TORONTO, ON (May 1, 2025) – National Hockey League Players’ Association Executive Director Marty Walsh today announced three additions to the NHLPA staff. Steve Scebelo joins the union as Chief Commercial Officer, former NHL player Kyle Okposo has been named Business Development and Player Engagement Advisor, and Stephanie Maniago joins as Manager, Communications and Media Relations.
“I am pleased to have Steve, Kyle, and Stephanie join the NHLPA’s staff,” said Walsh. “Steve brings over 30 years of sports marketing and licensing experience, and we are excited to have him lead our business department. He will be a key resource to the NHLPA and the players as we continue to expand our business and corporate opportunities. Kyle is well-respected throughout the game of hockey, and his experience as a former player and NHLPA Executive Board member make him a trusted resource for the membership. Stephanie has had a successful communications career in and out of professional sports and will be a strong addition to our communications department.”
Scebelo is a veteran of more than 30 years in the licensing industry and joins the NHLPA after having served as the Founder and President of REP Worldwide, a sports and licensing consulting firm. He was previously the President of NFL Players Inc., the for-profit group player licensing and marketing business of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Scebelo joined the NFLPA in 2013 as Vice President, licensing and business development and was named President of NFL Players Inc. in 2020. The NFLPA’s licensing program saw vast growth in its revenue during Scebelo’s time with NFL Players Inc. Scebelo has recently served as chair on the Board of Directors of Licensing International and on the Board of Directors at the NFL Players Inc. and OneTeam Partners.
“I am beyond excited to join the NHLPA and oversee the NHLPA’s commercial operations,” said Scebelo. “This is a unique inflection point for the business as players take the game of hockey to new heights. The NHLPA already has an incredibly strong foundation and equally strong opportunities for growth. I look forward to working with the NHLPA business team to increase revenue and opportunities for players.”
Okposo will be working in the business affairs department on development and growth initiatives, while also handling membership engagement projects. Okposo played in 1,051 NHL games for the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers. He was a member of the Florida Panthers 2023-24 Stanley Cup Championship team. During his playing career, Kyle served the NHLPA in a variety of roles, including as a member of the Executive Board and the 2022-23 Executive Director Search Committee.
“I’m thrilled to join the NHLPA at this time of growth opportunities for the players,” said Okposo. “I was involved with the PA over the course of my career, and I have seen firsthand the staff’s work on behalf of players. I am excited to add my perspective and experience to that work and further expand opportunities for NHLPA members.”
Maniago joins the NHLPA with extensive professional hockey and communications experience, including 15 years in the communications department at Canucks Sports & Entertainment, followed by roles at Kirk & Co. Consulting Ltd. and with various independent projects.
“Joining the NHLPA is a tremendous opportunity and honour. I’m eager to apply my communications experience to elevate players’ voices and showcase their impact. I also look forward to strengthening the PA’s role in uniting players and deepening ties with fans and other key groups across the broader hockey community.”
Okposo and Scebelo will begin their roles on May 5 and Maniago on May 26.
