Featuring Jeff Camelio, Head Equipment Manager, Seattle Kraken

Jeff is in his 5th season as Head Equipment Manager with Seatle, after 15 seasons as an assistant in Nashville. His career began with the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays and later the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  He reached 2,000 professional games worked last season.  

SPHEM: How did you first get started working in hockey equipment, and what led you to pursue it as a career?

JC: I first started as a stick boy in Rochester in the early 1990s and loved being around the game and the people. I’ve been doing it now full time for 28 years.

SPHEM: You joined the Seattle Kraken for their inaugural season and stepped into the role of Head Equipment Manager after previously working as an Assistant in Nashville. What was that transition like for you?

JC: Getting the be part of the expansion process was a once in a lifetime experience. I had a great run in Nashville working with a great organization and colleagues, but the opportunity to build everything from the ground up was appealing. I found moving back into the head role after being an assistant for 15 years took some getting used to but to get this opportunity to continue to grow my career was exciting and challenging at times.

SPHEM: Joining an expansion team meant helping build the equipment operation from the ground up. What surprised you most about that experience?

JC: Having to worry about the construction and operations of two rinks (game and practice) during Covid when things were moving slowly was an interesting process. We also acquired all our players in one summer, so I had to get to know each guy’s needs and preferences all at once. We had no back stock of any equipment, it was difficult to acquire certain gear when factories in China were closed or they were struggling to make stuff in our colors that had not been previously produced.

SPHEM: What part of the equipment manager’s role do you think people would be most surprised to learn about?

JC: It’s not just sharpening skates or fixing gear. There is a lot of paperwork, budgeting, spreadsheets, and expenses to handle daily. Another thing people don’t often realize is the time commitment that goes into these roles. Hockey has now become a year-round sport. Just because games are not being played doesn’t necessarily mean the work stops.

SPHEM: Hockey equipment has evolved quite a bit over the years. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in gear since you started?

JC: The skate blades and how they get sharpened has drastically changed. Everything is removable and replaceable nowadays. Each guy has multiple sets of steel that we rotate in and out so there is no more rushing in between periods to sharpen skates. That means no more missed shifts for bad steel.

SPHEM: What year did you first attend the PHATS/SPHEM Conference? For someone attending the Hockey Summit for the first time, what would you encourage them to take advantage of?

JC: My first conference was in 1998. The best thing you can do at the PHATS/SPHEM conference is the put yourself out there and network – introduce yourself to members belonging to all levels and organizations. You never know when you could potentially meet your next coworker

SPHEM: The exhibit hall is always a big part of the conference. Over the years, have you discovered any products, tools, or ideas there that ended up becoming staples in your day-to-day work?

JC: SkateScribe is a company that I first met at a conference. Now they have become an integral part of our day-to-day workflows with their automated skate sharpening machines. So be sure to stop by and check out all the vendors, they may have something that may make your job easier and more efficient.

SPHEM: You currently serve as Treasurer on the SPHEM Executive Board. What motivated you to get involved in that role?

JC: Pete Rogers, my former boss with the Predators, encouraged me to get involved. When Pete was president, I got to witness firsthand the importance of members volunteering at all levels because without the help, the Hockey Summit would not be where it is today.

SPHEM: Is there a small part of your daily routine at the rink that you’ve always enjoyed, but most people probably wouldn’t think about?

JC: One of my favorite parts of the day is every morning multiple players will come down and sit in my office with a coffee and just chat. It’s a great way to build personal relationships and get to know guys on another level other than hockey. It is those types of conversations that lead to friendships that could last long after my career is done.

SPHEM: Is there someone who helped guide you early in your career as you were learning the ropes of the profession?  What is the best piece of advice they gave you.

JC: Pete Rogers, the head equipment manager in Nashville, is the reason I am where I am today. He gave me my first start as a stick boy in Rochester. He hired me in Nashville and continued to allow me to grow and develop my skillset to the point where I was able to become a head equipment manager in the NHL with the Seattle Kraken.

SPHEM: Tell us a little about yourself outside of hockey — your family, hobbies, and what you enjoy doing when you’re not at the rink.

JC: I have a very understanding wife and daughter at home (Michelle and Carli), who have the patience to put up with our long hours and travel schedule. I am also fortunate enough to work with my son, Anthony, who is the Equipment Specialist for the Kraken. Outside of hockey, I enjoy golfing, paddle boarding, and keeping in touch with friends and family.

All photos courtesy of Jeff Camelio

The Kraken hockey operations group gets stronger, bigger and better prepared for the 2021-22 season. Click here to view the article on NHL.com

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