Front Office

Email: todd.frederickson@iowawild.com

Since his hiring on April 24, 2013, President Todd Frederickson has been an instrumental and driving force in hockey’s return to the Des Moines market. 

During the course of the first seven seasons, the Wild has averaged nearly 6,000 fans per game and completely entrenched itself as one of the premier franchises in the American Hockey League. The Frederickson-led front office broke its’ own record by re-setting the all-time attendance mark for a professional hockey game in the state of Iowa when the team welcomed 14,282 patrons to Wells Fargo Arena on Sept. 19, 2018, when the organization hosted an NHL preseason game between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. 

Under his leadership, the team has garnered numerous awards in its short existence. During the summer of 2019, the Wild won four awards, including Team of the Year, Social Media Department of the Year, Outstanding Fan Experience and Best Unique Game Operations Promotion. Frederickson was also honored by the league as the 2019 recipient of the Thomas Ebright Award in recognition of his career contributions to the AHL.

In 2018, Iowa was honored for the third straight season as the AHL’s Corporate Sales Team of the Year, with more than 100% growth backed by new and creative sponsorships. In 2016-17, Iowa Wild was awarded best Digital Media Experience for fans.

In July of 2015, the club was awarded the Best Fan Experience for the AHL’s Western Conference. The organization also racked up three more business-growth awards at the AHL League Marketing Meetings in June of 2015. The Iowa Wild picked up more honors in July of 2015 after Drake University selected team mascot “Crash” for the Character Counts! Program – Mascot of Character Award.

As the first president in team history, Frederickson integrated a successful business plan by creating community-based initiatives such as the Healthy Living Floor Hockey Program and the team’s Wild About Reading campaign. In all, more 150,000 young students throughout central Iowa participated in the team’s floor hockey and reading programs in the first five seasons.

In addition to these programs, the Iowa Wild continues to expand its local growth through community programs. During the 2017-18 season, Iowa Wild, partnered with Iowa Corn, introduced Hockey Days Iowa, the largest outdoor 3-on-3 hockey tournament in Iowa history. More than 300 players from multiple states making up more than 40 teams competed in the inaugural event, which took place in a cornfield in the greater Des Moines area. Because of the success of Hockey Days Iowa, the Wild received the AHL Corporate Promotion of the Year and Community Service Excellence awards at the 2018 AHL Team Business Meetings.

During the winter of 2016, the club partnered with Wells Fargo to christen the first-ever outdoor rink at Raccoon River in West Des Moines. Furthermore, the team has since added six more rinks since the program's inception, reaching communities such as Waukee, Ankeny, Indianola, Ames, Johnston and Urbandale, bringing the total number of rinks to seven. 

In the summer of 2017, Iowa Wild introduced new programs designed for beginners and a separate league for those with physical disabilities. Boys and girls between the ages of 4-12 could sign up for the Junior Crash Course, which allows kids the opportunity to play hockey without the burden of purchasing expensive equipment. Through the program, a total of 250 kids in the Des Moines Metro has graduated from Junior Crash Course into youth hockey. In addition, through a donation made by the Minnesota Wild Foundation and a partnership with Adaptive Sports Iowa, the Iowa Wild announced a Sled Hockey League to begin play in fall of 2017.  

Aside from his team responsibilities, Frederickson takes pride in helping his local community. In 2017, he oversaw a successful fundraiser for the American Heart Association (AHA) as the chairman for their annual Heart Walk. The annual jersey auction has generated roughly $60,000 in funds from the hockey club alone. Frederickson served on the board of the AHA from 2014-17, with a strong tie to the AHA because his son Will had open-heart surgery seven days after birth.

Since 2014, he has served as a volunteer chairman for the Mid-Iowa Friends of Scouting – which provides leadership for annual fundraising campaigns for the Mid-Iowa Council Boy Scouts of America. The only president in Iowa history also makes time to serve on the board for the Susan G. Komen of Greater Iowa since March of 2016. In addition, he was the acting Corporate Chair for the Walk to Defeat ALS in October of 2016.

Prior to taking over in Iowa, Frederickson had served as the AHL’s Vice President, Team Business Services, leading the league to five consecutive years of ticket sales and corporate sales growth.

