1

Part A Networking Assignment

Kyle Crowe

Brock University, Sport Management

SPMA 1P92

Dr. Spence

October 8, 2021

(Interview not secured)

 2

Part A for this Networking assignment is to propose an interview of a sport professional

that is currently employed in the Canadian sport industry. The purpose of this assignment is to

learn more about the sports industry in which you plan to one day be a professional. I one day

aspire to be General Manager (GM) of a National Hockey League (NHL) organization, so that is

what I was looking for in terms of being an interviewee. With not much research using my prior

experience with LinkedIn and knowledge of my desired position in the industry, I came across

Rob Simpson, who is currently the Assistant general manager and prior General Manager for the

London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, located in London, Ontario, Canada. Mr.

Simpson played a significant role in the designing of the 2012-2013 London Knights team, who

went on to clinch the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) Championship that same season, as well as

assembling the 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup Championship team (ROB SIMPSON –

ASSOCIATE GENERAL MANAGER – London Knights, 2021). Although current players still

do not earn a salary, OHL organizations receive a revenue stream and therefore are in the

commercial industry sector in sport. As discussed previously, I am to conduct an interview with

my chosen Canadian sport professional. I look forward to accomplishing this as soon as possible

through LinkedIn, Twitter, or email. As for the interview, I am looking to complete it through the

platform Zoom. Zoom is a widely known meeting platform and seems effective to use for an

interview. An estimated date for an interview is around mid to late October, with the 2021-2022

season fast approaching it will be difficult to conduct an interview soon due to the beginning of

the OHL season.

 3

I have never done anything of this type, I have never conducted an interview before. This

is motivation alone for me, trying something new can be daunting. It is a valuable skill to have in

terms of being professional in a professional setting and talking confidently with someone you

aspire to be. This interview will provide me with a further understanding of the industry and how

everything functions. I intend to learn aspects of management and player development all while

maintaining a respectable stature towards clients, colleagues, and players. Being someone who is

trustful and credible sets you up for success and I believe I will consume these during an

interview of this type. One way of providing myself with the opportunity of consuming these

crucial skills and habits is to ask thorough questions. Three questions that can do that are 1. How

has being around people with a winning and determined mindset changed you as a person? Even

at an all-time low, what mindset brings you out of those dark times? 2. How important is direct

communication between players, coaches, and other members of the organization? 3. Who is one

person in your life that has changed your professional career? Whether that is a family member,

current or past co-worker. For starters, some dos are to ask meaningful questions, do your

research and know what you are talking about, be respectful and acknowledge appreciation.

Some don'ts, do not be condescending, do not forget you are taking up their time, do not show

lack of appreciation, do not treat interviews as casual.

Hello Mr. Simpson. My name is Kyle Crowe, and I am currently studying Sports

Management at Brock University in St Catherines, Ontario. My classmates and I are reaching out

to current professionals in the Candian sport industry for an assignment. I am contacting you for

an informational interview about you and your career in hockey management. Your story and

career path provides many learning opportunities not only for me but for others. The interview

will take place over Zoom. I do understand the OHL season is underway, I am estimating an
 4

interview length of under 45 minutes. I look forward to hearing from you and the possibility of

meeting via interview.

Thanks for your time! Kyle Crowe-Brock University.

 5

References

ROB SIMPSON – ASSOCIATE GENERAL MANAGER – London Knights. (2021).

Londonknights.com. https://londonknights.com/staff-robsimpson

‌London Knights 2015-16 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com. (2015).

Hockeydb.com. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0008142016.html