Senior Management

Executive Chairman & Governor	Mark Chipman
President & Chief Operating Officer	John Olfert
President, True North Real Estate Development	Jim Ludlow
Senior VP, Sales	Norva Riddell
Senior VP, Venues & Entertainment	Kevin Donnelly
VP, Marketing	Dorian Morphy
VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer	Lorna Daniels
VP, Human Resources	Dawn Haus
VP, Communications & Content	Rob Wozny
VP, Facilities Operations	Ed Meichsner
VP & General Counsel	Dan Hursh
VP, Business Intelligence	Tyler Kurz
VP, Ticket Sales & Operations	Linzy Jones
VP, Guest Experience	Steinunn Parsons

Winnipeg Jets Hockey Operations

Executive VP & General Manager	Kevin Cheveldayoff
Senior VP & Assistant General Manager	Craig Heisinger
VP & Assistant General Manager	Larry Simmons
Head Coach	Paul Maurice
Associate Coach	Jamie Kompon
Assistant Coach	Charlie Huddy
Assistant Coach	Todd Woodcroft
Assistant Coach	Wade Flaherty
Video Coach	Matt Prefontaine
Strength and Conditioning Trainer	Jake Wolff
Head Equipment Manager	Jason McMaster
Assistant Equipment Manager	Mark Grehan
Assistant Equipment Manager	Mike Flaman
Head Athletic Therapist	Rob Milette
Assistant Athletic Therapist	Brad Shaw
Massage Therapist	Al Pritchard
Director, Player Development	Jimmy Roy
Player Development	Mike Keane
Director, Team Security	Ken Shipley
Manager, Team Services	Chris Kreviazuk
Manager, Research & Analysis	Max Erenberg
Coordinator, Research & Analysis	Adam Konefal
Coordinator, Data & Hockey Video	Jordy Finnigan
Coordinator, Hockey Video	James Cochrane
Coordinator, Scouting	Barrett Leganchuk
Coordinator, Team Travel	Silvana Gosgnach
Executive Assistant, Hockey Operations	Katie Ferniuk

Manitoba Moose Hockey Operations

Senior Director, Hockey & Business Operations	Brad Andrews
Head Coach	Pascal Vincent
Assistant Coach	Marty Johnston
Assistant Coach	Eric Dubois
Video Coach	Richard Bue
Developmental Goaltending Coach & Scout	Rick St. Croix
Scout	Ryan Caldwell
Scout	Thomas Steen
Coordinator, Team Services	Bobby Feaster
Head Athletic & Strength and Conditioning Trainer	Jake Wolff
Assistant Athletic Therapist & Massage Therapist	Zach Salmonson
Asst Athletic Therapist & Asst Strength and Cond. Trainer	Kyle Vouriot
Head Equipment Manager	Graham Watt
Assistant Equipment Manager	Robert Cook

Scouting Staff

Director, Amateur Scouting	Mark Hillier
Director, Pro Scouting	Peter Ratchuk
Head European Scout	Evgeny Bogdanovich
Pro Scout	Mark Dobson
Pro Scout	Jack Birch
Pro Scout	Jari Gronstrand
Pro scout	Danny richmond
Scout	Mark White
Amateur Scout	Scott Scoville
Amateur Scout	Brian Renfrew
Amateur Scout	Chris Snell
Amateur Scout	Max Giese
Amateur Scout	Yanick Lemay
Amateur Scout	Kjell Dahlin
Amateur Scout	Jeff Finley
Amateur Scout	Bob Owen
Amateur Scout	Vladimir Havluj
Amateur Scout	Pat Carmichael
Amateur Scout	Scott Robson
Amateur Scout	Dan Shrader

Hockey Communications

Senior Director, Hockey Communications	Scott Brown
Manager, Hockey Communications, Winnipeg Jets	Greger Buer
Manager, Hockey Communications & Broadcaster, Manitoba Moose	Daniel Fink
Coordinator, Hockey Communications, Winnipeg Jets	Scott Unger
Coordinator, Hockey Communications, Manitoba Moose	Jennifer Redenbach

Corporate Partnerships, Account Services, and Ticket Operations

Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships	JP Adams
Director, Partnership Services	Collin Farrell
Director, Ticket Operations, Hockey	Mike Labay
Director, Premium Sales & Services	Jason Westervelt
Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships	Andréa Jackson
Manager, Corporate Partnerships	Cam Oliver
Manager, Corporate Partnerships	Amanda Chau
Manager, Corporate Partnerships	Hart Jacob
Senior Manager, Partnership Services	Jordan Clancy
Senior Manager, Partnership Services	Adam Krahn
Manager, Partnership Services	Andrew Vani
Manager, Partnership Services	Emily Gilson
Manager, Ticket Sales & Services	Kyle Phillips
Manager, Loyalty & Ticket Services	Heather Hill
Premium Service Representative	Colin Gratton
Premium Service Representative	Claudia Orellana
Account Service Representative	Lisa Deschouwer
Account Service Representative	Jana Sklover
Account Service Representative	Nolan Short
Account Service Representative	Evan Marsh
Account Service Representative	Beth Chopey
Account Service Representative	Kendall Carter
Coordinator, Ticket Operations - Hockey	Nicole O'Donnell
Sales Coordinator	Candy Dyck

Marketing, Community Relations and Retail Services

Director, Digital	Andrew Wilkinson
Director, Creative	Josh Dudych
Director, Marketing Services	Zach Peters
Director, Digital Signage Network	Cristen Cournoyer
Director, Retail Development	Dan Suga
Director, Retail Operations	Dave Blackmore
Director, Player & Alumni Relations	Anders Strome
Director, Community Relations	Barrett Paulsen
Manager, Social Media	John Delaney
Manager, Community Relations	Kory Harnum
Coordinator, Community Relations	Raquel Payne
Coordinator, Community Engagement	Breanne Timlick
Senior Web Developer	Fabio Bellisaro
Web Developer	Kristina Ung
Senior Graphic Designer	Jessie Cibinel
Creative Lead, Environmental Design	Allison Ferley
Creative Lead, Hockey Branding	Marc Gomez
Graphic Designer	Kevin Jorgenson
Graphic Designer	Tia Simoens
Coordinator, Email & Digital Marketing	Stephanie Sheedy
Coordinator, Social Media	Caleb Snider
Store Manager, Jets Gear Bell MTS Place	Rishi Chandar
Store Manager, Jets Gear St. Vital & Kildonan Place	Brenda Gordon
Inventory & Event Merchandise Manager	Cody Mercer
Warehouse & Inventory Manager	Pierre Courchaine
Retail Administrative Assistant & Receptionist	Hazel Cuevas