Before joining the AHL, Frederickson spent time with the Atlanta Falcons organization. Prior to that, Frederickson spent 10 years in the ticketing department of the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, including three years as their executive director of ticket sales and service. The Wolves led the AHL in attendance during the 2004-05 season, averaging more than 9,200 fans per game.

The Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., native, is a graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio. He resides in West Des Moines, with his wife Kristy and their two children: Lilly (10) and William (7). 

Email: alexandra.brown@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: It’s been a great opportunity to build a business from the ground up and know that how hard you work makes an impact on the success of the organization. I enjoy the people I get to work with and I love seeing the passion and pride each person has for what they do.

Best thing about your job:  I love creating a fun, unforgettable experience for fans and seeing the passion they have for the sport. I also enjoy the opportunities we have as a team to make an impact in the local community. 

Hometown: Emmetsburg, Iowa

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Colorado, Pennsylvania, Spain, Iowa

College degree/year/school: Marketing and Spanish at the University of Iowa, 2011.

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Misti May, Kerri Walsh, Ryan Theriot, Phil Mickelson

As a child, you dreamed of becoming:  Sound Designer (person who creates a movie’s soundtrack)

First job/your age: A Heavenly Celebration Bridal, age 15

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: University of Iowa Hawkeyes

Proudest professional accomplishment: Developing and executing a new marketplace promotion - the post-game country concert night with Grammy-nominated artist, Cam, which resulted in one of the organization's highest attended revenue-generating games. Since then, we have hosted Parmalee, Gaelic Storm, Cassadee Pope and Brett Young; the dates have become marquee games for each season.

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Make-a-Wish Foundation, Iowa Wild's Junior Crash Course, Tame the Hunger

Most exciting/unique thing you’ve done or place you’ve visited: Waterfall repelling in Alicante, Spain

Sports played growing up: Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Track

Favorite foods: Sushi, pizza, mushrooms, avocado, Oreos

Favorite sports movie: Happy Gilmore, Miracle, Moneyball

Favorite book or author: Ken Follett, J.K. Rowling

Favorite subject in elementary school: English

Favorite spectator sports: College football, hockey, golf, baseball

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Wild, Chicago Cubs

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies:  sand volleyball, biking, fishing, golfing, reading

Email: allie.hartman@iowawild.com

Hometown: Storm Lake, IA

States you’ve lived in: Only ever lived in Iowa! 

College degree/year/school: Strategic Public Relations with tracks in Event Planning and Sports Communication – 2019 -- Buena Vista University

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Jennie Finch

Personal/professional hero(es): My parents

First job/your age: Barista at Grand Central Coffee Station

Sports played growing up: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball

Favorite foods: Spaghetti and Tatertot Hot dish

Favorite music artists: Anything Country

Favorite sports movie: Blindside

Favorite book or author: Nicolas Sparks

Favorite spectator sports: Football and Baseball

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Buena Vista Beavers

Email: brent.arnold@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: Working for an organization that has similar goals and focus.

Best thing about your job: The passion & pride of the organization and its employees to provide a great fan experience. 

Hometown: Johnston, RI

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Rhode Island, New Hampshire

College degree/year/school: B.S. in Sport Management, Southern New Hampshire University, 2010

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Trot Nixon

Personal/professional hero(es): My Mother

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: Fire Fighter

First job/your age: 16, Dishwasher

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: Providence Bruins and Manchester Monarchs

Proudest professional accomplishment: Relationships developed and maintained with clients & co-workers over my 7 years working in sports. 

Sports played growing up: Baseball and Volleyball 

Favorite foods: Steak, Buffalo Chicken

Favorite music artists: Jason Aldean , Cole Swindell, Chris Stapleton 

Favorite sports movie: Mighty Ducks

Favorite subject in elementary school: Math

Favorite spectator sports: Baseball, Basketball

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots, Providence College Friars

Email: john.savoia@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: The collaboration from all of our employees in all of the departments with a common goal of constantly improving our product for our fans and community partners.

Best thing about your job: Watching the joy of our fans, partners and staff after a successful game night

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Iowa

Sports idol as a youth: Larry Bird, Boston Celtics

Personal/professional hero: My Dad

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: Sports Broadcaster

First job/your age:  Grocery Store in Boston, Bagging Groceries, 15 years old

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: As an intern in grad school I worked for the American Hockey League, Springfield Falcons, Washington Redskins and the Boston Celtics. After college, I've spent most of my career with the Providence Bruins Hockey Team and also worked for Sports Radio WEEI-FM

Proudest professional accomplishment: The friendships and professional relationships I've been able to develop and the amount I've learned from a lot of great people in my career.

