Durham College (DC) Sport Management students Matt Manley and Jake Krotowski, were honoured with the ceremonial puck drop during the March 23 American Hockey League matchup between the Toronto Marlies and the Abbotsford Heat. The second-year students were recognized as the top sellers in a new DC and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) joint initiative where students were challenged with selling a minimum of 10 tickets to three selected Toronto Marlies games within four weeks.

“MLSE staff came to campus three times in the early part of the semester to give students direction on the products and how to sell them,” said Matt Akler, a professor in the Sport Management program. “They also provided many sales incentives for top sellers in the program including tickets to Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Marlies games, along with several other unique elements like the puck drop event and private networking opportunities.” 

As part of the challenge, the students were able to raise close to $2,700 for Camp Oochigeas, a group of camps in the Greater Toronto and Muskoka area for children battling cancer, with 20 per cent of the ticket sales going to the charity. The unique project also gave students the opportunity to gain real-world sales experience and demonstrate their abilities to plan and execute fundamental aspects associated with a successful event.

“I believe it was a very eye-opening exercise that showed them what it will take to be successful whether they are planning a sports event or any other kind of transactional relationship,” said Akler. “With the opportunity for students to personally connect with executives and gain real experience from the country’s most prominent professional sport organization while helping a local charity, this initiative is one that the Sport Management program is proud of and looks forward to continue for years to come.”