  Corporate Communications, Hockey Content, Game Production, and Broadcast Services

Senior Director, Game Production	Kyle Balharry
Director, Audio Video & Broadcast Services	Noah Baird
Director, Corporate Communications	Krista Sinaisky
Manager, Hockey Content	Tyler Esquivel
Manager, Visual Media Production	Steve Godkin
Broadcast Engineer & Senior Technician	Richard Romanow
Audio Video & Broadcast Technician	Joe Etchells
Video & Motion Graphics Producer	Curtis Robson
Video & Motion Graphics Producer	Dylan Bobei
Video & Motion Graphics Producer	Aidan Padgett Reimer
Coordinator, Game Presentation	Priya Plested
Coordinator, Communications & Content	Jason Friesen
Coordinator, Multimedia	Adrian McMorris
Jets TV Host	Jamie Thomas
Jets TV Reporter	Mitchell Clinton
Coorindator, Video Production, Jets TV	Daniel Moss

Guest Experience

Director, Security & Event Management	Kim Boulet
Senior Manager, Event Services & Box Office	Phil McGreevy
Manager, Box Office	Paul Robles
Manager, Security & Event Management	Drew Oleksewycz
Manager, Security & Event Staffing	Glen LaFrenais
Manager, Building Security & Systems	Kevin Richardson
Coordinator, Event Staff	Wendy Cabel
Venue Security Supervisor	Tyler Jones
Venue Security Guard	Jim Swanston
Venue Security Guard	Michael McPherson
Venue Security Guard	Tyler Robinson
Venue Security Guard	Pierre Guillette
Venue Security Guard	Harsimran Momi
Venue Security Guard	Wycliffe Omondi
Venue Security Guard	Renu Bala
Venue Security Guard	Tai Nguyen
Venue Security Guard	Anudeep Singh
Venue Security Guard	Adrianne Escondo

Finance

Senior Director, Finance	Ashley Paluk
Controller	Lindsay McLean
Payroll Director	Audrey Gan
Assistant Controller	John Douglas
Intermediate Accountant	Brittany Ramsay
A/P & Events Administrator	Rose Rolsky
A/P & Events Administrator	Monica Henderson
A/P Clerk	Kathy Kristjanson
A/Pp A/R Clerk	Melissa Wuirch
A/P A/R Clerk & Receptionist, Bell MTS Iceplex	Jackie Cairns
Payroll & Benefits Administrator	April King

 

Human Resources & Administration

Senior Human Resources Specialist	Jenna Appleyard
HR & Learning and Development Specialist	Laura Doer
Human Resources Assistant	Nicole Pamplona
Executive Assistant & Office Administrator	Sarah Gould

IT

Director, Information Technology	Dan Gill
Manager, Information Technology	John Martynuk
Systems & Network Support Technician	Patrick Wall
IT Support Technician	Miko Tolentino
Systems Administrator	Ryan Cullen

 

Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence Developer	Jaymin Parekh
Data Analyst	Kyle Braun
BI Systems Analyst	Sue Gandier

General Counsel

Associate General Counsel

Ainsley Rice

Events & Venue Services

Director, Entertainment Marketing	Alayne Nott
Director, Event Production	Kevin Clifford
Director, Live Entertainment	Ruben Ramalheiro
Director, Ticket Operations -Entertainment	Dianne Gabbs
Manager, Venue Bookings & Special Projects	Andrea Burgoyne
Manager, Ticket Operations, Entertainment	Melissa Houston
Coordinator, Ticket Operations, Entertainment	Krystalynn Baldon
Coordinator, Entertainment Marketing & Communications	Catherine Ryczak
Event Bookings Administrator	Matt Wiepjes
Event Production Manager	Jason Colwill
Group Ticket Sales Representative	Tim Hogue
Project & Building Standards Manager	Paul Levesque
Director, Engineering & Ice Operations	Doug Neubauer
Manager, Facility & Maintenance Operations	Stu Low
Senior Building Engineer & Ice Technician	Dave Wright
Senior Building Engineer & Ice Technician	Jared Sinninghe
Building Engineer & Ice Technician	Dave Norris
Building Engineer & Ice Technician	Shane Bartelette
Building Engineer	Kurt Weber
House Technician, Burton Cummings Theatre	Ken Jackson
Senior Conversion & Maintenance Technician	Rodney Esquash
Conversion & Maintenance Technician	Stacy Peeters
Conversion & Maintenance Technician	Lloyd Cook
Conversion & Maintenance Technician	John Molinski
Burton Cummings Theatre Operations Supervisor	Sheldon Maytwayashing
Event & Function Logistics Coordinator	Tyler Esquash
Facility Painter	Richard Shlanda
Supervisor, Housekeeping	Rachel Esquash
Assistant Supervisor, Housekeeping	Tamara Esquash
Housekeeping Attendant	Leona Barker
Housekeeping Attendant	Sarah Curl
Housekeeping Attendant	Mary Harper
Housekeeping Attendant	Arnulf San Jose
Housekeeping Attendant	Sharyn Sumner

  Manitoba Moose Business Operations

Senior Director, Ticket Sales	Jeff Mager
Manager, Marketing	Annie Chipman
Manager, Game Presentation & Content	Colin Peterson
Video & Motion Graphics Producer	Ievgen Komashko
Video Content Coordinator	Austin Siragusa
Ticket Sales Representative	Marc Harding
Ticket Sales Representative	Justin Augert
Ticket Sales Representative	Talia Gallant
Ticket Sales Representative	Brett Wur
Account Service Representative	Mitchell Doell

