Eric Nystrom knew what he wanted to do when his playing career was over.
“I told Red Berenson that I wanted to replace him and coach Michigan hockey for 30 years,” Nystrom laughs on Tuesday. “He said, ‘Take a number, there’s a long list.’”
After nine seasons and 593 NHL games, Nystrom is eyeing that next phase. Father Bob, who won four Stanley Cups with the Islanders, made it an early priority.
“My father made a much better living post-hockey, setting up a successful business. He was on me, would drive me crazy: ‘What are you going to do next?’ What are you going to do next?’
“My roommate at Michigan was Reilly Olson. He didn’t have as successful a pro career, but Red was always telling us how proud he was of Reilly. He finished his education and made the transition.”
Eric Nystrom has a liberal arts degree. Now, he’s taking online courses with the Business of Hockey Institute, working towards its Certified Hockey Professional (CHP) designation. Think of it as an Executive MBA specifically tailored to the sport.
As Nystrom jokes, he’s “the guinea pig,” the first player to try the program.
It’s intense, beginning with core business courses. He’s completed Strategic Management and Human Resources Management. The current focus is Finance and Managerial Accounting — for which he recently submitted a 3,000-word essay. Each course involves an approximately eight-week online commitment. The hockey stuff comes later, with a focus on both on-ice and business operations.
For someone like Nystrom, who’s also considered becoming an Athletic Director, there’s an opportunity to discover which path he prefers, learning both along the way. He credits Michelle Kennedy, Executive Vice-President, General Counsel and CFO of the Nashville Predators, for helping.
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Good for Nystrom, it sounds like he's embracing this next chapter in his life. Always liked him as a prospect and short time Flame. He seemed to have a knack for scoring goals despite not being a very flashy player. Had a very good hockey IQ to make up for his sub par skill-set. I'm sure he'll make an excellent coach because of that.
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I must be the only one with a Nystrom jersey. I was young but loved his work ethic and attitude back in the day. I remember when he said, ´´hey, I wouldn´t want to play me in a 7 game playoff series either.´´
Eric Nystrom has a liberal arts degree. Now, he’s taking online courses with the Business of Hockey Institute, working towards its Certified Hockey Professional (CHP) designation. Think of it as an Executive MBA specifically tailored to the sport.
As Nystrom jokes, he’s “the guinea pig,” the first player to try the program.
I believe that's the program with Athabasca University that Brian Burke was involved in creating...
I must be the only one with a Nystrom jersey. I was young but loved his work ethic and attitude back in the day. I remember when he said, ´´hey, I wouldn´t want to play me in a 7 game playoff series either.´´
I have a game worn Nystrom jersey - don't wear it often, but usually would break it out when he'd come back to town to play.
I must be the only one with a Nystrom jersey. I was young but loved his work ethic and attitude back in the day. I remember when he said, ´´hey, I wouldn´t want to play me in a 7 game playoff series either.´´
Liked him as a player. Wish he fought less. He wasn't as big as his dad and he got his clock cleaned a bunch of times. Even before he left the Flames I remember posting about post-concussion concerns about him and his fighting style.
In any event, glad it worked out for him and hope he has great success post NHL.
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"OOOOOOHHHHHHH those Russians" - Boney M
Well the good thing for Eric is that he got a chance to make a pretty decent living as a player. Much more money in the game for players now than the days when his Dad was in the league.
He always seemed like a good guy. When he left the Flames, it was hard to hold a grudge because...in his shoes you always take that contract. The extra year and dollar difference is huge to guys like him. Maybe he'll end up in the Flames organization one day.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
Eric Nystrom retires from pro hockey