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Jimmy Fund of Boston and NAMI

Sports played growing up: Basketball, Baseball and Soccer

An interesting fact about you: I had two different stints with the Providence Bruins that added up to a total of 19 1/2 years

Favorite foods: Italian and Seafood

Favorite music artists: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, U2, Dave Matthews, John Mayer

Favorite sports movie: League Of Their Own

Favorite book or author: When Pride Still Mattered, David Maraniss

Favorite subject in elementary school: Math

Favorite spectator sports: Football and Basketball

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Jogging, Biking, going to the beach, going out to a restaurant

 

Email: hailey.johnson@iowawild.com

Hometown: Des Moines, IA

First job/your age: Lifeguard, Age 14

Favorite food : Sushi

Favorite music artists: The Black Keys, Frank Ocean, Mac Miller

Favorite Spectator Sport: F1 & Hockey

Email: coleman.peer@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: The ability to play a role in creating long-lasting memories for all our fans! 

Best thing about your job: I am able to talk to new people every day, learn from great people on our team and do it in a sport I love. 

Hometown:  Poughkeepsie, New York 

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, 

Iowa 

College degree/year/school: Undergrad: Ohio University bachelor's in business administration with a major in Entrepreneurship 

Grad School: Ohio University Dual Master’s Program, Master of Sports Administration and Master of Business Administration 

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Sidney Crosby has always been someone I have looked up to as someone who is a world class superstar but has always been involved in the community he was born in, as well as Pittsburgh, and the hockey community as a whole. He is someone a lot of current and future players look up to, as he is an example of what a professional should be. 

As a child, you dreamed of: I dreamed of being a quarterback in the NFL. 

First job/your age: Soccer Referee at the age of 14. 

Current dream job:  Chief Revenue Officer of an NHL organization. 

Proudest professional accomplishment: Achieving my goal of working in the professional hockey world with the Iowa Wild! 

Favorite charities/charitable causes:  Any charity that involves fighting cancer and supporting the families of those with cancer. My family has been unfortunate that it has been touched by this disease too many times and the support we have received has been nothing short of amazing. 

Sports played growing up: Basketball, Soccer, and Football 

Favorite foods: Buffalo chicken, chicken parm, cheeseburgers, and pizza 

Favorite music artists:  Khalid, Luke Combs, Post Malone, Thomas Rhett 

Favorite sports movie:  Miracle on Ice 

Favorite subject in elementary school:  Gym 

Favorite spectator sports: Football and Hockey 

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild):  Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates 

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies:  Watching sports, playing video games, golf, playing sports, and hanging with friends. 

Email: travis.green@iowawild.com

Hometown: Algona, Iowa 

 

What you enjoy most about working for the Wild/ best thing about your job: Working with a talented group of people who are just as passionate as I am about their careers and hockey.

 

States (/provinces/countries) you’ve lived in: Iowa & Minnesota. 

 

College degree/year/school: Bachelor of Fine Arts - Emphasis Graphic Design, 2014, MNSU - Mankato 

 

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Shaq & “Penny” Hardaway, The ’92 Dream Team, Kirby Puckett and Chipper Jones.

 

Personal/professional hero(es): My parents, Aaron Draplin and Allan Peters.

 

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: Being an animator for Nickelodeon.

 

First job/your age: K-Mart (Pantry Department) / 16 years old. 

 

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: This is my first foray into the world of sports. 

 

Proudest professional accomplishment: Redesigning the website for one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies and earning the opportunity to work with the Iowa Wild.

 

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Moving Veterans Forward & Hope For Paws 

 

Sports played growing up: Basketball & Track 

 

An interesting fact about you: Pizza is my second language. 

 

Favorite foods: All the pizza. 

 

Favorite music artists: Foo Fighters, Blue October, The Gaslight Anthem, Phantogram, Nothing But Thieves, Gang of Youths

 

Favorite sports movie: Southpaw, Moneyball, Creed, Space Jam (Original).

