The Swift Current Broncos have announced the appointment of Kevin Simpson as their new Executive Vice President of Business Operations, a role formerly held by Nathan McDonald.
The news comes as a significant development for the Western Hockey League team, with Simpson bringing a wealth of experience in hockey management and a track record of success.
Simpson explained that he was recommended for the position by McDonald after extensive conversation.
“I was just looking at different opportunities in the Western Hockey League and came across the Broncos opportunities, they were hiring for a couple of different positions,” he explained. I gave Nathan McDonald a call and had a really good talk with him and he ended up recommending me to the board.”
Over the past couple of weeks, Simpson underwent an extensive interview process with members of the board to ensure he was a good fit for the position, with an agreement being reached last week.
Having spent about 15 years managing professional hockey teams, mostly in non-traditional markets in the US, Simpson is eager to utilize his marketing background to elevate the Broncos' game nights and enhance the fan experience.
“I've got a really strong marketing background and a lot of things that we used to do with those teams because it was new hockey market per se, we relied heavily on putting on a big show for each game,” he elaborated. “I want to try to bring that expertise to the Broncos there and kind of build upon what the team's done over the years, and we'll create some big events here that to go around the games and then have some exciting nights that the fans can look forward to coming out too.”
Simpson added that there were several factors that drew his attention to the available position with the Swift Current Broncos.
“I've been in the hockey business all my life starting as a player and into the business management side of it, and Swift Currents always had this reputation of being a real solid hockey town, and everybody I've talked to raves about the Swift Current community and how supportive they are,” he explained. “I also found it very unique that it’s a community-owned team, so, the communities really invested in the team and want to see the team succeed.
“To be involved in a team like that and a franchise that's been around so long in the Western Hockey League, it’s just too good of an opportunity to pass up and I'm very excited about it.”
Prior to joining the Swift Current Broncos, Simpson was involved with various teams in the ECHL, including working closely with Taylor Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and overseeing the Surrey Eagles in Surrey, BC, where he hosted the Canadian Junior Hockey League prospects game.
With his appointment effective on August 1st, he is eager to make an impact in his new role and contribute to the Broncos' success both on and off the ice.