Jon Taglianetti – Head Equipment Manager, Pittsburgh Penguins

SPHEM: What made you want a career in the equipment management profession and how did you get your start?

JT: I started doing this in High School when Steve Latin called and asked if my brothers and I would want to help on game days.  After school, we would come down and work the visitors’ room.  We grew up around the Penguins from my dad playing so we always loved the rink.

SPHEM: You started your career in Pittsburgh in 2005 as a Locker Room Assistant.  What do you attribute to your longevity with one organization?

JT: Like I said, I always loved being around the rink and loved the game of hockey.  I was very lucky with Steve Latin and Dana Heinze having me around and showing me how to be a good Equipment Manager.  Also have to thank Ray Shero and Jim Rutherford for giving me a chance.

SPHEM:  What skills do you think a young equipment manager would need in today’s fast paced world of professional hockey?

JT: A Strong Work Ethic. 

SPHEM: Can you share a memorable DIY you once used to get a player back on the ice in a hurry?

JT: Alex Nedeljkovic stepped on his pad lace in the middle of the game.  We didn’t have enough time during the icing to relace the pad so I used two zip ties to get him through the period.

SPHEM: What moment would you say was the highlight of your career so far?

JT: Winning the Stanley Cup in 2016.  Seeing your name on the cup after such a long season makes it all worth it. 

SPHEM: What do you enjoy doing during your downtime in Pittsburgh?

JT: Being a dad. I have a 2 year old son Luca and 3 month old daughter Camryn.  I’m also on the golf course when I can be.

SPHEM: Who have been your mentors over the years and what is the best professional advice they have given you?

JT: First Steve Latin.  He opened the door for me so obviously very thankful for him.  I spent over a decade with Dana Heinze.  Taught me almost everything I know.  Spent a few years with Teddy Richards and was able to learn a bunch of new things as well.  “We supply everything except guts.”

SPHEM: We will be in Orlando at our 2025 Hockey Summit before we know it.  What was your favorite Summit memory?

JT: I really enjoy spending time with everyone. Telling stories and seeing guys away from the rink.

SPHEM:  How has being involved with SPHEM and the annual meeting helped you professionally? 

JT:  Putting faces to names.  Often you are communicating over the phone or email, never really face to face.  Also spending time with everyone at the exhibit hall brings up conversations on how everyone does things different ways.  I always seem to come out of there with something new for the upcoming season.

SPHEM: What do you and your family look forward to in the off-season?

JT: Quality time.  The family sacrifices a lot during the hockey season.  I think I can say an equipment manager’s spouse takes on a lot.  Being home and being a family is for sure the top priority.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born in Winnipeg while my dad, Peter, was playing for the Winnipeg Jets.  We ended up settling in Pittsburgh when he was traded to the Penguins in 1991.  Pittsburgh is where I call home.  Hockey was always part of our lives growing up but my twin brother, Andrew, and I played football growing up.  We both ended up at the University of Pittsburgh.  I married my wife Kayla in 2023, and we have a son Luca (2) and Daughter Camryn (3 months).