'Anyone Can Lead' campaign brings international flavor

The launch of the Elite Hockey Experience on October 31 has garnered much attention, not only in North America but across Europe as well. As of press time, the EHE has named 12 general managers from Canada and six from the United States. However, EHE management reports that candidates from as far as Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic have also expressed interest in the league.

"We like having such a diverse list of candidates for the EHE," a league spokesperson said Tuesday in a phone interview. "One of our key points we have stressed during the hiring process is that the EHE is open to managers of all backgrounds. Our teams may play their games around rinks in North America but that doesn't mean our GMs have to be from there. We like the idea of having managers from all over the world because it creates a greater culture to interact with."

One of the reasons this specific design of the website was chosen was for the ability to be viewed in both English and in French. "Even though news reports and announcements will be in English, we don't want our Francophone friends to feel like they don't belong here. We hope that our managers can enjoy their time in our league and build strong teams regardless of what language anyone speaks."

Additionally, it was expressed that experience has not been a factor in the hiring process. "The motto of our management team is that 'Anyone can lead.' We are of the belief that you have to start somewhere and that if someone wants to be a first-time general manager, they certainly can if they do well on their application."

"Our GM list is not just limited to men, either," the spokesperson continued. "Women are welcome to run a team. Again, it is all about the application process and background screening." It was confirmed that so far all candidates that have applied have been male.

It was even thought there was an outside chance that former NHL defenseman Jay McKee was to be offered a G.M. position with EHE. "That's pretty unlikely at this point," a source said. McKee was named an assistant coach for the OHL's Erie Otters earlier this summer. "We called him and he mumbled something about Connor McDavid – it's safe to say his time is pretty limited these days."

Thus far, league management has been extremely pleased with how swiftly the hiring process has gone. With 18 positions already filled and more candidates being actively screened, plans are expected to be announced in the near future regarding the EHE's inaugural draft.
 

There is still time to be considered for a position with the Elite Hockey Experience. If you would like to become a general manager, please complete and submit an application.