Throughout the 2022-23 off-season, the Ontario Hockey League will be spotlighting a member from each of our teams’ front office staffs as we look to highlight those working “Behind the Scenes” of the day-to-day operations.
The longest tenured member of the Erie Otters, the newest edition features Vice-President of Finance and Assistant General Manager, Jaime Cieszynski.
JC: I am Jaime Cieszynski, VP of Finance and Assistant General Manager for the Erie Otters. I have been with the Otters for 25 years! I started with the team back in 1998 – yes, the 90’s, as an intern during my time at Gannon University. In between my sophomore and junior years, I needed an internship. I was introduced to the team during a job fair, applied, and the rest is history.
What are your responsibilities as the Erie Otters VP of Finance and Assistant General Manager?
JC: My role is to oversee all financial duties of the club – accounts receivable, accounts payable, budgeting, etc. Then on the hockey operations side, I work on the administrative side in areas such as team immigration and insurance. I work with our players and our education partners to fulfil their academic pursuits while playing with the club. I also am the liaison with our parents for non-hockey related topics, such things as “how do I get tickets to the games?” or “where do I open a bank account?” or “do I need a US cell phone?”.
You are the club’s longest tenured member (23 years), what does the organization mean to you?
JC: It means everything to me. Some of my greatest friendships are because of this job. Some of the best moments of my life have been around this team or with the people that I have met. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What sparked your interest in junior hockey?
JC: I am a huge sports fan! But, full disclosure, before I started this job I didn’t have a clue about junior hockey. I grew up in Pittsburgh and junior hockey wasn’t something that was prevalent in my area. I even remember seeing the Otters score on the local news when I moved to Erie and I didn’t know who they were! Once I started with the team and I began to learn about the OHL, the CHL, and junior hockey in general, I was hooked. It was once I saw the game live and experienced our crowds that I truly became a fan.
What has been the most fulfilling part about working with the Otters?
JC: The most fulfilling part is two-fold for me. On one hand, it’s being with my Otters family and sharing our game with our fans. To be a small part of bringing that excitement to our fans and hometown is exhilarating. Then on the other hand, it is seeing our athletes work hard each day at a sport that they love. It’s always exciting for me to see what they do next.
