July 31, 2009

I can’t believe I’ve already been at USA Hockey for a month. It seems like only yesterday when I was shown around the office and introduced to everyone (I think I have most of the faces with names).

But before I go any further, I have to start off by thanking the Fishman family for this wonderful opportunity. It truly is an honor being selected as the 11th Brian Fishman Intern. The internship has been a successful step for everyone who’s been lucky enough to experience it, and I’m very excited about the opportunities that will open up because of this year.

I also have to thank last year’s intern, Carly Peters, for showing me the ropes during the week we overlapped here at the office. I’ve been trying to keep my “stupid” questions to a minimum, and I think I’ve been successful so far. I’m sure we’ll be talking a lot more in the next several weeks as it picks up. Carly is working for the Minnesota Wild this year in their communications department, and I know she’ll do a great job.

Colorado Springs is a beautiful place and I couldn’t have asked for a better setting for my internship. The landscape is amazing and you can’t complain about the weather (except for the half hour afternoon thunderstorm that seems to occur every day). 

As for what I’m doing at the office, one of the best things about this internship is all the responsibility you’re given right out of the gate. I’ve had the opportunity to write releases on the Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, and our Under-17 and Under-18 Select Teams that will compete in the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament and the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka in August.

I’ve been spending most of my time working on the Olympic Orientation Camp Media Prospectus for the camp in August, as well as the expansion of our Olympic records. I’ve written biographies for all the player, coaches and staff, as well as research statistics.  It’s very time consuming, but will be very rewarding once the finish product is made.

I’ll also get to travel to Chicago for the Orientation Camp! As a life-long NHL fan, it’ll be pretty cool seeing all these players up close, but it’s also going to be a lot of work. I’ll try my best not to be in too much awe. It’ll be a great experience seeing how an event like this is run from behind the scenes.

I think that’s it for now. I’ll try not to wait a month for the next one. Thanks for reading!

Matt