BOSTON– The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) announced that Bryan Koop, one of the most respected real estate executives in North America, will serve as a strategic advisor on facilities and infrastructure.
Koop is Executive Vice President, Boston Region for Boston Properties which is the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of Class A office properties in the United States. Boston Properties recently partnered with Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins, on the development of The Hub on Causeway, a 1.6 million square foot mixed-use development tied to historic TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and Bruins.
“First class facilities are critical to the PHF’s future,” said John Boynton, Chairman of the PHF Board of Governors. “Not only are better, larger facilities an important piece of the professional player’s experience but they also open doors to essential revenue growth and financial sustainability. We welcome Bryan’s leadership in the properties space with invaluable support to help us continue to expand and shape our path forward across North America.”
“The expanding model the PHF is building is extremely exciting to me personally and professionally,” Koop added. “I think the league and their commitment to professional women’s sports is unmatched and I look forward to helping shape that vision with partners as it aligns with Boston Properties’ commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization and the communities we serve.”
Koop serves as Executive Vice President, Boston Region for Boston Properties. He is responsible for overseeing the operation of their existing regional portfolio in the Boston area, which includes the Boston CBD, Cambridge, Waltham/Lexington submarkets, and is also responsible for developing new business opportunities in the area. Prior to joining Boston Properties in 1999, Koop served at Trammell Crow Company from 1982 to 1999 where his career covered high-rise office building leasing and the development of commercial office buildings and shopping centers. He is a member of the Board of Directors of NAIOP Massachusetts, the Boston Green Ribbon Commission, and ULI Boston. Koop is also a frequent speaker as an expert on sustainable development and community placemaking.
“Having professional facilities is an important aspect in the growth of the game,” said Shiann Darkangelo, captain of the Toronto Six. “The PHF has put an emphasis on doing so and I am excited to be a part of the growth.”
The announcement of an expanding and diverse advisory and leadership board represents another significant step for the Federation. The appointment follows Monday’s sale of the Toronto Six to an elite group of BIPOC Canadian hockey leaders, as well as recent corporate partnership news highlighted by an extension with Discover that builds upon the original landmark deal announced in January 2021 that contributes to the PHF’s developing business model. These recent announcements followed a commitment from the Board of Governors to invest $25 million over the next three years to directly enhance the player experience. Expansion to eight teams for the 2022-23 season along with a salary cap of $750,000 per team, full healthcare benefits and equity in the teams, facility upgrades, new equipment, and increased ice time are all part of the investment to professional PHF athletes
