“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the game of hockey.”

When Sheldon Wolitski tuned in to an episode of Spittin’ Chiclets in early April and heard Paul Bissonnette advocating for the PHPA-ECHL COVID-19 Player Relief Fund, he felt compelled to help.  Wolitski recalled the life-long friendships he has made throughout the sport, including several friends who had played in the ECHL, and understood the financial toll that the premature cancellation of the ECHL season would have, not only on the players, but on their families.  He promptly made a generous donation towards the Relief Fund, and is hoping others do the same, no matter the amount, to lend an assist to players in their time of need.

A successful business leader as Founder and Chairman of The Select Group, Wolitski holds a special spot in his heart for the game of hockey.  He is thankful for the relationships he has developed since his playing days which have helped shape his business venture, and is eager to give back to the game and to the players in several different ways.

Wolitski grew up in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, just north of Edmonton, and became an Oilers fan just as the team was forming their dynasty and winning five Stanley Cups in a span of seven years.  He played junior hockey in the BCJHL before heading to the NCAA after being recruited by the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH), although he faced some uncertainty of his own along the way.   

“I wanted to go the college route and focus on school while continuing to play hockey,” said Wolitski.  “UAH took a chance on me, though I was accepted on an academic probation basis, and not on a full scholarship either.  I needed straight A’s in order to be eligible to play and earn a scholarship.  It was a big risk coming from Canada, but I worked hard, my teammates seemed to band together with me, and eventually I was offered a full scholarship.”

Wolitski played defense for the Chargers from 1992 – ’96 and still ranks in the program’s top 15 in all-time scoring with 113 points.  During his senior year, he posted 41 points in 29 games and graduated with All-American Honors, helping UAH capture the NCAA Division II Championship in the spring of 1996.

“That was such a special time in my life, and I still keep in touch with members of that team, people from the Athletic Department, and other students and Alumni who have come out of that hockey program.” 

When it was recently announced that UAH was cutting its hockey program, Wolitski immediately stepped to the plate along with some of his teammates, secured a meeting with the University President, and put together a successful fundraising drive that saved the program for at least another year.  “We helped raise $800,000 in four days to save the hockey program and added three NHL executives to the hockey program’s Advisory Board including Cam Talbot.”

In fact, it was those close ties to the program that helped Wolitski gain employment and remain in the U.S. following graduation.

“After graduating, because I was a Canadian citizen on a U.S. student Visa, it was very difficult to find a job with a company who would have to sponsor me to remain in the country.  It was only through a UAH Alumni connection who hired me and where I began working for a National recruiting firm.  It’s where I gained the experience to eventually branch out on my own.”

In 1999, Wolitski founded The Select Group, which provides technical talent to major firms across the U.S. and Canada.  Some of their clients include Sysco and Apple among others, while the company has become one of the fastest growing and largest recruiting firms in the industry. 

The secret to the company’s success is largely due to the team-like culture he strategically developed, and Wolitski has hired many former hockey players who tend to thrive in this type of environment.

“I’m not really a tech person, but I happen to work well in a team environment.  Whether it’s working with Account Managers, recruiters, or anyone across the company, this business can be an easy transition for former players because they’re used to working in a team structure, as a unit.”

Former PHPA Member Jared Ross, who played in the National Hockey League, American Hockey League, and ECHL now works with The Select Group.  As does Jeff Winchester who enjoyed an eight-year pro career including multiple seasons in the ECHL.  TSC also offers a number of unique student-athlete initiatives, and as a result hired Max McHugh who played with UAH and now runs their San Diego office. 

“It’s nice to look after former players and provide them with an opportunity.  The cool thing about this business is that everyone pulls their weight and works together.  It’s a very relationship driven business, and a very natural transition for players.  If you’re an effective communicator, possess integrity, and you have good character, you will do well.”

The significance of his hockey career and the role it has played towards his success in business hasn’t been lost on Wolitski.

“I’m always looking for ways to give back to hockey.  I have so many friends who played in the ECHL, it was an easy decision for me to help these guys once I heard about what they were going through with their season ending and losing out on the chance to earn their salary.  Especially in hockey, it’s like you are one degree of separation away from everybody.”

As Wolitski sees it, the PHPA-ECHL COVID-19 Player Relief Fund could be renamed the PHPA-ECHL COVID-19 Family Relief Fund, given the far-reaching implications this pandemic has caused on the players’ families. 

“Many of these guys have families, wives, kids, they’re relocating from their home, and now may be uncertain about their future in the game.  This situation impacts so many people at so many levels.  I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can write a check, and do what I can to help raise awareness.  People need to understand that this isn’t just impacting the ECHL players, it’s impacting a lot of families and their livelihood.”  

Wolitski is also complimentary to the PHPA and ECHL, who worked in tandem to set-up the COVID-19 Player Relief Fund following the sudden end to the 2019-20 season.

“The PHPA and league could have sat back and simply said ‘it is what it is.’  But instead they not only went and created this Relief Fund to help these guys, but contributed towards the Fund in a meaningful way, and continue to find ways to help build the fund even further, which is truly remarkable.” 

With hockey currently on pause, Wolitski has offered to assist the PHPA Career Enhancement Program and work with players seeking to take the next step in their career development. 

“I can help players develop a strong profile and create resumes that demonstrate how their professional hockey career and years of experience working within a team structure are valuable skills that will be relatable during a job interview and that managers are looking to hire. 

Hopefully I can be a resource to help the players, and that others feel compelled to contribute in some way.  I can’t stress enough that every little bit counts.”