Bell MTS Iceplex

General Manager	David Sattler
Business & Amateur Hockey Development Manager	Dean Court
Master Scheduler	Ted Szypowski
Manager, Instructional Programming	Larry Bumstead
Head Registrar	Kathy Bumstead
Registration Manager & Assistant Scheduler	Dustin Madrigga
Event & Marketing Coordinator	Jessica horton
Manager, High Performance Training	AJ Zeglen
Head Instructor, Goaltender Development	Andy Kollar
Head On-Ice Instructor & Program Manager	Dave Cameron
On-ice instructor	devin himpe
on-ice instructor	venla hovi
Manager, Food & Beverage	Andrew Szabo
Head Chef	Leonard Church
Chef	Alex Kanski
Chief Engineer & Building Manager	Alex Gobeil
Operations Supervisor	Brian Iwaszewski
Senior Operator	Trevor Johnston
SENIOR OPERATOR	RAMANJIT SINGH
Building Engineer	Dmitry Kusnetsov
Building Engineer	Graham Francis
Housekeeping Attendant	Isabel Carrillo

True North Youth Foundation

Executive Director	Dwayne Green
Director, Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy	Murray Cobb
Director, Finance & Support Services	Julie Chartier
Director, Camp Manitou	Rick Bochinski
Director, Educational Programs	Suzi Friesen
Manager, Marketing & Academic Performance, WJHA	Corey Coker
WJHA Transportation & Equipment Coordinator	Jeff Hofer
WJHA Hockey Canada Skills Academy Liaison	Nicole McAlpine
WJHA Academic Performance Coordinator	Nick Sasaki
Youth Career Counsellor	Jennifer McAlpine
tutor & student support, WJHA	jaclyn fraser
Minor Hockey Supervisor	Alex Kampen
WJHA FEMALE HOCKEY COORDINATOr	JANELLE FORCAND
Learn to Play, Local Manager	Justin Kurtz
Learn to Play, Local Coordinator	Derek Meech
Game Day & Events Manager	Kait Flett
Coordinator, Educational Programs, Project 11	Kerri Waldbauer
administrative coordinator, project 11	angeli booz
Camp Manitou Facilities & Grounds Manager	Jim Proulx
grounds assistant, camp manitou	jesse st. cyr
TNYF Manager	Mackenzie Scharf
TNYF Coordinator	Thomas Nowicki

      True North Real Estate Development

Senior Director, Finance	Gavin Johnstone
Senior Director, Business Development	Katie Hall-Hursh
associate, business development	Johanna Chipman
Controller	Jace Cowan
Executive Assistant	Susan Olson

 

Mark Chipman

Executive Chairman

Mark Chipman is the Executive Chairman of the Board of  True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club. In addition, he serves as the Governor of the Winnipeg Jets on the NHL’s Board of Governors and is Chairman of the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Chipman attended the University of North Dakota where he lettered in varsity football while earning an Honors B.A. in Economics and a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law. Chipman entered the business of professional hockey in 1996 through the acquisition and relocation of the International Hockey League’s (IHL) Minnesota Moose to Winnipeg. As President of the Manitoba Moose Hockey Club, Chipman led the initiative that resulted in the acceptance of six IHL teams into the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2001. For the following ten seasons Chipman was an active member of the AHL’s Executive Committee during which time he developed True North’s vision and eventually the opportunity for the return of NHL hockey to Manitoba.

Together with business partner David Thomson, Chipman led the team that developed Bell MTS Place, the Bell MTS Iceplex and ultimately the acquisition and relocation of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers. The club was re-named the Winnipeg Jets by Chipman at the 2011 NHL entry draft.

Chipman has been the recipient of a number of awards including the AHL’s James C. Hendy and Thomas Ebright awards as well as the Order of Manitoba and the University of North Dakota’s Sioux Award.

In addition to his business and hockey interests, Chipman is actively involved in a number of Winnipeg community efforts. He and his wife Patti have both played major roles with the True North Youth Foundation since its inception in 1996.

John Olfert

President & Chief Operating Officer

John Olfert has been with True North Sports + Entertainment since 2001, serving in a variety of capacities during the development and opening of Bell MTS Place (2004) and Bell MTS Iceplex (2010), acquisition of the Winnipeg Jets NHL franchise (2011), and overseeing the financial and administrative operations of True North’s properties and teams. Olfert served as True North’s Chief Financial Officer from 2002 until 2014, when he transitioned into the broader role of Chief Operating Officer. In this role Olfert oversaw the return of the Manitoba Moose AHL franchise to Winnipeg, True North’s acquisition of the Burton Cummings Theatre (2014), as well as significant venue reinvestment projects at both the Burt and Bell MTS Place. Olfert was named President & Chief Operating Officer of True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets in 2019.

Olfert is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg, where he played in the Wesmen Volleyball program, and has a CPA, CGA designation. Prior to joining True North, Olfert began his career in both not-for-profit and venture capital organizations. He has been an active member on the True North Youth Foundation board (and its predecessor Manitoba Moose Yearling Foundation), and has served Winnipeg’s charitable and sports community in a variety of board, coaching of volunteer capacities.

John and his wife Brenda have four children; Bryn, Joel, Luke and Beth.

Jim Ludlow

President, True North Real Estate Development

After serving as True North Sports + Entertainment’s President & CEO since its inception, Jim Ludlow transitioned to the role of President, TN Development in 2014, advancing and developing a variety of commercial and real estate developments, expanding the footprint of True North and adding to Winnipeg’s physical and business landscape.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ludlow attended the University of Manitoba, earning a B.A., and then attended Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, where he received his law degree. Prior to joining True North in 1999, Ludlow was a partner at a senior Canadian law-firm, and previous to that was General Counsel and Vice-President of Corporate Development to a leading Canadian venture-capital firm.

