John McDonough, President & CEO, Chicago Blackhawks to be awarded the Certified Hockey Professional (CHP) honorary designation by the Business of Hockey Institute

EDMONTON, Feb. 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The Business of Hockey Institute (BHI) announced today that John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to the business of hockey through the awarding of the first ever honorary Certified Hockey Professional (CHP) designation.

"It's humbling to be recognized by The Business of Hockey Institute and to receive the first honorary Certified Hockey Professional designation," says John McDonough. "Like BHI, the Chicago Blackhawks value research, education and the exchange of ideas. This recognition is a tribute to the work of the entire organization as we continue to pursue our 'One Goal.'"

"As a board, we recognized John's leadership and the critical role he played not just with the Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs, but also in the community and the larger sports and entertainment industry," says Herb Pinder, Chair of the Business of Hockey Institute. "John is the role model for anyone working in the business side of the game and this is exactly what the honorary CHP was created to recognize. His example is what every hockey executive and leader should attempt to emulate."

Under John's leadership, the Blackhawks have been one of the most successful in the NHL both on and off the ice. Forbes Magazine has called John's leadership in revitalizing the team and resurrecting its fan base, "the greatest sports-business turnaround ever."ⁱ In 2014, the Blackhawks were recognized as the "Best Franchise" by The Hockey News, and the momentum has carried on with the Blackhawks most recent Stanley Cup win in 2015. John's accolades, awards, and honors with the Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs are truly impressive (John McDonough bio - http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=47384). 

The honorary CHP is awarded to an individual who epitomizes the qualities, capabilities, and accomplishments desired by existing and future CHPs. An honorary CHP also recognizes individuals who have made impressive off-ice contributions to their organizations that have earned them the respect of their peers in other hockey-related organizations.

John McDonough will receive the inaugural honorary CHP at the BHI Awards Night occurring in conjunction with the 2016 PrimeTime Sports & Entertainment Conference in Toronto. The conference takes place each year immediately following the Hockey Hall of Fame weekend in November. (Further details can be found at http://www.primetimesport.ca.)

Certified Hockey Professional (CHP) designation:

The Business of Hockey Institute (BHI) created the CHP designation in 2015. The CHP designation is earned by individuals who have demonstrated management and leadership experience in hockey and hockey-related industries and have completed the graduate level business education developed by BHI and their educational partner Athabasca University.

The CHP was created with four inter-related objectives in mind:

1. Identify and recognize the executives and managers whose efforts make it possible for others to play and watch the most exciting sport on the planet.
   
2. Encourage talented executives and managers to pursue a career in the hockey business.
   
3. Create a pool of draft-ready managerial talent to staff hockey-related organizations.
   
4. Improve the economic viability of professional and amateur hockey.

For more information on the Business of Hockey Institute and the Certified Hockey Professional (CHP) designation visit http://www.businessofhockeyinstitute.com. As well, a brief video overview can be found at http://video.chp.education.

Related Links:
businessofhockeyinstitute.com
blackhawks.nhl.com
business.athabascau.ca/hockeyMBA
primetimesport.ca

ⁱ http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/18/chicago-blackhawks-hockey-business-sports-nhl.html

SOURCE Business of Hockey Institute

Image with caption: "John McDonough, CHP, President & CEO, Chicago Blackhawks (CNW Group/Business of Hockey Institute)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160224_C7331_PHOTO_EN_627718.jpg

Image with caption: "Chicago Blackhawks (CNW Group/Business of Hockey Institute)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160224_C7331_PHOTO_EN_627720.jpg

Image with caption: "Business of Hockey Institute (CNW Group/Business of Hockey Institute)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160224_C7331_PHOTO_EN_627767.jpg

Michael Mauws, PhD, Executive Director, The Business of Hockey Institute, [email protected], Phone [phone]; Jillian M. Smith, Manager, Executive Projects, Chicago Blackhawks, [email protected], Phone [phone], Cell 312.489.0388; Chris McLeod, Director, Marketing and Communications, Athabasca University & The Business of Hockey Institute, [email protected], Phone [phone]; Patrice Whiffen, Director of Marketing, Events, and Media, PrimeTime Sports & Entertainment, [email protected], Phone [phone]