Brandon Wong Interview
Brandon Wong, Founder and CEO of BW Hockey Inc., is a former professional ice hockey player turned entrepreneur and mentor. A Quinnipiac University graduate and former team captain, Brandon combines his business acumen with over a decade of global hockey experience to shape the next generation of athletes. Through BW Hockey Inc., he provides high-performance training, coaching development, and leadership mentorship rooted in teamwork, discipline, and mental strength. His journey from professional athlete to business leader showcases how passion, persistence, and purpose can redefine success both on and off the ice.
The Birth of BW Hockey Inc.
We started the interview by asking, “Brandon, what inspired you to transition from being a professional athlete to founding BW Hockey Inc.?”
Brandon Wong replied, “My journey from the ice rink to entrepreneurship was a natural evolution of passion and purpose. After spending over a decade playing professional hockey across North America and Europe, I knew my strengths and realized I could help others that were in my position in their childhood. I realize how much I love helping others reach their full potential. Founding BW Hockey Inc. allowed me to merge my on-ice experience, training experiences with my business education. I wanted to create a platform that focused not just on skill development, but also on mindset, leadership, and discipline qualities that define great athletes and successful people alike. While growing up, and throughout my 27 year hockey career I was able to meet teammates, friends, coaches and mentors that would connect and continually share their perspectives and experiences. Having mentors during my business journey has played a big role as well. The transition wasn’t about leaving hockey; it was about continuing to serve the sport in a more meaningful, lasting way.”
Leadership beyond the Ice
The Worlds Times: How did your experience as a team captain influence your leadership style in business?
Brandon Wong replied, “Being a captain taught me that leadership isn’t about authority it’s about responsibility, empathy, and communication. On the ice, I learned to manage diverse personalities, motivate teammates, and resolve conflicts under pressure. These lessons translated directly into my business life. At BW Hockey Inc., I apply the same principles: creating a culture of trust, clarity, and collaboration. Leading by example is key—whether that means inspiring the kids, sharing my honest opinion and feedback, investing in my staff’s growth, empowering others to improve, grow and be the best leaders than can be. True leadership, in my view, is about helping others succeed while attempting to hold yourself to the highest standards.”
A Holistic Approach to Hockey
The Worlds Times: BW Hockey Inc. has become known for its coaching excellence. What sets your training philosophy apart?
Brandon Wong replied, “Being able to play for so long, meeting and networking with players, coaches, managers, and owners is like some of my friends and mentors say, I was able to receive a PHD in hockey. What does that mean! Hockey has so many effects on us kids and people to grow up through the game of hockey. There are many ups and downs in sports, in relation to our daily lives. Our philosophy at BW Hockey Inc. is built on three pillars: skill and knowledge mastery, mindset, and consistency. We go beyond drills; we focus on helping players understand why certain techniques work and how to apply them under real game conditions. Every player has unique strengths, so our training is highly individualized, blending technical skill-building with mental conditioning. I emphasize building confidence, resilience, and hockey IQ, not just physical performance. Having trained and competed internationally, I’ve seen how holistic development shapes high performance athletes. My goal is to empower players to grow their passion for hockey and obtain on ice and off ice experiences that they can take with them for the rest of their lives, both as tools and memories. ”
Balancing Passion and Purpose
The Worlds Times: How do you balance your roles as an entrepreneur, coach, and former athlete?
Brandon Wong replied, “Balance comes from passion and structure. It can be challenging. I try to treat my business life with the same discipline I had as an athlete setting goals, managing time effectively, and prioritizing recovery. Coaching keeps me connected to the game and its evolving dynamics, while entrepreneurship challenges me creatively and strategically. Both roles feed each other. When I’m on the ice, I’m energized by direct impact; when I’m in the office, I’m building systems that scale that impact. It’s about trying to stay grounded in purpose while remaining adaptable. The lessons from my hockey career, work ethic, determination to do more, resilience, teamwork, and preparation remain the foundation of everything I do.”
Lessons from around the World
The Worlds Times: Having played in multiple leagues worldwide, how has that global exposure influenced your coaching and business approach?
Brandon Wong replied, “Skating in the NHL Training Camps, The AHL, ECHL, and across Europe & Asia, it gave me a deep appreciation for different playing styles, coaching methods, and cultures. Every environment taught me something new about adaptability and discipline. In Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Russia for instance, the focus on skating techniques, movement with puck control, the structure and team synergy was profound; in North America, it was intensity, aggression, toughness and pace. With cultures like Russia, China it was very important about excelling to put the food on the table and pay bills, while holding a hierarchy to not live in poverty. In North America it was about culture, being part of the hockey family, title, prestige, and fun and being active.
These diverse experiences shaped how our BW Hockey programs train athletes today combining global best practices into a comprehensive approach. It also taught me to value cultural awareness and communication, which are vital in running an international-facing business like BW Hockey Inc.”
Overcoming Early Hurdles
The Worlds Times: What challenges did you face when starting BW Hockey Inc., and how did you overcome them?
Brandon Wong replied, “Like any new venture, BW Hockey Inc. faced challenges in continuing quality through growth, building the right team of coaches, managers and finding the core of the team. We also found working with parents/ players to educate them on why certain areas or what was best for them, while balancing financial sustainability with quality challenges. Transitioning from being known as a high performance, pro athlete to being respected as a business leader required determination, time dedication, patience, keeping to the vision and consistency. I focused on authenticity, core values, delivering results for players, maintaining professionalism, and fostering a great culture and natural growth. There were times when resources were tight or when logistics seemed overwhelming, but those moments reminded me of my playing days where persistence always pays off. Staying true to my mission of athlete development helped me push through every challenge, and it was about the kids and giving back. That is the real reward.”
Expanding Horizons
Lastly we asked, “What’s your vision for the future of BW Hockey Inc. and hockey training as a whole?”
“The future of BW Hockey Inc. lies in innovation and accessibility. I envision expanding our training programs locally, and globally, integrating digital platforms for remote coaching & consulting, and collaborating with organizations to make elite hockey development more inclusive to those that choose. I believe technology can complement traditional coaching by offering visual and data insights and personalized feedback. As we continue to evolve, beyond that, I want to continue to mentor players, future coaches and leaders who carry forward our philosophy of excellence, integrity, and continuous growth for players and people. Hockey has given me so much I see this next chapter of building the business as my way of giving back and shaping the next generation of athletes and leaders.” Brandon Wong concluded
Connect with Brandon Wong on LinkedIn
For more information visit BW Hockey Inc.
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