MIKE BUTTERS
Founder, Lead Mentor
"Creating a comprehensive platform for player advancement was always a goal of mine. There are so many players and their families who need either the assistance or tools to help get them to the next level. I have surrounded myself with some of the brightest and most enthusiastic people to create Hockey Horizons. Helping players advance is so rewarding and we love it."
Mike is widely known to his peers as the "Renaissance Man" of hockey. As an amateur player, Mike played Junior B, Junior A, Major Junior and Canadian University before embarking on a 9 year pro career, which saw him earn NHL contracts with Detroit, Quebec and Montreal during that time. He played for teams in the AHL, IHL, ECHL, Europe. and also represented his country on 4 different occasions at international tournaments.
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Mike then coached in junior (AWHL, NAHL, NPHL), pro (AHL, WCHL) and two national teams. Mike was the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning's AHL affiliate, and oversaw Tampa's minor league system. During his years with the Lightning, he also served as both a professional and college scout.
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Mike's hockey experience is far reaching. He has served USA Hockey in many capacities. Notably, he was the commissioner of 2 junior leagues and served on the USAH Junior Council for 10 years. He has also been a part of Global Sports Camps since 1995, as its Director of US Operations.
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Through his decades involved in the game as a coach and GM, Mike has been a part of over 700 players in their advancement within the college and pro ranks.