Longtime Petes Executive Director of Business Operations Burton Lee Accepts Position with New Professional Women’s Hockey League
The Peterborough Petes announced today that Executive Director of Business Operations, Burton Lee, has accepted a position as Director of Game Operations and Fan Experience within the Hockey Operations Department of the new professional women’s hockey league beginning play in January of 2024.
Burton originally joined the Petes in August of 2013 as the Director of Communications and Game Operations. He joined the team from the Sarnia Sting, where he set up the Sting’s ticket sales department, after having spent nearly a year in the CFL 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. 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,” noted Lee. “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 two years in the position of Director of Communications and Game Operations, Lee was promoted to Executive Director of Business Operations, a role he held for eight years. He was instrumental in building the Petes’ business operations department into an award winning group, most recently being 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,” continued 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.”
Born and raised in Delhi, ON, Lee has been actively involved in the Peterborough community since joining the Petes in 2013. He is the current Chair of the Board of Directors for Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), 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,” stated Petes President Dave Pogue. “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 Petes will be on Tuesday, August 15. Burton, his partner Heather (a teacher at Adam Scott Intermediate School), and their two children, will remain in Douro-Dummer and continue to be actively involved within 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.” continued 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.”
As well as running the business department, Burton has worked alongside the hockey operations department throughout his tenure. Lee has spent all ten years working closely with Petes General Manager Michael Oke 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.” noted Petes General Manager Michael 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.”
The only way to guarantee tickets for the 2023-24 home opener by purchasing a season ticket package, available only while supplies last. Season tickets start at just $339 for the entire 34 game home schedule, and include thousands of dollars in benefits and incentives.