Maksim Kagan feels right at home on the ice. Hockey is more than a game for him; it’s a way to escape stress and embrace competition.
But how did a young hockey enthusiast end up as a business student at Binghamton University? For Maksim, there’s no shortcut to achieving his dream of becoming a general manager or coach in the NHL. He believes the business skills he’s gaining at the School of Management, along with his coaching experiences, will set a solid foundation for his future.
“I grew up loving sports, especially hockey,” Kagan shares. “I always thought about different paths in business, but I realized that working in something I’m not passionate about isn’t worthwhile. Everyone in hockey told me to pursue my dreams. So, I decided to go for it.”
Originally from New Jersey, Kagan chose Binghamton for its strong academic reputation and affordability. The School of Management has consistently ranked among the top 10 public business schools in the country. Kagan appreciates how the university’s size allows for many opportunities to engage and network, especially since Binghamton has a vibrant hockey culture.
Once he arrived, Kagan wasted no time getting involved. He joined the Sports Management and Management Consulting groups, which helped him connect with industry professionals and tackle real-world challenges. His efforts resulted in several case competition wins.
“I don’t think there’s another business school in the nation that offers so many collaboration opportunities,” he says. “Every day is a chance to learn something new.”
On the ice, Kagan is putting his classroom lessons to practice. At just 19, he became the head coach of the Chenango Forks High School Varsity Hockey team, having served as assistant coach the season before. He learned that being a great coach isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about empowering his players.
“They can see my passion for the game, and that inspires them,” Kagan explains. “Being a mentor to a hockey team while applying my SOM skills is truly unique.”
In September 2024, he began a year-long internship with the Binghamton Black Bears, a minor pro hockey team. This experience taught him about the business side of hockey. He took on various roles in game-day operations, helping with arena setup and engaging fans. His efforts helped drive over $25,000 in ticket sales through targeted outreach before key games.
From March to May, he served as the rinkside reporter, collaborating with broadcast crews for live player interviews and researching team trends. Kagan is also scouting for the Greater Ontario Hockey League with Neutral Zone and interning in sports marketing at Premier Athletic Agency. This role has piqued his interest in matching brands with hockey players.
“Finding brands that resonate with the player’s identity is exciting,” Kagan says. “For a tough, physical player, a lumber company or a hardware store might fit. A college-level player could work well with a snack or drink brand.”
What’s next for Kagan? He often tells his classmates and players, “Put yourself out there.” For him, wherever business and hockey meet is more than just a job; it feels like home.
As Kagan charts his path, he embodies the idea that passion and persistence can transform dreams into reality. With his unique blend of business skills and hockey knowledge, the future looks bright.