Ludlow is actively involved in the Winnipeg community, having served or currently serving as a member of the boards of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, CentreVenture Development Corporation, Alpine Canada, the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Walker Theatre Performing Arts Group Inc. He previously held the position of Honorary Colonel with 1 CFFTS at 17 Wing Winnipeg, and in 2011 was the recipient of the national award for Business Achievement at the Western Canada General Counsel Awards in Vancouver.

Jim is the proud father of four children – Cedric, Charlie, Fiona, and Amanda.

Kevin Donnelly

Sr. Vice President, Venues & Entertainment

As Sr. Vice President, Venues & Entertainment for True North Sports + Entertainment, Kevin Donnelly is responsible for managing Bell MTS Place as a facility and its event calendar. He transitioned to building and event management in 2001 after years of being a successful promoter, both independently and with House of Blues Concerts Canada. He has become an experienced resource in the entertainment industry, both in Winnipeg and across Canada. In April 2014, True North assumed operation of the 1,600 seat historic Burton Cummings Theatre.

Donnelly is a board member of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Economic Development Winnipeg. He also participates on the Advisory Board of the Venue Coalition, representing over 50 arenas across North America.

Norva Riddell

Sr. Vice President, Sales

After 20 years of progressive sales and leadership roles with a major Canadian brewery, Norva Riddell joined True North Sports + Entertainment as Vice President of Sales in the summer of 2004. In 2008, Riddell’s role changed to Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing as she continued to lead True North’s sales, marketing, and community operations during the various phases of the organization’s growth, including playing an integral role in the development and execution of the “Drive to 13,000” ticket campaign for the Winnipeg Jets. Riddell currently serves as Senior Vice President of Sales for True North, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and its subsidiaries. In this capacity, Riddell is responsible for providing leadership in the areas of corporate partnerships, ticket sales and operations, and premium services.

Riddell was recognized for her significant accomplishments in sales and marketing for the Manitoba Moose with the American Hockey League’s Ken McKenzie Award in 2008, and was a YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction nominee in 2017.

A life-long Manitoban, Riddell serves as a board member of the True North Youth Foundation and remains actively involved in the community along with her husband, Robert Duncan.

Lorna Daniels

Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

Lorna Daniels joined True North as Senior Director, Finance in 2011 and was named to her current role of VP, Finance & CFO in June 2014. In her current role, Lorna is responsible for the oversight of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and reporting for the multiple stakeholders for True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, and its various operating subsidiaries.

Lorna came to True North after working as a Senior Manager in the auditing department for the accounting firm KPMG in Winnipeg, where she obtained her Chartered Accountant designation. While at KPMG, Lorna was active in various training initiatives. Lorna, a lifetime Manitoban, attended the University of Manitoba earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Lorna actively participates in golf, hockey, and volleyball leagues throughout Winnipeg.

Dorian Morphy

Vice President, Marketing

Dorian Morphy, a marketing graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business, has been involved with True North Sports + Entertainment since inception, joining the Manitoba Moose in 1996. In that time he has held a variety of leadership roles in the areas of ticket sales, marketing and ticket operations. Leading up to the announcement of the return of the NHL to Winnipeg in 2011, Dorian played a prominent role in the creation of the Drive to 13,000 season ticket drive. Later that summer, he led the process for the creation of the new Winnipeg Jets logos, jerseys and brand identity.

In his current role as Vice President, Marketing, Dorian is responsible for the advertising and marketing efforts for all True North brands, including the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose and True North venues. He provides leadership in the areas of digital media, creative services, visual media, game production and broadcast, and oversees the development of True North’s retail operation, Jets Gear, which has grown to five locations and an online portal, truenorthshop.com.

Dorian volunteers his spare time coaching for the Bonivital Soccer Club. He and his wife Kim have two children, Kaitlyn and William.

Dan Hursh

Vice President & General Counsel

Dan Hursh joined True North Sports + Entertainment as Associate General Counsel in September 2011. He became the organization’s General Counsel in June 2014 before being named VP, AHL Operations & General Counsel in May 2015 when the Manitoba Moose returned to Winnipeg. Over three seasons, Hursh helped lead the successful reintroduction of Moose hockey to Winnipeg and oversaw all business matters pertaining to the Jets’ AHL affiliate.

In the summer of 2018, Hursh turned his focus exclusively to legal matters and other business initiatives pertaining to True North and its subsidiaries as VP & General Counsel.

Prior to joining True North, Hursh practiced law with a leading national law firm in Calgary, AB. Hursh earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science while playing four years of NCAA hockey at Princeton University and obtained his law degree from the University of Calgary.

Hursh also serves as a board member for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

Dawn Haus

Vice President, Human Resources

Dawn Haus, a human resources (HR) professional with an appreciation for achieving results through a positive work environment is responsible for True North Sports + Entertainment’s HR Program. She leads and works with the human resource team to service permanent and part-time event employees while supporting and developing True North’s unique culture. Haus joined True North in 2014 from a local employee benefits and human resources consulting firm. During the course of her 15 years with the firm she held increasingly senior positions gaining an understanding of connecting human resource requirements to the direction of the organization. Haus served as a volunteer board member for the Canadian Institute of Management, Winnipeg Branch for five years and is a current member of the Downtown Winnipeg Biz Management Board and the Board of Directors for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. She is also a volunteer with the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society and active with her local community club as a volunteer coach.

Dawn earned the C.I.M. designation through CIM Chartered Managers Canada and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Dawn continues to live here with her husband Chris and their two sons. She is an avid runner, practices yoga, enjoys all things outdoors including hiking, cycling, kayaking, water skiing and golf.

Rob Wozny

Vice President, Communications and Content

Rob Wozny joined True North Sports + Entertainment in 2016 as Vice President, Communications and Community Engagement. In 2018, his portfolio changed to Vice President, Communications and Content. Prior to joining True North, Rob was the managing partner of a Winnipeg-based communications firm that worked with a number of international, national and regional clients. In this role, he provided leadership and hands-on support in the areas of public relations, content marketing campaigns, and crisis communications for a cross section of non-profit, government and corporate sector organizations. Leveraging this experience with 10+ years as a senior television news anchor and journalist at leading news outlets across Canada, Rob has also taught public relations and content marketing university courses.

