(September 14, 2018) Nick Marek understands you only get one chance to make a good first impression in the sportscasting job market. He also knows how to do it. Marek’s handle on self-promotion has led him to his new job as Media Relations and Broadcast Manager for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.
“There are some incredible people in the Western Hockey League and the Winterhawks front office,” says Marek. “Getting a chance to work with those individuals on a regular basis is going to force me to work harder. Portland has a championship mentality on the ice and I want to help make Portland a champion off the ice with everything we do behind the scenes.”
The Winterhawks opening was not published on the STAA job board. However, it was emailed to members on June 28th. Marek knew about it before then.
“When I heard that Evan Richardson wasn’t going to return for the 2018-19 season, I sent my information to [Sr. VP] Kelley Robinett to gauge which direction the Winterhawks were looking to go. Once the position officially opened, our conversations started and everything lined up seamlessly. The Winterhawks are a tremendous organization. In my opinion, the best in junior hockey.”
Marek believes making a strong first impression is key when pursuing a job. “I like to think of it as you have ten seconds to impress, whether it’s details on your resume, a broadcast reel or something else that makes you stand out,” he says. “In the sports industry, you learn that you have to be aggressive. I had a few connections to Portland while working in the NAHL and that was able to get me an interview.”
Marek’s NAHL experience came over the past four seasons with the Lone Star Brahamas, including the team’s Robertson Cup Championship in 2017. He also spent three years broadcasting hockey as a student at Arizona State University. Now Marek is heading back to the West Coast to work for the Winterhawks.
“We share a similar vision and I feel it’s going to be a great fit all around,” he smiles.
(Visit Nick’s website).