Hiring Process

In professional sports, the general manager is the most influential and scrutinized individual as he decides how the owner's money is spent. It is the General Manager who is often the difference between a succesful franchise and an abysmal one. In amateur sport, the executive director is often the individual faced with making the difficult decisions and is equally as important to the well fare of the organization as is the general manager in professional sports. Recognizing this, one would hope that the quality of individuals hired for an executive director role in amateur sports would be equally impressive as that of a general manager in professional sports. You decide for yourself.

In 2009, the Toronto Maple Leafs hired Brian Burke to be it's general manager. A former hockey player and Harvard Law Graduate, Burke was first hired by the Vancouver Canucks in 1987 as their Director of Player Operations. In 1992, Burke accepted a position with the NHL front office as Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations. In 1998, Burke left the NHL Head Office to accept a position with the Vancouver Canucks as the team's President and General Manager. Following a six year stint in Vancouver, Burke accepted the General Manager's job in Anaheim where he won a Stanley Cup in in 2007. In 2008, he was recognized by his peers as the league's most outstanding GM before departing for greener pastures in Toronto in 2009. In addition to his role with the Toronto Maple Leafs Burke is also, the Executive Director of USA Hockey.

In 2009, the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association hired Tamara Medwidsky as it's executive director. Tamara was a Collegiate Wrestler with Concordia University winning two national titles in 2000 & 2001. Following graduation, Tamara made an attempt to represent her country at the 2004 Olympics. However, after a dispute in which she filed a legal challenge with the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Asscoation over the selection process of a World Cup Team in 2003, Tamara left the sport in 2004 and accepted a role with Football Canada as a Program Coordinator. Following a three year stint with Football Canada, Tamara returned to Wrestling Canada as a Team Manager. After two years as a Team Manager - Tamara was promoted to the role of Executive Director in 2009.

In 2009 Hockey Canada hired Steve Yzerman to be Executive Director of Canada's Men's Olympic Hockey Team. A 22 year career with the Detroit Red Wings - where he served as the team's captain for 20 of those years - Yzerman retired in 2006 after winning three Stanley Cups and an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2002 Olympics. In 2007, Yzerman was named to the role of Vice-President of the Detroit Red Wings where in 2007-2008 he helped guide the team to it's fourth Stanley Cup in 15 years. In addition to his role with the Red Wings, Yzerman was General Manager of Hockey Canada at the 2007 IIHF World Championships where the Men's team won gold. Yzerman was appointed executive director of Hockey Canada's Men's Olympic Team in September 2008.

Perhaps these decisions show why some amateur sports organizations in Canada fail while others aspire to greatness. You be the judge.