Rob has a degree in rhetoric, writing and communications from the University of Winnipeg. He has also earned a diploma in public relations and certificate in management from the University of Winnipeg’s PACE program.

Committed to the community, Rob is an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2001. He also coaches community club sports, association hockey, and serves on the boards of his local community club and the True North Youth Foundation.

Outside of work, Rob enjoys the outdoors and staying active playing hockey, running and yoga. Rob is happily married to Lisa, raising their two daughters in Winnipeg.

Ed Meichsner

Vice President, Facilities Operations

Ed Meichsner is the Vice President, Facilities Operations for True North Sports + Entertainment. He joined True North just prior to the opening of the Bell MTS Place in 2004. With over 30 years of experience, Ed has led operations at True North and other large sporting facilities in the city. Proud of his involvement in planning and executing large scale events, Ed was an instrumental team member for the committees that brought the 1999 Pan Am and Grey Cup games to Winnipeg.

In addition to his experience in venues, Ed is committed to ensuring all True North patrons and employees have a safe experience at all our facilities. As chair of True North’s health and safety committee, Ed strives to educate our stakeholders about safety initiatives, and ensures our venues meet and exceed environmental and sustainability industry standards.

Ed is happily married to his wife Lynda. They have three kids Jack and Grace (twins), and another daughter, Olivia.

Tyler Kurz

Vice President, Business Intelligence

Tyler Kurz joined True North Sports + Entertainment in 2018 as Vice President, Business Intelligence. Prior to joining True North, Tyler held several positions at Bell MTS over the past 15 years. Most recently, Tyler was the Director of Data & Analytics managing a team of data professionals supporting multiple stakeholders. Tyler brings his passion for data to True North, providing leadership in the areas of Business Intelligence and IT.

Tyler was born and raised in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Outside of work, when not spending time with his wife Lindsay and daughter Ruby, he enjoys playing hockey and golf, reading, and going to see live music.

Linzy Jones

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Operations

Linzy Jones joined True North in 2004 holding various roles in sales, customer service and ticketing leading to the return of the Winnipeg Jets in 2011 when he assumed the role of Director, Ticket Sales & Service. Jones was instrumental in the execution of the Drive to 13,000 campaign which saw Winnipeg Jets sell out of season seat holder packages in just seven minutes. In 2013 Jones coordinated the launch of the Winnipeg Jets loyalty program, Jets Rewards, and in 2018, as Sr. Director, Ticket Services & Operations, Jones managed the Jets’ transition to digital ticketing. Jones was named Vice President, Ticket Sales & Operations in 2019.

A life-long Winnipegger, Jones is a graduate of the University of Manitoba and also completed Robertson College’s Radio and Television Broadcasting program. Before joining True North Jones held roles in broadcasting and sales. He has volunteered his time as a soccer and basketball coach for more than 20 years and, along with wife Leanne, Jones continues to be involved in sports with his young daughters Livia, Eden and Paige. In his spare time, Jones enjoys golfing and singing.

Steinunn Parsons

Vice President, Guest Experience

Steinunn Parsons joined True North Sports + Entertainment in 2019 as Vice President, Guest Experience. Before joining True North, Steinunn began her career working at Rexall Place & Edmonton Expo Center as Guest Services Manager. She then took a series of term positions at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, London 2012 Olympics, and Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation. Most recently, Steinunn held the position of Assistant General Manager, Guest Experience & Events with the Oilers Entertainment Group, and supported the opening of Rogers Place.

Steinunn attended the University of Alberta, earning a degree in Recreation Administration and has supplemented her education with training in venue management, leadership and with the Disney Institute. Outside of work, when not spending time with her husband Andrew, Steinunn enjoys the outdoors, backcountry camping, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Bell MTS Place

As one of the modern facilities in Winnipeg's growing sports, hospitality and entertainment district (SHED), Bell MTS Place is a 15,000-plus-seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena.

Bell MTS Place boasts excellent sightlines from every seat, superb acoustics for concerts, and the best ambience and amenities for all kinds of sports such as NBA exhibition games, professional bull riding, Monster Jam, professional wrestling, and professional indoor soccer exhibitions, all which have played to audiences at Bell MTS Place. Winnipeg’s busiest entertainment venue can accommodate up to 17,000 concert-goers and can just as easily be curtained down to create an intimate concert setting for audiences as small as 2,500.

BellMTSPlace.ca

Bell MTS Place Upgrades

True North Sports + Entertainment strives to offer superior patron experience at Bell MTS Place, constantly investing in renovations and upgrades every year. This year the Bell MTS Place skywalk connecting Portage Place and Cityplace along Hargrave Street, including the Cityplace bridge, received a complete makeover. New flooring, an LED lighting upgrade, and a new colour scheme now aligns the skywalk with the fit and finish of Bell MTS Place and the concourse renovation unveiled in October 2017. The result is a brighter and more durable space designed to withstand the heavy volume of foot traffic. These improvements are part of True North’s multi-year venue improvement plan that in 2016 brought new ergonomic seating, improved sightlines, updated concessions and new digital technology that brings all the action to hundreds of big screens on all levels of Bell MTS Place.

Also new for the 2019-20 season is a full LED lighting replacement in the bowl. The latest technology in sport lighting brings new energy efficiency to the arena as well as improved lighting quality and features that will enhance all events hosted at Bell MTS Place and bring crisper colours and even higher definition to home viewers via HD broadcasts.

Restaurants and Lounges

Bell MTS Place provides many exciting food and beverage options to choose from such as Freshii, Gourmet Burger, Carvery & Melts, Aviator’s Grill, and much more. Patrons can enjoy a variety of beverage selections at the contemporary bar locations on the main south concourse and upper west and north concourses. Located on the northeast corner of event level of Bell MTS Place, the Exchange Restaurant is a full-service and fully licensed restaurant, perfect for meeting a few friends or a large group.

