College Hockey Inc. Executive Director Mike Snee announced today the hiring of Sadie Lundquist as the organization’s first-ever director of women’s hockey. Lundquist, who officially begins her duties Monday, Jan. 22, will lead College Hockey Inc.’s efforts to raise the profile and expand the exposure of women’s college hockey.

“We were very fortunate to have many highly qualified and impressive people express interest in being the first director of women’s hockey with College Hockey Inc.,” said Snee. “Amongst this intriguing group, Sadie was the most intriguing. Sadie’s on-ice experience as an NCAA and professional player, along with her off-ice marketing and leadership expertise, made her such a compelling candidate. Combine that with Sadie’s infectious enthusiasm for women’s hockey, and we knew she was the ideal person to take on this important role.”

Funding for this new position was made by possible an increased grant from the National Hockey League, enabling College Hockey Inc. to add another full-time staff member dedicated to women’s hockey.

“Supporting the further development of women’s college hockey by partnering with College Hockey Inc. is important for the sustained growth and vitality of our sport,” said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. “It will not only inspire and empower aspiring athletes, it will also contribute significantly to the overall interest and participation in the game. That’s why we view our partnership with College Hockey Inc. as a strategic investment, and one that helps elevate the entire hockey community.”

Lundquist brings to College Hockey Inc. substantial hockey experience, having played collegiately at Bemidji State University (2009-13) and professionally with the NWHL’s Minnesota Whitecaps (2017-19). She also spent seven years in the Minnesota Wild front office. Lundquist most recently served as senior manager of client strategy and services for Bold Orange, a Minneapolis-based customer experience agency.

“I’m beyond excited to join the team at College Hockey Inc.,” said Lundquist. “I owe so much of who I am to the game of hockey, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to carry that passion into my professional career. The creation of this role is a testament to the growth of women’s hockey, and I’m honored to be part of the continued momentum.”

A native of Cloquet, Minn., Lundquist competed in three Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments with Cloquet High School. She went on to play collegiately at Bemidji State, where she amassed 83 career points in 144 games. She led the Beavers in scoring as a junior in 2011-12 and served as team captain the following season. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sport management while minoring in management and leadership.

Lundquist’s playing career also included a stint with the Minnesota Whitecaps. She participated in the 2018 NWHL All-Star Game and helped lead the Whitecaps to an Isobel Cup championship in 2019.

Following her graduation from BSU, Lundquist joined the Minnesota Wild as a fan relations account executive. Her responsibilities included managing over 600 corporate and season-ticket member accounts, along with planning and executing Wild events, annual marketing efforts, and the organization’s youth hockey nights, camps, girls hockey weekends, and other hockey events.

She later joined Bold Orange as a senior manager on the client strategy and services team. Lundquist drove client partnership – identifying clients’ marketing objectives, programs, and channels to develop annual marketing plans inclusive of strategy, creative, media, and analytics.

Lundquist, who resides in Saint Paul, Minn., with her wife Caroline, also participated in the Red Bull Crashed Ice competition for four years.

Additional Quotes

Katie Million, USA Hockey Director of Women’s National Team Programs: “I am incredibly excited to see Sadie be named as the inaugural director of women’s hockey with College Hockey Inc. Sadie is a highly skilled professional who has direct experience and a deep understanding of the women’s hockey landscape. She will do a wonderful job promoting and growing women’s college hockey in this role. The grant provided by the NHL for Sadie’s position is a testament to College Hockey Inc. and the NHL’s commitment to the women’s game. This is an exciting advancement for women’s college hockey.”

Kevin Westgarth, NHL VP of Hockey Development & Strategic Collaboration: “We have seen and experienced first-hand the positive impact of College Hockey Inc. in growing college hockey, and hockey overall, so it’s exciting for us to see them add another quality player to the team. Deepening our partnership with College Hockey Inc. in support of women’s college hockey is a natural and significant step for us. I can’t wait to get to work with Sadie; her hockey experience, passion and overall love for the game will be an invaluable addition to the work we are trying to accomplish together.”

Natalie Darwitz, Minnesota (PWHL) General Manager: “Congratulations to Sadie Lundquist on her new role as the director of women’s hockey with College Hockey Inc. Women’s hockey continues to grow and this new role is a testament to that. Sadie brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and professionalism. There is no one better for this position and to continue to push the needle forward for women’s hockey.”

Amber Fryklund, Bemidji State University Associate Head Coach: “Sadie Lundquist is an excellent choice to serve as College Hockey Inc. Director of Women’s Hockey. Her playing background, knowledge of college hockey, ability to make connections, and professional expertise in both business and sport, make her the perfect fit in supporting, marketing, promoting, and advancing women’s hockey. She is an impressive person and will be a great addition to the College Hockey Inc. team.”

Erica McKenzie, Minnesota Wild Senior Director, Ticket Sales & Service: “Sadie Lundquist is the perfect fit to serve as the first-ever director of women’s hockey with College Hockey Inc. Her experience, hockey knowledge and drive will continue to help propel forward the growth of women’s college hockey.”

Tracy Dill, Interim WCHA Commissioner: “Sadie has a breadth of experience from her playing days, along with her professional work. In addition, Sadie has demonstrated high integrity and a strong character that has served her and others well. I’m certain those traits will help Sadie promote and continue to grow the great sport of women’s college hockey.”