Cary Kaplan

Cary Kaplan is the president and owner of the sports marketing firm Cosmos Sports, which launched in 2003.^[1] The company specializes in consulting for sports teams and leagues in sales, marketing and business operations. High-profile clients have included the NHL CFL, MLS, the Chicago Cubs the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns.

Biography

In 2013, Kaplan assumed the role of the President & General Manager of the new Brampton Beast Hockey Club of the ECHL. Kaplan was instrumental in founding the first Canadian franchise in the CHL, and being instrumental in the merger with the ECHL. The Beast are the ECHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens.

From 2005 until October 2009, he served as the Commissioner & Chairman of Canada's only pro soccer league, the Canadian Soccer League Achievements during his tenure included affiliations with Canada's governing body, the Canadian Soccer Association, as well as with Canada's top two Pro Teams Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact and establishment of a television contract with Rogers TV, and a Reserve Divisions.^[2][3]

In 2009, CSL Inc. chairman Domenic Di Gironimo praised Kaplan, saying, “There’s no doubt that Cary has moved the CSL ahead dramatically during the past few years, such that it is well positioned to occupy the second level professional soccer in Canada. And that’s essential for Canadian soccer. We thank him for his excellent leadership and his generous and very considerable contribution to the Canadian Soccer League.”

Prior to founding Cosmos Sports, Kaplan worked for the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club for six years, the last two as the president and alternate governor of the Oilers top affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, of the American Hockey League.

"Hockey in Hamilton owes a lot to Cary Kaplan," said Tony Battaglia, Chairman of the Hamilton Bulldogs LP. "In 2000–01, when the team's future in Hamilton looked bleak, Cary organized the 'Stay Dogs Stay' campaign. His efforts resulted in over a thousand new season's tickets being sold, and a new lease with the city. Without Cary's efforts, the team may have folded." Battaglia added that Kaplan initiated the process that brought the current, local ownership group together, and was instrumental in bringing the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton to the table. As a result, the Hamilton ownership group was able to secure the Canadiens' AHL franchise.^[4]

In 1999, he won the Ken McKenzie Award as the AHL's top marketing executive; he has an MBA from Dalhousie University.

References