Budweiser King Club

The Budweiser King Club is a premium seating club lounge located at the north end of the lower bowl and including sections 124 to 127 and 223 to 228. The Budweiser King Club features exclusive "at your seat" bar and restaurant service and restrooms reserved just for those seated in the club section.

Bell MTS Iceplex

Bell MTS Iceplex is a 200,000-square-foot facility that serves as the official practice facility of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose. It is also the home of the True North Youth Foundation’s Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, which provides hockey programming to kids who otherwise couldn’t afford to play. Consisting of four NHL regulation size rinks and the Ice Lab, a dedicated goalie training centre, Bell MTS Iceplex provides between 11,000 and 13,000 hours of ice time annually to minor hockey associations, adult recreation leagues, tournaments, summer camps, casual rentals, the Jets, Moose, and to the foundation. Bell MTS Iceplex is also a year-round multipurpose facility featuring high performance fitness and training facilities, a full-service pro shop, licensed restaurant and lounge, and conference facilities. Bell MTS Iceplex has been recognized as a Hockey Canada Centre of Excellence.

BellMTSIceplex.ca

Iceplex Adult Hockey League

The adult hockey league that operates out of the Bell MTS Iceplex, formerly known as the Winnipeg Jets Hockey League, was rebranded as the Iceplex Adult Hockey League in 2018-19. The league enters its ninth season of operation and is the official adult recreational hockey league of Bell MTS Iceplex, providing a pro experience to amateur adult hockey. The IAHL offers regularly scheduled games, online recorded stats and standings, four available regulation-sized NHL ice sheets, as well as in-game music before each game and during stoppages in play.

Spanning all 12 months of the year, the IAHL also offers a spring/summer season. All IAHL divisions bear the names of Winnipeg's hockey ambassadors including Joe Daley, Mike Keane, and Jimmy Roy.

TheIAHL.ca

Focus Fitness

Focus Fitness is a 6,600-square-foot facility located on the upper level of Bell MTS Iceplex that features the latest in exercise and sports conditioning equipment. Focus Fitness prides itself on training the highest number of professional athletes in the city as well as accommodating athletes from all sports and all levels of fitness and performance.

Focus Fitness features treadmills, spin bikes, cable columns, free weights, Olympic lifting platforms and over 3,200 square feet of turf. Focus Fitness incorporates proven old school tools and methods like tractor tires, sleds, battle ropes and kettle balls to ensure athletes are challenged to improve their total body strength and overall conditioning. From developmental ages to the pros, Focus Fitness is the premier training facility for helping you reach your goals and become the best version of yourself.

The Press Box Restaurant & Sports Bar

The Press Box Restaurant & Sports Bar provides perfect above-the-action sightlines facing the Canadian Tire and RE/MAX ice sheets at Bell MTS Iceplex. With a licensed bar and full menu, the Press Box is a great place to take in the action and relive the memories after the games. 

In addition to restaurant services, the Press Box Restaurant & Sports Bar proudly caters functions from 20 to 500 people, specializing in team windups, holiday parties, birthday parties, fundraisers, and corporate events. From corporate to casual, the Press Box catering team will make any event a success.

Burton Cummings Theatre

Located on the edge of Winnipeg’s Exchange District is one of Canada’s most acclaimed live music and performance venues, the Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts. The theatre is named after the famed Winnipeg frontman of The Guess Who, Burton Cummings, and is now affectionately known as “the Burt”. It is an immediate draw with its unique appeal, both visually and sonically. The 1,581 reserved-seat theatre, both a National Historic Site of Canada and Provincial Heritage site, was built in 1906. True North Sports + Entertainment assumed management and operating control of the venue in 2014 and purchased it in 2016. Over the decades, the vaudeville era theatre has staged ballets, operas, and Broadway-style shows to now modern-day concerts and events. Offering a vintage, yet carefully maintained interior space that includes a 70’ vaulted ceiling and three levels of audience seating, the Burt provides an up-close and personal experience for both audiences and performers.

In April 2017, True North, along with Burton Cummings himself, announced a 15-year extension of the theatre’s naming rights as well as a commitment from Cummings to perform a minimum of four concerts during this period, with proceeds going toward True North’s long-term investment into the theatre and to patron experiences at the Burt. To date, True North has invested over $1.2 million into the venue, including on air conditioning, seating, flooring, lighting, backstage renovations, accessibility upgrades, and digital display and signage additions.

burtoncummingstheatre.ca

True North Square

True North Square is a transformative mixed-use development located kitty-corner to Bell MTS Place that will feature more than 1.5 million square feet of office, hotel, residential, retail, parking, and public plaza space in five towers, creating a new dynamic epicentre for Winnipeg's downtown. 242 Hargrave, a 17-storey office tower, opened in July 2018 and is currently home to lead tenants Thompson Dorfman Sweatman and Scotiabank, and will welcome MNP and Ceridian in fall 2019. 225 Carlton is a 25-storey premium residential tower featuring 194 rental suites that welcomed its first residents in July 2019. Phase two of the development is under construction and will include the Sutton Place Hotel & Residences located on Carlton Street with anticipated completion in late 2021/early 2022. The third phase of True North Square will see the development of the 19-storey tower that will serve as the North American headquarters for Manitoba-made insurance company Wawanesa.

One of the newest and most innovative additions to Winnipeg’s food scene, Hargrave St. Market is set to open at True North Square in fall 2019. Inspired by cutting-edge food halls located across North America and Europe, the locally focused and chef-driven offerings include a full-service restaurant, a microbrewery, six culinary concepts and a boutique grocery store. Gusto North, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, Yard Burger, The Good Fight Taco, Rose Bar, Saburo Kitchen, Miss Browns, Fools + Horses, and Mottola Grocery will offer something for everyone at True North Square.

TrueNorthSquare.com
225Carlton.com
HargraveStMarket.com

True North Youth Foundation

The True North Youth Foundation (TNYF) is the charitable entity of True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets. The foundation primarily supports three core self-run programs: Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA), Camp Manitou, and Project 11. The foundation was established in October 1996 as the Manitoba Moose Yearling Foundation, which it remained until prior to the 2011-12 hockey season.