 

Favorite book or author: The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien 

 

Favorite subject in elementary school: Art & Art History 

 

Favorite spectator sports: Hockey & Baseball 

 

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Capital City Crushers (wink-wink). 

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Watching movies, concerts, playing drums, making art.

Email: emily.garner@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: Creating a fun and memorable game experience for fans

Best thing about your job: Seeing the impact game presentation has on the fans and seeing the reactions firsthand on game days

Hometown: San Jose, CA

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: California

College degree/year/school: San Jose State University, BA Communications, 2023

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Patrick Marleau, Mike Ricci, Buster Posey 

Personal/professional hero(es): My sister, Herb Brooks

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: A Teacher

First job/your age: Safeway - Deli (18)

An interesting fact about you: Took 8 years of piano lessons

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: San Jose Barracuda, San Jose Sharks, San Jose Earthquakes, San Fransisco 49ers

Proudest professional accomplishment: Opening Tech CU Arena in San Jose. Producing Patrick Marleau's Legends game in 2023, assisting with his banner raising at SAP Center in San Jose

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Anything supporting women in sports

Sports played growing up: Soccer, softball

Favorite foods: Sushi, Lasagna

Favorite sports movie: Miracle

Favorite TV show: The Office, New Girl, Parks and Recreation

Favorite subject in elementary school: History 

Favorite spectator sports: Baseball, Football, Soccer

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): San Fransisco Giants, San Fransisco 49ers, San Jose Earthquakes

Email: brooklyn.dean@iowawild.com

What you Love Most about Working for the Wild: Being able to better connect our amazing fans to our team and players through our social media content!

Hometown: Crosslake, MN

States You've Lived In: Minnesota and Iowa

College Degree: BA in Strategic Communications from the University of Minnesota (graduated Dec. 2023)

Sports Idols as a Youth: Justin Morneau, Brian Dozier, TJ Oshie

Sports Played Growing Up: Volleyball

Favorite sports movie: Miracle on Ice

Favorite Spectator Sports: Hockey, Baseball, Volleyball

Favorite Pro/College Sports Teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Twins, University of Minnesota Golden Gophers! 

 

 

Email: emma.prewitt@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: I love learning something new every day!

Best thing about your job: Being able to connect and share memories with the fan base.

Hometown: Brenham, Texas

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Texas, and now Iowa

College degree/year/school: B.S. in Economics, 2023, Texas A&M 

Sports idol(s) as a youth: JJ Watt, Simone Biles

First job/your age: Lifeguard at 16

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Habitat for Humanity

Favorite music artists: Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, Megan Moroney

Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans or Field of Dreams

Favorite spectator sports: Baseball, F1, hockey

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Houston Astros, Texas A&M Aggies

Hockey Idols as a Kid: Jordan Greenway, Jared Spurgeon, Matt Dumba, Joel Eriksson Ek

Professional Idol: Nordy

Favorite Charities: Anything for the kids!

Favorite colors: FOREST GREEN, IRON RANGE RED, HARVEST GOLD AND WILD WHEAT

Favorite food: POPCORN AND HOT DOGS

Sports played growing up: ICE HOCKEY, POND HOCKEY, FLOOR HOCKEY, ROLLER HOCKEY

Instruments Played: HIGHLY SKILLED IN COWBELL PERFORMANCE

Birthday: February 16, 2014

 

Dreamed of Becoming: The best Mascot in the AHL

 

Other Sports Teams Worked for: NONE

 

Favorite Songs: Wild Thing, Born to Be Wild, Wild World, Maria (I like it Loud)

 

Favorite Books: Into the Wild, Where the Wild Things Are

 

Favorite Letter: W

Email: kelcee.kent@iowawild.com

Hometown: Mosinee, WI

States (/provinces/countries) you’ve lived in: Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Iowa

College degree/year/school: Bachelors of Science in Communication Studies, Minor in Journalism, 2018, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Brett Favre

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: Green Bay Packers, Green Bay Gamblers, and Fargo Force

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Charities that make a direct impact on their local communities!  

Sports played growing up: Basketball, Soccer  

Favorite music artists: Drake, Don Toliver, Lana Del Rey, and The Lumineers   

Favorite sports movie: Miracle, The Benchwarmers

Favorite book or author: True Crime Books

Favorite subject in elementary school: English, Art

Favorite spectator sports: Football, Hockey

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Golf, Thrifting, and DIY Projects

Email: Morgan.Biretz@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: Working within a supportive and goal focused organization, as well as being able to advance current skills and formulate new experiences.

