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Brian Burke

“I don’t care if people

like me.”

Brian Burke isn’t just a hockey executive—he’s a hockey legend with a tumultuous  résumé that could fill a trophy case.

The Brantford Home Builders’ Association is proud to announce their keynote speaker for the 35th “Build Brantford” Industry Luncheon!

Get your tickets now for the 2025 luncheon featuring Brian Burke, an accomplished executive whose teams have won both a Stanley Cup and Olympic silver medal. Brian Burke is an entertaining and captivating speaker offering leadership lessons from both on and off the ice.

Burke has recently been named the Executive Director of the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association in 2024 after supporting women’s hockey for years. It’s a 2 year contract after which he hopes a woman will have the role. He also became a US Hockey Hall of Fame inductee in 2023.

He’s a dual citizen of Canada and the US and a graduate of Harvard Law School.  He shares his experiences with personal stories from his time in cities like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Boston, Providence, Pittsburgh, Hartford, and of course from Anaheim where he and his team won the Stanley Cup.

Away from the rink, Burke is well-known for his work within the community. He is a vocal activist against homophobia in sports, a strong supporter of first response personnel including firefighters, police and military service members, an environmentalist and a humanitarian.

 

TICKETS:

The 35th “Build Brantford” Industry Luncheon takes place at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre on March 21st, 2025. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the lunch starts at 12:15 p.m.

Contact Brantford Home Builders’ Executive Officer, Angela DeVries for tickets or more information.

35th “Build Brantford” Industry Luncheon
Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre
March 21st, 2025.

Best-Western-Brantfor

19 Holiday Drive, Brantford

Brian Burke: a hockey mastermind, a trailblazing activist, and proof that true leaders leave a legacy both on and off the ice.

As the former President of Hockey Operations for the Calgary Flames, Burke steered the ship with his trademark grit and determination. Before that, he served as a Pro Scout and Consultant with the Anaheim Ducks—a role he took on after his unforgettable tenure as President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Oh, and let’s not forget: during his time as the Ducks’ General Manager from 2005 to 2007, he orchestrated the team’s first-ever Stanley Cup win in 2007. No big deal.

But Burke’s impact on hockey didn’t start there. He jumped into the business of hockey back in 1987, starting as an NHL player agent. From there, he became the Director of Hockey Operations for the Vancouver Canucks, eventually rising to the role of General Manager. With Burke at the helm, the Canucks roared back to life, snagging a division title and winning a playoff series. He also spent time as the NHL’s Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations under Commissioner Gary Bettman, helping shape the league itself.

Burke’s influence isn’t limited to the NHL. He made waves on the international stage as General Manager of the United States Olympic hockey team for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, guiding the squad to a silver medal. He also took on the role of Director of Player Development for Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

But there’s more to Burke than just hockey. Off the ice, he’s a passionate advocate for social change and community service. In 2012, Burke and his son launched the You Can Play Project, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to eliminating homophobia in sports. The project was created in honor of his late son and has since become a beacon of inclusion in the hockey world.

A true champion of causes close to his heart, Burke supports first responders, military service members, and environmental conservation efforts. He’s been an active part of the Wounded Warrior Project since 2003 and has visited military bases across Canada, the U.S., and Afghanistan. His dedication to giving back has earned him accolades like the Easter Seals Toronto Tribute Award in 2011, recognizing his efforts to support kids with physical disabilities and his excellence in business and community service.