Major events that help to fund the TNYF include the Winnipeg Jets Gala Dinner, the annual Winnipeg Jets Skills Competition, the Mike Keane Celebrity Hockey Classic, and the Flatlanders Beer Festival. Since inception, True North's charitable efforts have raised and disbursed nearly $21 million. The contributions of every sponsor, donor, volunteer, employee, and partner resulted in the TNYF’s ability to positively impact more than 42,000 Manitobans last year.

Guided by the shared mission, strategy, and values of True North Sports + Entertainment, the TNYF operates under the direction of a committed team of employees in partnership with a dedicated board of directors.

TNYF.ca

Project 11

Project 11 honours the memory of Rick “Ryp” Rypien, who was a valuable member of the Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Jets, and of the True North family.

Developed in collaboration with a variety of organizations and experts, Project 11 is an engaging cross-curricular prevention program targeting Manitoba’s English Language Arts and Physical/Health Education outcomes. Using concepts such as practicing focusing the mind, increasing self-awareness of feelings and strengths, and building positive relationships, the goal of Project 11 is to help students develop positive coping skills to deal with the daily stressors of life while also enhancing their academic performance. Lessons and activities are designed to be easily adapted into teachers’ yearly plans.

The program is available for free to all Manitoba teachers of Grades 5 to 8 classrooms, and following the pilot of kindergarten through Grade 4 curriculum in 2018-19, Project 11’s K-4 program will fully launch in the fall of 2019 in both English and French. With the addition of the K-4 pilot, program participation grew immensely to include 325 schools, 1,200 teachers, and 30,000 students in 2018-19.

Following the success of the inaugural P11 Mental Wellness Summit in January 2018, the 2019 summit was moved from the Burton Cummings Theatre to Bell MTS Place to accommodate even more students. Despite inclement weather that prevented many students from coming, nearly 3,000 students took in the event which, through a variety of speakers, highlighted mental wellness as a community issue and showed students they are not alone in their stresses, worries, and challenges. Winnipeg Jets players Nikolaj Ehlers and Bryan Little returned to the event with several new and returning musicians, TV personalities, and athletes joining them to promote mental wellness.

ProjectEleven.ca

Camp Manitou

Camp Manitou is a year-round outdoor recreation facility operated by the True North Youth Foundation. With its forests, large grass playing field, and the Assiniboine River on three sides, the 28-acre property provides lots of space in which to enjoy nature, while being conveniently located just outside of Winnipeg in Headingley, Man.

The TNYF has been operating Camp Manitou since January 2014 and continued to invest in the grounds and amenities in 2018-19, building a new Welcome Centre and state of the art covered outdoor rink. The new structures will enhance camp programming, which is delivered with the goal of providing accessible and meaningful camp experiences to Manitoba children, youth, and community groups. Camp Manitou’s attendance continued to grow with 913 campers attending summer camp in 2019, and 105 and 151 campers attending the season’s new winter and spring break camps, respectively. Camp Manitou also welcomed 136 non-profit, school, community, and corporate groups to their grounds this past year, including through initiatives like Welcome to Winnipeg and the Canadian Deaf-Blind Camp.

CampManitou.mb.ca

The TNYF has explored an ambitious and exciting expansion plan that will build capacity for Camp Manitou and bring new challenges, learning opportunities and fun activities that will continue to empower campers to gain confidence and independence, develop life skills, foster and cultivate friendships, and create lifelong memories. Three key deliverables of the expansion are a new 10,000-square-foot lodge; a 2.6-acre custom-made lake, boathouse and dock; and the development of new activities, including mountain bike trails, a BMX pump track, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, a beach volleyball court, petting zoo, zipline, and high ropes course, that also takes reforestation into account. A capital campaign supporting the expansion will launch in fall 2019.

TNYF.ca/ManitouExpansion
manitoucampaign@tnse.com

Signature Fundraisers

The True North Youth Foundation relies on a variety of fundraisers to reinvest into its own community programs as well as into other local non-profit organizations. The TNYF’s four primary fundraisers are:

Winnipeg Jets Gala Dinner

The Winnipeg Jets Gala Dinner is an unforgettable event for hockey enthusiasts and friends of the True North Youth Foundation. The dinner attracts professionals and corporations from both private and public sectors and includes a silent auction with the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime interactions with Winnipeg Jets players, among other unique prizes. This year’s gala will take place on Oct. 23, 2019 on the event level of Bell MTS Place.

TNYF.ca/GALA

Mike Keane Celebrity Hockey Classic

The Mike Keane Celebrity Hockey Classic allows rec hockey players to team up with former NHL greats to play hockey and raise funds for two great Manitoba causes. Proceeds from the event are shared between the True North Youth Foundation and Continuity Care. The event raised $437,000 in 2019 and will celebrate its tenth anniversary on March 18 and 19, 2020.

KeaneHockeyClassic.com

Flatlander's Beer Festival

Presented by Manitoba Liquor Marts, the Flatlander’s Beer Festival celebrates the art of beer and provides an opportunity for many different breweries to showcase their products to Manitobans, all in support of the True North Youth Foundation. The 17^th annual festival in 2018  was the biggest yet with more than 5,500 patrons sampling 375 beers and ciders and more than $190,000 raised.

FlatlandersBeerFest.com

50/50

A staple at all Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose home games, last year’s regular season 50/50 draws raised $3.84 million in support of the True North Youth Foundation and its youth-focused programming. Fan generosity raised an additional $212,180 during the playoffs, which included #WPGWhiteout Street Parties and viewing parties.

Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy

The TNYF recognizes that challenges exist for many families to participate in the great game of hockey. The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) was created (formerly Lil’ Moose) to provide children with the chance to play hockey while surrounded by their peers and positive role models. Participation barriers have been removed by providing programming staff, equipment, transportation, ice rentals, nutrition, and qualified on-ice instruction to all participants. Program extras include character development curriculum, tutoring, resume and job coaching, exposure to local post-secondary options and career opportunities, as well as field trips and guest speakers.

