees (WHL) Regional Scout, SMWW Faculty
Phil Pritchard
Hockey Hall of Fame VP, Curator/Keeper of the Cup
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
SMWW President & Founder, & NFLPA Agent
![]()
I would highly recommend to anyone with a goal of pursuing a career in professional hockey that they give serious consideration in attending the SMWW Hockey Career Conference which is absolutely an incredible value for the return on the investment.
— Patrick Edwards, International Scouting Services — Hockey Scout
Check Out Our Photos From The 2024 Conference In Las Vegas!
Past Speakers
Scholarships for the Hockey Career Conference Are Available
SMWW will award a limited amount of full and partial scholarships for each SMWW Career Conference. You must be 18 years or older to be considered. If interested, fill out an application, submit your resume, and a one-page letter explaining why you should receive a scholarship to info@smww.com.
Scholarships do not include lodging or airfare. Those who have completed an SMWW training program will be given preference.
Download a Copy of the 2024 SMWW Hockey Career Conference Program Here