 

Best thing about your job: Cultivating new relationships with fans of the Wild, as well as with coworkers!

 

States you’ve lived: Only Iowa!

 

College degree/year/school: Recent 2023 Graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelors of Science in Management with an additional major in marketing!

 

Personal/professional hero(s): Both of my parents

 

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: a Neurosurgeon

 

Favorite music artists: A$AP Rocky, Lizzo, Migos, 21 Savage

 

Favorite sports movie: A League of Their Own

 

Favorite pro/college sports teams: Iowa State Cyclones and the Chicago Bears

Email: jordan.lipinski@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: The community around hockey in Des Moines.

Best thing about your job: The ability to interact and connect with fans.

Hometown: Wenona, IL

College degree/year/school: Bachelor’s of the Arts: Communications and Media Practice. / 2024/ Grand View University

As a child, you dreamed of:  Making my parents proud.

First job/your age: Waitress, Age 15: 

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Nonprofits and charities that help local communities and young individuals.

Sports played growing up: Soccer, Competitive Dance.

Favorite foods: My mom’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Favorite music artists: Noah Kahan, Hozier, Arctic Monkeys, Renee Rapp

Favorite spectator sports: NASCAR, Hockey

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Reading, Thrifting, and Baking

Email: megan.kurtz@iowawild.com

Hometown: Dakota Dunes, South Dakota                                   

College degree/year/school: Advertising with minors in Marketing, Social Media, Business Economics, Sports and Recreational Management, and Graphic Design at South Dakota State, 2025

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Simone Biles

Current dream job: Entertainment Director at the Savannah Bananas

Sports played growing up: Volleyball, Tennis, and Softball

Favorite music artists: Elijah Louis, Megan Moroney, and Evan Honer

Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Houston Texans, Atlanta Braves, and UMichigan Football

Email: ben.gislason@iowawild.com

Hometown: Burnsville, MN

What you enjoy most about working for the Wild/ best thing about your job: The family environment & working in a sport I’ve loved since diapers.

States (/provinces/countries) you’ve lived in: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, & Iowa

College degree/year/school: Bachelors of Arts in Multimedia Journalism

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Ray Bourque, Mike Modano & Paul Kariya

Personal/professional hero(es): My dad, Eric, Chris Cuthbert, & Brendan Burke

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: A NHL Play-By-Play Broadcaster

First job/your age: Pre-school janitor when I was 13

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

Proudest professional accomplishment: Calling the 2nd period of the St. Louis Blues v. Utah Hockey Club preseason game in Des Moines.

Favorite charities/charitable causes: The Hendrickson Foundation, InSports Foundation, Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Sports played growing up: Hockey, baseball & golf.

An interesting fact about you: A goal I scored in high school hockey made Sportscenter’s Top-10 Plays on ESPN.

Favorite foods: Chicken, asparagus, rice, steak.

Favorite music artists: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Gord Lightfoot, & Mozart.

Favorite sports movie: Semi-Pro

Favorite book or author: The Hobbit/J.R.R Tolkien

Favorite subject in elementary school: History

Favorite spectator sports: Hockey, soccer, football.

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, & Tottenham Hotspur.

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Spending time with my wife, playing guitar, fishing, hunting, & collecting vinyl records.

Email: alec.lessner@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: Working for an organization that is committed to growing the game of hockey in Iowa and preparing players and staff for the next level

Best thing about your job: Walking into a rink for work every day

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Iowa

College degree/year/school: Bachelors of Arts, History and Art History, Class of 2014, University of Michigan

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Chase Utley, Kimmo Timonen

First job/your age: Intramural referee (18)

An interesting fact about you: I listen to music on an iPod Touch

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: Detroit Red Wings, Rockford IceHogs

Proudest professional accomplishment: Using the sport of hockey to educate and empower under-resourced youth of Philadelphia while coaching at Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education and earning a charitable donation to the foundation from Wawa

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education

Sports played growing up: Baseball

Favorite foods: Macaroni and cheese, pasta, Life Savers Gummies Neons, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish

Favorite sports movie: Caddyshack, Slapshot, Semi-Pro

Favorite TV show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Favorite subject in elementary school: History

Favorite spectator sports: Hockey, Baseball

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, University of Michigan Wolverines

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Golfing, biking, fishing

Email: jon.schaeffer@iowawild.com

Bio: Jon Schaeffer is a Des Moines native, raised around hockey. Jon started his playing career at a young age through the travel programs of Des Moines Youth Hockey up to high school with the Des Moines Capitals. His career on the ice ended there, but he spent more than a decade as a sports anchor including nearly eight years at Des Moines' ABC affiliate, WOI. Schaeffer is an advocate for the growth of hockey in central Iowa and took great pride in sharing stories within the hockey community during his time with WOI. Now he helps anchor the pregame, intermission and post game shows on FloHockey for Iowa Wild home broadcasts. You can find him perched in section 116 or between the glass amongst the action on the ice at Wells Fargo Arena.

Email: garrett.cecere@iowawild.com

Bio: A West Des Moines, IA native, Garrett joins the Wild as an analyst after a wealth of recent playing and coaching experience. He grew up in playing Des Moines Youth Hockey and moved onto prep school and juniors playing in the NAHL and USHL. Garrett played college hockey at Northeastern University before progressing to the professional ranks where he played 181 games in four seasons in the ECHL from 2018-2022 with the Reading Royals, Maine Mariners and Tulsa Oilers. After playing, he spent the 2022-23 campaign as an assistant coach with the Des Moines Buccaneers. Garrett analyzes the games and commentates alongside Ben and Jon on KxNO and FloHockey, as well as select MC22 TV games.

Email: lisa.rothlein@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: Working with other hard-working, like-minded people who love hockey

Best thing about your job: The chance to create a team from the ground up

Hometown: Long Island, NY

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: New York, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Iowa

College degree/year/school: BS Sports Management, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, 1993

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Wayne Gretzky

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: Someone who worked for a hockey team. (And I did it!)

First job/your age: Babysitting, age 12.

Current dream job: Ticket Operations for a major league team, preferably NHL

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: New York Islanders, USTA, Nashville Knights, Pensacola Ice Pilots, Pensacola Barracudas, Houston Aeros

Proudest professional accomplishment: 2003 - Handling the transition to a new arena and new ticketing system in only eight weeks

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Lung Association, donating school supplies

Most exciting/unique thing you’ve done or place you’ve visited: Swimming with dolphins in Marathon Key, FL

Favorite foods: Seafood, NY Bagels, Sushi, Mexican

Favorite music artists: Billy Joel, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Foo Fighters

Favorite sports movie: Slapshot, Miracle, A League of Their Own, Remember the Titans, Moneyball

Favorite book or author: The Outsiders, The Stand, Water for Elephants,

Favorite subject in elementary school: Creative Writing

Favorite spectator sports: Hockey, Tennis, all Olympic sports

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): New York Rangers, New York Giants, Minnesota Wild

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Traveling, reading, movies, going to concerts

 

 

Email: Kyle.weeden@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: Providing entertainment for clients

Best thing about your job: Making clients happy!

Hometown: Des Moines, IA

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Iowa - Arizona

College degree/year/school: Sports Management – 2015 – Buena Vista University

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Ron Artest

As a child, you dreamed of: Owning my own business

First job/your age: Grocery Bagger – Dahl’s Foods – Age 14

Current dream job: COO of a Sports Team

Proudest professional accomplishment: Moving back home and accepting a job with the Wild

Favorite charities/charitable causes: ALS Association

Sports played growing up: Basketball - Tennis

Favorite foods: Pizza

Favorite music artists: Kid Cudi

Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite book or author: Any book about sports

Favorite subject in elementary school: History

Favorite spectator sports: Basketball, Football, Hockey

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Iowa Hawkeyes

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Hanging with family & friends, playing with my dog, movies

Email: mike.bladzik@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: The opportunity to be a part of a well-respected organization and getting fans out to  a game create long term memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to work in sports!