By providing children with an opportunity to experience the positive benefits of hockey, the foundation believes that students will have increased confidence to pursue their goals on and off the ice. The WJHA helps to encourage academic achievement and increase children's sense of belonging within their school community. WJHA students are shown to academically outperform the rest of their school population, which is an encouraging outcome that demonstrates the impact and value of this program.

Now in its 14th year, the WJHA continues to grow with 825 student athletes in Grades 2 through 12, from 24 schools in St. James-Assiniboia, Winnipeg One, and River East Transcona school divisions, and from Gonzaga Middle School, participating in the academy during the 2018-19 academic year. Over the years, full-circle benefits have been realized with WJHA students getting summer jobs at Camp Manitou and with TNYF partner organizations whose volunteers work closely with the program. The 2018-19 school year marked the second year of graduates who have journeyed through the entire WJHA program, the majority of whom started with the program in elementary school. This milestone affirms the program’s long-standing vision of using hockey as a vehicle to help students engage in academics and ultimately graduate.

The program benefits from local businesses and organizations who have partnered with the WJHA to provide many volunteers and hours of service through its Living Philanthropy Program. This year’s Living Philanthropy partners include Price Industries, Maple Leaf Construction, Birchwood Automotive Group, True North Sports + Entertainment, Princess Auto, Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, New Flyer, and Payworks.

TNYF.ca/AdoptAClass

Learn to Play

The TNYF partnered with three Winnipeg school divisions to deliver a third season of the NHL/NHLPA’s Learn to Play program last year which, with the help of Winnipeg Jets alumni, provides children who have never experienced hockey with the opportunity to play. Carefully chosen by their schools, more than 1,000 Grade 3 students each attended 10 Learn to Play sessions at their local community arena last year, with head-to-toe equipment provided by the program. Hockey Canada and Hockey Manitoba are also partners of the initiative, measuring individual progress during the program, as well as measuring the rate at which these students continue to pursue hockey following its completion. Building on the initiative, a two-month developmental program was offered to kids who showed interest in pursuing hockey beyond the program.

Commitment to the Community

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club participates in a variety of events every year that allow the organization and players to connect with our community. The team is active in the community by visiting schools, local hospitals and health centres, through numerous player and team mascot appearances, and by maintaining an open and interactive relationship with the team's supportive and passionate fan base.

True North’s Community Relations and Promotions Team participated in 148 events last year, including Tim Hortons Camp Day, the Children’s Hospital Teddy Bear Picnic, the Pride Parade, the Brain Tumour Foundation Walk, Canada Day celebrations, the Manitoba Stampede in Morris, Man., and so much more.

In addition to supporting the True North Youth Foundation, True North Sports + Entertainment is proud to contribute to many worthwhile events and causes in our community. Last season more than 600 packages were donated, which included jerseys, autographed memorabilia, team clothing, and specialty merchandise, benefitting more than 550 community groups and organizations. More than in charitable proceeds were donated to a variety of deserving community groups while also raising awareness for their worthwhile causes.

Each year the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose celebrate their fans at Fan Fest, a free event that gives fans of all ages an opportunity to watch on-ice training sessions and engage in live Q & A sessions with select players, coaches, and management, as well as participate in a number of other activities, win prizes, and get autographs. Last year’s event welcomed more than 5,00 fans to the Bell MTS Iceplex.

Hockey Fights Cancer

Hockey Fights Cancer is a key initiative that the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club continues to support. Founded in 1998 by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association, the initiative raises money and awareness for cancer research institutions, children’s hospitals, player charities, and local cancer organizations. The 2018 campaign featured in-game fundraising and an online auction that raised $115,000 to support CancerCare Manitoba’s Pediatric Clinical Trials, and contributed to the grand total of $765,000 raised through the Jets’ seven HFC campaigns.

Jets Toy Drive and Food Drive

Thanks to the generosity of fans, the 2018 Winnipeg Jets Toy Drive collected 2,900 toys and raised $7,000 in benefit of the Christmas Cheer Board and the families that they support. Presented by SkipTheDishes, the Jets ran their second annual food drive collecting 14,400 kilograms of non-perishable food donations for Winnipeg Harvest at six home games in January and February.

Skills Competition

The Winnipeg Jets Skills Competition, presented by Manitoba Hydro, was once again held in support of the True North Youth Foundation and the National Hockey League Players’ Association Goals and Dreams Fund. A crowd of over 12,300 fans, including 433 Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy students, were in attendance to see this year’s new record holders in several head-to-head events.

Jacob Trouba took home the hardest shot event. Nikolaj Ehlers set a new team record as the season’s fastest skater with a lap time of 13.25 seconds, and Bryan Little won the accuracy shooting competition, taking 11.6 seconds to hit all four targets.

Mick E. Moose

 Mick E. Moose has always been an important member of the True North Sports + Entertainment family. Arriving in Winnipeg along with the Manitoba Moose in 1997, Mick E. has helped bring energy and excitement to live hockey games and community events all year long.

While Mick E.'s original jersey was retired in 2011 following the final season of the Manitoba Moose, the Winnipeg Jets proudly called him up to the NHL for their inaugural season in 2011-12. Mick E. remains a popular addition to the gameday experience at Bell MTS Place and last year made 150 community appearances at events across the province.

Jets Rewards

Jets Rewards is the loyalty rewards program of the Winnipeg Jets, available to all Winnipeg Jets Season Seat Holders, Season Seat Share partners and Jets Wait List members. Seat Holders can earn and redeem points for a variety of unique behind-the-scenes, gameday, and VIP experiences, memorabilia, and prizing. Among the exciting redemptions and prizes in 2018-19 were a trip to Finland for the NHL Global Series, the opportunity to “Party in the Plaza” at True North Square as part of a viewing party and live broadcast, as well as annual initiatives and events like the player ticket delivery, Photo on the Ice, and Paint the Rink.