About this episode

Joey Haddad shares his journey from professional hockey player to President of the Cape Breton Eagles, discussing community engagement and business operations in junior hockey.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Barrett McDonald

Guest: Joey Haddad

Topics covered

• sports business
• leadership
• community-driven organizations
• hockey
• entrepreneurship
• career transition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cape Breton Eagles, QMJHL, AHL, ECHL

Places: Cape Breton, UK, Centre 200

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Atlantic Ambition podcast page.