Hometown: Ionia, Michigan

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Michigan – Indiana - Iowa

College degree/year/school: Sports Management – 2017 – Grand Valley State University

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Ben Wallace, Miguel Cabrera, Calvin Johnson, Steve Yzerman, Nick Lidstrom

As a child, you dreamed of: being a professional athlete

First job/your age: Delivery Driver for a local restaurant – Olivera’s – age 16

Current dream job: C Level Postion of a Sports Team

Proudest professional accomplishment: Winning Trainer of the Year with my last organization.

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Movember – Men’s Health and Cancer Awareness

Sports played growing up: Football, Baseball, Bowling and Golf

Favorite foods: Pizza

Favorite music artists: AC/DC

Favorite sports movie: Dodgeball or Major League

Favorite book or author: Brandon Sanderson and Matt Dinnaman

Favorite subject in elementary school: History

Favorite spectator sports: Football, Hockey, Baseball and Golf

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Hanging with family & friends, playing golf, disc golf and watching a good movie or TV series

Email: arthur.braden@iowawild.com

What do you love most about working for the Wild? I enjoy creating memorable experiences for fans, so they keep coming to our games.   

Best thing about your job? Being a part of something bigger than myself

College Degree: Graduated from Grand View University with a Bachelors in Sports Management in 2022

Sports Idol as a kid: Reggie Bush   

Hometown: Pulaski, Tennessee   

Personal/Professional heroes:  My parents 

As a child, what did you dream of becoming: A pro football player or an NFL coach 

First job/your age: Assistant football coach for youth camps / Age 15   

Other sports teams you have worked for: Iowa Cubs and Quad City Storm   

An interesting fact about me: I have school records at Pleasant Valley High School in football and track.

Sports played growing up: Football, Soccer, Baseball, Track, and Basketball.  

Proudest professional accomplishment:  Being able to work with underprivileged kids gives them an opportunity to enjoy a hockey game and create memories that will last a lifetime

Email: troy.tischler@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: The people and the great culture

Best thing about your job: Getting to learn and create relationships with all the amazing people in the office

Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Minnesota

College degree/year/school: University of St. Thomas, 2022 (Bachelors in Marketing Management)

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Alexander Ovechkin and Neymar Jr

Personal/professional hero(es): My Parents

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: Pro hockey or soccer player

First job/your age: Home Depot (17)

An interesting fact about you: My family has been Minnesota Wild season ticket holders since the inaugural season in 2000

Sports played growing up: Hockey and Soccer

Favorite foods: Steak and crab

Favorite sports movie: Miracle on Ice and The Longest Yard

Favorite TV show: Peaky Blinders and Rick and Morty

Favorite subject in elementary school: History and gym class

Favorite spectator sports: Hockey, soccer, and football

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota United, and Liverpool

Email: kyle.walzer@iowawild.com

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida

College degree/year/school: Sport Management @ Ohio University, graduated May 23’

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Sidney Crosby

As a child, you dreamed of: Working for a sports team

First job/your age: Snack shack at my local swim club, 15 y/o

Current dream job: GM of a major league sports team

Sports played growing up: Hockey, Football, Basketball, Soccer

Favorite foods: Pizza, Subs, Wings

Favorite music artists: Travis Scott, Kanye West, Eagles, Led Zeppelin

Favorite sports movie: Miracle

Favorite book or author: Stephen King’s The Stand

Favorite subject in elementary school: History

Favorite spectator sports: Hockey and football

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Penguins, Steelers, Celtics, Pitt Panthers

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Pickleball, video games, reading

Email: meredith.wedro@iowawild.com

Best thing about your job: Creating a fun & memorable experience for fans!

 

Hometown: La Crosse, WI

 

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, & now Iowa!

 

College degree/year/school: Merrimack College - Bachelor’s in Sport Management & Marketing; Minor in Digital Communications (2018); Michigan State University - Master’s in Strategic Communications (2022)

 

First job/your age: Tennis Camp Counselor at 17

 

Sports played growing up: Tennis, Soccer, & Skiing

 

Favorite foods: Mexican & Tapas!

 

Favorite subject in elementary school: Math & Gym

 

Favorite spectator sports: Hockey, Football, & Tennis

 

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Go Pack Go!

 

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Cooking & baking, running, hiking, tennis, golf & finding new restaurant spots!

Email: benjamin.campbell@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: The opportunity to expand the game of hockey through the community!

Best thing about your job: Making fans happy!

Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Illinois and Iowa

College degree/year/school: Graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Marketing from Northern Illinois University

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Devin Hester, Patrick Kane, Derrick Rose.

Personal/professional hero(es): My Parents

As a child, you dreamed of becoming: An NFL Quarterback or Skiing Instructor

First job/your age: Retirement Community Restaurant Wait staff at 16

An interesting fact about you: I love winter and winter sports!

Other sports teams you’ve worked for: Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and Wolves

Proudest professional accomplishment: Assisting Chicago Bears Fans with the launch in transitioning to Digital Ticketing.

Favorite charities/charitable causes: The V Foundation for Cancer Research

Sports played growing up: Football, Lacrosse, Basketball, Skiing and Baseball.

Favorite foods: Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Favorite sports movie: Rudy

Favorite TV show: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Favorite subject in elementary school: P.E.

Favorite spectator sports: Football, Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Winter Olympics, and XGames

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, Fire, Sky, and White Sox

Email: jack.daguanno@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: To be able to connect fans to the sport they love.

Best thing about your job: Following my passion which is working in sports

Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin

States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa

College degree/year/school: Sports Marketing and Management Bachelor of Arts 2024/University of Dubuque

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Lebron James and Johnny Manziel

As a child, you dreamed of: Playing in the NFL

First job/your age: Dishwasher/ 14 years old

Current dream job: Working for the Iowa Wild

Proudest professional accomplishment: Starting a Job with the Wild in a brand-new city

Favorite charities/charitable causes: Special Olympics

Sports played growing up: Football, Basketball, Track, Baseball

Favorite foods: Steak and Pizza

Favorite music artists: Future

Favorite sports movie: Creed

Favorite book or author: Harry Potter

Favorite subject in elementary school: P.E.

Favorite spectator sports: Football, Basketball, Hockey

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild):  Wisconsin Badgers

Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Working out, Fishing, Golfing and Watching sports

Email: owen.thompson@iowawild.com

Best thing about your job: Being able to live my dream of working in sports while giving fans the opportunity to create lifetime memories at our events.

Hometown: Winterset, IA

College degree/year/school: Graduated from Iowa State in 2022 with a BA in Business Management

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Jimmy Butler, Eli Manning, John Cena

As a child, you dreamed of: Being a professional athlete

Current dream job: Work in the front office of an NBA or NFL team

Sports played growing up: Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Track, Soccer, Basketball

Favorite music artists: Luke Combs, Van Halen, Tame Impala, Lil Baby

Favorite sports movie: Talladega Nights

Favorite spectator sports: Football, Basketball, Golf, Track and Field, Wrestling, Hockey, Baseball

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Iowa State Cyclones, New York Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Heat, Indiana Fever

 

Email: dawson.freese@iowawild.com

What you love most about working for the Wild: Getting to come to work in an Event Center/Arena every day 

Best thing about your job: Interacting with Iowa Wild fans  

Hometown: Dubuque, IA 

College degree/year/school: Graduated in April 2024 from the University of Dubuque, majored in Sports Marketing and Management with a minor in Business.  

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Albert Pujols and Peyton Manning 

As a child, you dreamed of: Being a professional baseball player 

Current dream job: GM of a team within the 4 Major sports leagues 

Proudest professional accomplishment: Starting my career in sports with the Iowa Wild 

Sports played growing up: Baseball and Tennis 

Favorite music artists: Nickelback, All-American Rejects and Judah & the Lion 

Favorite sports movie: Moneyball or Talladega Nights 

Favorite book or author: Harry Potter Series 

Favorite subject in elementary school: Gym 

Favorite spectator sports: NASCAR  

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Wisconsin Badgers 

Email: amanda.niedan-olsen@iowawild.com

Email: noah.lablanc@iowawild.com

Email: logan.hall@iowawild.com

Email: ava.martin@iowawild.com

Best thing about your job: Helping create lasting memories for our fans

Hometown: Fishers, Indiana

College major/school/year: Sport Management, University of Southern Indiana, 2019

Sports idol(s) as a youth: Maya Moore

As a child, you dreamed of: Playing in the WNBA

Favorite foods: Sushi and Pasta

Favorite music artists: Zach Bryan

Favorite sports movie: Air Bud & A League of Their Own

Favorite subject in elementary school: Art

Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Iowa Wild): Denver Nuggets & Indiana Fever