Friday, July 2, 2010

Macdonell Named USHL VP of Business Operations

Press Release

Chicago, IL -The United States Hockey League today announced that Joe Macdonell has been named Vice President of Business Operations.

"Joe brings to the USHL, and to the Office of the Commissioner, a wealth of talent and expertise in virtually all areas of team and League management," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "He will be a critical addition to a League that is focused not only on developing the finest hockey players in the world, but doing so in a sound business environment that insures stability and growth."

Macdonell's experience in the sports industry spans over 25 years, and covers the full array of team management functions including ticket sales, operations, and financial management. For the past three years, he has served as the Vice President of Business Operations for the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The Homer Glen, Illinois native began his career in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets. He was a key member of the club's management team in the early 1990's when ticket sales surged under legendary NBA executive Jon Spoelstra. As Vice President of Ticket Operations for the Nets, Macdonell was one of the youngest vice presidents in the NBA. He also served as part of the senior management team that turned around the MLS's New York/New Jersey MetroStars, now known as the Red Bulls.

Macdonell earned an MBA in finance from the University of Notre Dame in 1985 while also holding a bachelor's degree in accounting from Seton Hall University.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrated its eighth season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2009-10. With over 235 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 35 NHL Entry Draft picks on League rosters this past season, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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