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 newest edition features Mississauga Steelheads Manager of Social Media and Community Relations, Samantha Fleming.
SM: My name is Samantha Fleming and I am the Manager of Social Media & Community Relations for the Mississauga Steelheads. With my Masters of Nutrition Communication, I have been able to be a part of the Steelheads organization in both capacities. I started with the team during the 2019-20 season as a Nutrition Intern and after completing my degree, I joined the front office in a full time Social Media role in October of 2021.
What are your responsibilities as the Steelheads’ Manager of Social Media and Community Relations?
SF: Being a part of a smaller front office means I have the opportunity to work in so many different areas. My main responsibilities are running the Steelheads social media and executing team communications; from posting TikToks, live-tweeting in-game, making graphics and highlight packs, writing press releases, and so much more. I also get to coordinate community appearances throughout the year, such as player meet and greets and charity events. Once the season is over, I spend a lot of time on the partnerships side and planning for the upcoming year.
What led you to your current role with the Steelheads?
SF: My path to where I am has been far from traditional. Throughout my career, I have found unique experiences that allowed me to combine my passions for nutrition and sports. Starting when I was in my undergraduate degree at Western University, I was a Promotions Intern for the London Knights during the 2016-17 season before working my way up to a Nutrition Intern position from 2017-19. When I graduated, I knew that I loved being a part of the OHL so much that I looked for an internship closer to home in Toronto. I sent an email to the Steelheads Athletic Therapist, Binne Brouwer, asking for an internship, and became the first person to ever take on this role with the Steelheads. Following the Covid-19 break, I saw a posting for the team’s Social Media Coordinator, and knew that this team was exactly where I wanted to be. I applied, got the role, and have since been promoted to a Manager position.
What is the most fulfilling part about working in the community of Mississauga?
SF: My favourite part about working in the community is getting to see how excited kids are when they get to meet our players or our mascot. It can mean so much to them to have the chance to speak with members of our team and take a picture with one of their hockey heroes, and getting to facilitate that is amazing.
What has been your favourite part about creating content with the team?
SF: My favourite part has been the strong connections I’ve gotten to make with everyone in the organization. From the staff in the office, to our players, coaching staff, and more, I get the chance to be a part of someone’s hockey career and make incredibly fun memories. While it may be that much more difficult then when people move on from the team, I know that these connections are what have made my job as fun, exciting, and fulfilling as it is.
