NAVIGATING THE ICE: FROM PROFESSIONAL PLAYER TO PRESIDENT | Joey Haddad | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

In this episode of the Atlantic Ambition podcast, host Barrett McDonald sits down with Joey Haddad, President of the Cape Breton Eagles, to unpack his remarkable journey from pro hockey player to running one of the QMJHL’s most community‑driven franchises.

Joey shares how:

Growing up in Cape Breton and playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) shaped his career
A 13‑year pro career in AHL, ECHL, and Europe (UK) and earning his MBA prepared him for life after hockey
He built a successful home inspection business and coached U18 AAA before returning to the Eagles
A sales role offer turned into a roadmap to President & GM of Business Operations
The Eagles rebuilt sponsorships, season tickets, and attendance and “won back” the community
The organization is modernizing its operations and arena, Centre 200, as a true island‑wide events hub
They’re positioning for a future Memorial Cup bid (2028 or 2031)
You’ll also hear Joey break down:

How he hires and builds his front‑office “business team”
Why energy, enthusiasm, and love of the game matter more than a perfect résumé
What a full year of business operations looks like for a junior hockey club—from draft and sales to playoffs and off‑season planning
How community partnerships, fan experience, and on‑ice performance all connect
If you’re interested in sports business, leadership, or community‑driven organizations, this conversation is full of practical insight and real‑world examples from inside a modern junior hockey franchise.

Suggested Chapters (Adjust times once edited)
0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Joey Haddad
0:40 – Joey’s junior career and pro hockey journey
2:00 – Playing in Europe and earning an MBA
4:00 – Transitioning out of hockey and starting a home inspection business
6:00 – Coaching U18 AAA and first approach from the Eagles
7:30 – Negotiating a bigger role and roadmap with new ownership
9:00 – Rebuilding the business: sales, sponsorships, and community trust
11:30 – The playoff run that signaled “the Eagles are back”
13:30 – Arena modernization and Centre 200 as Cape Breton’s epicenter
15:30 – Building a front‑office team & what Joey looks for in hires
19:00 – A year in the life of the Eagles’ business operations

Enjoy the episode?
👍 Like, 💬 comment with your favorite insight, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations with leaders making an impact in business and community.

#CapeBretonEagles #JoeyHaddad #QMJHL #HockeyBusiness #SportsBusiness #CapeBreton #JuniorHockey #Leadership #BusinessSpotlightSeries#business
#advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success