Joseph Kolodziej has had an extensive career in the hockey industry, spanning from playing in various leagues in North America and Europe to holding positions such as CEO of Hockey Holdings Group, player agent/adviser, coaching director, and general manager for multiple hockey teams. He has also been involved in scouting and player development, earning recognition for his contributions to the sport. His impact in the ice hockey business segment has been notable, with the creation of “The Hockey Combine” paving the way for similar initiatives across the world. Kolodziej’s dedication and expertise have left a lasting imprint on the hockey community.
Experience:
Played AAA, Junior, college and minor pro Hockey from 1974 to 1995.
1995 Founded Hockey Talent Management
1996 Dayton Ice Bandits – Scout
1997 Grand Rapids Griffins – Amateur Scout
2000-2001 Coaching director for the Char Em Hockey Association in Michigan
2001 – 2002, Assistant Coach Petoskey Northmen High School
2002 Free agent camp director for the Atlantic Coast Hockey League
2003 Developed the concept and founded The Pre Draft Combine, implemented with the South East Hockey League that later became the Southern Professional Hockey League. According to many people, the concept of The Pre Draft Combine represents a significat milestone for the business of ice hockey, this is now used by leagues around the world.
Amateur player evaluator during NHL rookie camps Detroit Red Wings (2003), Atlanta Thrashers (2004) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2008)
2008 – 2009 Vice President of the AAHL, a single A professional league. Responsible for player development and promotion. In one year thirty four players were moved up to AA leagues. Also serving as director and co-owner of the Battle Creek Revolution. He was named Executive Director of the Year for the 2008–2009 AAHL.
2010 – 2011 General manager Alpena Thunder CJHL, won league championship.
2011 Purchased The Junior Hockey News
2012 – 2013 Advisor and consultant Dells Ducks in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League
2013 – 2014 Vice President Central Wisconsin Saints Minnesota Junior Hockey League
2015 Purchased Central Scouting Services
2018 Purchased Europe Hockey Tours
2019, Appointed Director of the PZHL draft by the Polish Hockey League. To which he was to lead the first player draft in Polish professional league and the first league. This was a big step for Polish hockey, as the Polish Hockey League was the first league in Europe to remove all import player restrictions. The event was to take place in July 2020 but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event was cancelled.
2020 – 2021 General Manager Opole HK Poland
Along with his current duties with Hockey Holdings Group, Kolodziej is a consultant for several teams and leagues throughout the world. He has served on several non profit boards, and has other business holdings in real estate.