This story is part of our September 2018 magazine – a speciality edition chronicling the top 40 people under 40 who are reinventing themselves in hockey.
Eric Joyce
Assistant GM | Florida Panthers; GM | Springfield Thunderbirds
As far as the résumés of National Hockey League front office members go, Eric Joyce’s is most definitely unique. Joyce is beginning his third season as the Florida Panthers’ assistant general manager and doubles as general manager of the American Hockey League’s Springfield Thunderbirds, but life has taken him far beyond the rink.
Joyce first took to the ice at around 2 years of age as a method of physical therapy after he needed several leg surgeries. It just so happened to be an important year in the sport of hockey’s history in this country, 1980. The Dorchester, Mass., native went on to play at BC High, Pingree School and at the junior level before moving to the United States Military Academy and following his grandfathers and father, who all served in the military.
Joyce, who graduated from Harvard’s Kennedy School in 2011, held several positions in U.S. government and the private sector after attending West Point, including a stint as an Army captain during Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2004 and 2005.
He oversees the professional and amateur scouting departments, player development and the hockey operations budget for a Florida front office that also includes Lynn, Mass., native Tom Rowe, a special advisor to general manager Dale Tallon. — Joshua Kummins
Jeremy Rogalski
Director of hockey operations/analytics | Boston Bruins
Rogalski is a 2009 graduate of Bates College, where he played on the golf team, serving as captain his senior season.
Following graduation, he joined the Bruins organization and has worked his way up to his current position. Rogalski uses statistical data and tools to support the hockey operations, coaching, and amateur scouting staffs, in addition to scouting amateur draft prospects in the U.S. From West Springfield, Mass., he had an internship with the New England Patriots during college.
Mike Levine
Director of college free agents/player development | Vegas Golden Knights
The Sandwich, Mass., native worked his way up from the prep coaching circuit to his current job with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.
After stops at New Hampton and Kimball Union, Levine was an assistant coach at Brown University.
He played college hockey at Utica College in New York. In addition to his responsibilities with the Knights, Levine finds time to work many camps and festivals throughout the summer.
Tom O’Connor
Amateur scout | Buffalo Sabres
The Arlington, Mass., native played high school and prep hockey at Arlington Catholic and South Kent.
Along with his brother, Frank O’Connor, he started the New England Nordiques, an organization that competed in summer and fall tournaments. He got his start in scouting with USA Hockey’s NTDP and is entering his second year with the Buffalo Sabres.
Ryan Breen
Amateur scout | New Jersey Devils
A Providence College graduate, Breen has diligently worked his way up the ladder off the ice. He’s worked with the NHL in its licensing department and served as a video coach for the Providence Bruins.
The North Falmouth, Mass., native is now in his third season as an amateur scout for the New Jersey Devils as he completes law school at New England School of Law.
