Hey everyone, it’s Derek King from the NHL Facility Operations Department. Looking forward to answering your questions about the upcoming Winter Classic, past NHL outdoor events or anything else ice making related!
It’s Derek King here! Growing up in Hazelridge, Manitoba (small community near Winnipeg), I played hockey from an early age like many young Canadians do. I began volunteering at my local arena when I was 16 and started working on the ice and driving the Zamboni when I was 18 years old.
In 2004, I was fortunate to begin working for True North Sports & Entertainment and when the Winnipeg Jets returned in 2011, I was the Director of Engineering & Ice Operations. I moved into my current role (my dream job!) with the National Hockey League in the fall of 2016. In all, I’ve spent over 30 years in arena operations.
I worked my first NHL outdoor game in Calgary at the 2011 Heritage Classic. This Winter Classic will be my 28th NHL outdoor game. I have a lot of great stories over the years. Looking forward to talking to you on Monday December 30th at 11:00am EST!
