Former NHLer Kyle Okposo joins NHL Players Association staff

The NHL Players’ Association has added a few names to its staff, including a familiar name hockey fans.

On Thursday, Executive Director Marty Walsh announced that former NHL player and Stanley Cup champion Kyle Okposo will join the union as Business Development and Player Engagement Advisor. Also, Steve Scebelo has been named the Chief Commerical Officer, while Stephanie Maniago joins the staff as Manager of Communications and Media Relations.

Okposo played 1,051 games across 17 seasons, making stops with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers. It was with the Panthers where the St. Paul, Minnesota native realized his dream, winning the Stanley Cup with Florida last spring.

Across his longstanding career, Okposo scored 242 goals and 372 assists for 614 points, notching 17 points in 41 playoff games.

Along with being one of the more experienced names in the game, Okposo also served on the NHLPA Executive Board during his career.

“I’m thrilled to join the NHLPA at this time of growth opportunities for the players,” Okposo said in a release. “I was involved with the PA over the course of my career, and I have seen firsthand the staff’s work on behalf of players. I am excited to add my perspective and experience to that work and further expand opportunities for NHLPA members.”

Among his duties, Okposo will handle membership engagement projects and assist the business affairs department with growth initiatives and development.

Scebelo, the founder and president of sports and licensing consulting firm REP Worldwide, comes to the union with experience working for the NFLPA and serving as president of NFL Players, Inc.

Maniago brings decades of experience working in hockey as she was part of the communications department at Canucks Sports & Entertainment for 15 years, along with other various projects.

Okposo and Scebelo will begin their roles on May 5 and Maniago on May 26.