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The WCHA found themselves a cool million on Sept. 2, 2016, when they named Katie Million as the new commissioner of the women’s league.Million comes to the WCHA after serving as a longtime executive with the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid where she also worked with the 1980 Miracle On Ice team. We recently caught up with Katie about her plans for the top women’s collegiate league in the country. Here is what she had to say:

 

LPH: How did you get your start in hockey?

Katie Million: Well, my first memory of hockey was when I was about 5 years old. My family became very good friends with another family who are Canadian and who are, naturally, huge into hockey. One gorgeous winter day, we went to their backyard pond, they put me into a pair of hockey skates and the boys (I have two older brothers and they were a family with three older boys) taught me how to skate. I remember it being so much fun and watching the older boys play was awesome. 

LPH: What is your hockey background?

KM: Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to play competitive hockey, but a big part of my youth was definitely going to the rink on Friday nights with a group of friends and skating. My love of hockey continued when I went to college and got to watch the Oswego State Lakers play! I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Coach (Ed) Gosek and I think he is doing a great job with the men’s program there. I still keep tabs on my alma mater and have both the men’s and women’s hockey teams in my Twitter feed. And, of course, over the last 17 years my office has been in the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y. – a truly amazing experience!  

LPH: How did your education help lead you to this role?

KM: Earning my business administration degree from Oswego State University gave me a well-rounded education that has definitely helped me in each step of my career. I also believe that my college internship at Walt Disney World in Florida really helped shape who I am today and has had a huge influence in my life.   

LPH: Tell us about your experience in Lake Placid and your role there.

KM: For the last 17 years, I spent my career at the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid, N.Y., most recently in the role of Director of Events. I was involved in numerous events such as world championships, world cups, tournaments, festivals and made-for-TV events across multiple sports. It was a wonderful experience in my life and when you have the opportunity, every day, to walk through the doors of the 1980 Rink – Herb Brooks Arena (site of the greatest moment in sports history as proclaimed by Sports Illustrated) it’s almost impossible not to develop a deep passion for hockey. 

I had the opportunity to work on some great hockey events in Lake Placid such as the ECAC Hockey Men’s Championships, NCAA Division III Men’s Championships, the 2007 NCAA Division I Women’s Frozen Four, multiple USA Hockey events and, most recently, the “Miracle On Ice” Fantasy Camp. 

LPH: What made you decide to come to the WCHA?

KM: Honestly, I was not looking for a career change; this position almost found me. When I heard about the opening and saw the job description, I was surprised at how nicely my background and experiences matched up with the position. After working on multiple events over several sports, this role is my dream job! To have the ability to focus on one sport and one event – women’s college hockey and the WCHA Final Face-Off – is awesome and I am truly enjoying it. But I have to say, I’m most excited to be an advocate for the student-athletes of this conference. I hope to be a role model to these fine young women and be an example that hard work, dedication and determination can open doors and provide exciting opportunities on and off the ice, such as this one for me. 

LPH: Describe the current state of WCHA women’s hockey and what are some immediate areas of focus for you as commissioner?

KM: It is so exciting to be a part of the WCHA and women’s hockey right now. The growth of the sport among girls and women has increased tenfold and the level of competition is amazing. The WCHA is the premier league in the country for women’s hockey, having won 16 of 17 national championships since the league was formed in 1999. My immediate focus is to help continue that winning tradition and excellence among our fine programs.  

LPH: What are your long-term goals and objectives for the conference?

KM: I’m excited to direct my energy to one single sport, WCHA women’s collegiate hockey, to continue the WCHA’s winning tradition, and help to lead the development and advancement nationally of women’s hockey. I am working with the staff to seek ways of gaining exposure and promoting the league through new and progressive initiatives. I’m excited to execute some of my ideas on new revenue streams and sponsorship for the league and the WCHA Final Face-Off. As with all organizations, finances are of huge importance, so we are thinking outside the box and striving for increased sponsorship of the Women’s League through new and fun partnership opportunities. These are exciting times for the WCHA! I am grateful for this opportunity and ready for these challenges. 

LPH: Describe your role as commissioner. What are your day to day duties? 

KM: I’ve been in this role for two months now and I can tell you that every day has been different! My first objective was to get to each of our campuses (Bemidji State University; University of Minnesota; University of Minnesota Duluth; Minnesota State University, Mankato; University of North Dakota; Ohio State University; St. Cloud State University; University of Wisconsin) and meet everyone, including the student-athletes. That goal has been achieved and it’s been a true pleasure getting to know all those involved in the WCHA Women’s League. So far, every day has been a learning experience – whether it’s learning policies and procedures, reviewing rules, reviewing plays with our supervisor of officials, working with the NCAA, going to games, coordinating with the other hockey commissioners, seeking new avenues for sponsorship, advertising and promotion, meeting and building new relationships, or keeping updated on our social media channels. Definitely a lot of multi-tasking, which I am fortunately used to and enjoy!

LPH: Why is the WCHA Women’s League ticket a good ticket to buy for the average hockey fan?

KM: Any hockey fan is going to see a great game with a great level of competition at any WCHA Women’s League game; and it’s a very family-friendly atmosphere! Our eight-team league, from top (current national rankings:  No. 1 Wisconsin, No. 2 Minnesota, No. 3 Minnesota Duluth and No. 9 North Dakota) to bottom, is competitive and every team has to show up ready to play every game. It’s inspiring to watch these women play and develop into leaders and champions. In addition, if you look at the alumni of this league you will find countless All-Americans, National Team members and Olympians who’ve gone on to do great things in their own careers.

LPH: What are some of the exciting things happening in the Women’s WCHA?

KM: I think the most exciting news to share is our recent unprecedented television announcement and partnership with FOX Sports North!  Women’s hockey regular season games have only aired as infrequent one-offs before, and we are grateful that FOX Sports North has agreed to broadcast the first-ever, full package of eight regular season games on their channels, as well as our Final Face-Off Championship game on Sunday, March 5.  In addition, the 11th Annual Hockey Day Minnesota will feature WCHA women’s hockey for the first time as St. Cloud State hosts Minnesota State at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. I encourage everyone reading this to watch our games on television – and, more importantly, to come out to some games and support our great women’s teams!

LPH: Any additional comments?

KM: Thank you for this opportunity, Let’s Play Hockey!  I am excited to be part of the rich hockey history here in the “State of Hockey” and look forward to meeting everyone reading this! See you at the rink!