Petes Executive Director of Business Operations Accepts New Position With Professional Women's Hockey League

Burton Lee, Peterborough Petes executive director of business operations is leaving the organization to accept a position as director of game operations and fan experience within the Hockey Operations Department of a new professional women’s hockey league announced on Wednesday.

BURTON LEE, PETES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS (LEFT) ADDRESSING THE 165+ STUDENTS IN GRADES 7 AND 8 ABOUT HIS CAREER EXPERIENCE WITH THE TEAM at a World of Choices program with JA-NEO. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The league is planning to launch this January. 

Burton originally joined the Petes in August of 2013 as the director of communications and game operations. He was formerly with the Sarnia Sting in the ticket sales department, after having spent nearly a year in the Canadian Football League with the 2012 Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts. 

“I’m extremely grateful to the Petes Board of Directors and to our hockey and business staff for the opportunity to have worked for the historic Petes organization for the past decade,” said Lee. “It has been a pleasure to have partnered with exceptional people at the OHL and CHL, the City of Peterborough, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame, the Peterborough Lakers, and Compass Food Services. Above all, though, it has been a true joy to play a role in the growth of our business team, as our staff continues to work tirelessly to help fans, partners, alumni, and players have world-class experiences right here in Peterborough.”

After his first two years, Lee was promoted to executive director of business operations for the next eight years. He was recognized with the 2022-23 Ontario Hockey League Community Involvement Award. 

“I am looking forward to contributing to one of the most exciting projects in the sport industry, working alongside a renowned ownership and executive team to establish the new professional women’s ice hockey league,” said Lee. “The Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King Enterprises have initiated something truly special for the hockey world. I am excited to work alongside a team led by Jayna Hefford and to use the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in Peterborough to help fans across North America and around the world experience elite hockey in a new way.”

Lee was born and raised in Delhi and been an active community member since 2013. He is the current chair of the board of directors for Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development and serves as program advisory council chair for various programs at Fleming and Loyalist Colleges. Lee is also involved in minor and recreational sports, having organized the Peterborough Squash Club’s PSB Wilson Squash Classic for several years as well as coaching minor sports teams.

“Burton has been the driving force behind our business operations for the past 10 years,” said Dave Pogue, Petes president. “His innovative and progressive ideas spawning some major changes in our business model have helped the Petes organization make huge strides and Burton’s team is regarded as one of the best and most respected in junior hockey.” 

Lee’s last day with the organization is on Aug. 15. Lee, his partner Heather and their two children are remaining in Douro-Dummer and continue to be with Peterborough County.

“Although we will greatly miss Burton’s talent, leadership and most of all, his second-to-none work ethic, we are very excited for him to be able to take on new challenges with his next career move,” said Pogue. “On behalf of the Peterborough Petes, please join me in wishing Burton the best of luck. We look forward to seeing him, his wife Heather and their children Louie and Lottie around the rink and in the community.”

Lee has worked alongside the hockey operations department throughout his time with the Petes. His decade-long tenure saw him work closely with Michael Oke, Petes general manager to ensure the smooth operation of the team.

“On behalf of everyone in hockey operations, I’d like to congratulate Burton on joining the new professional women’s hockey league,” said Oke. “It’s been ten great years working with Burton and we’re all excited to see him continue his career in something he’s very passionate about. Since we brought Burton on board, we have seen a tremendous amount of growth on the business side of the Petes. Burton’s vision and ideas were an integral part of this growth. Although we will miss him, we know that he’s going to be a great addition to the new league.” 

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