Brian Burke

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Prominent Nhl Executive
Advocate for Lgbtq+ Rights & Accomplished Businessman

Brian Burke Expertise Business & Corporate, Business Management, Business Leadership, Innovation & Creativity, Inclusive Leadership, LGBTQ2S+, Leadership, Teamwork and Leadership Development.

Brian Burke

About Brian Burke

Keynote Speaker, Brian Burke is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and Inclusion, a businessman & a prominent NHL executive with a long 31-year in the sports industry and a proven track record. He is proficient in Advertising, Event Management, Media Relations, Sponsorship, and Management. Burke's unwavering determination and fearlessness have earned him recognition in the world of hockey, where he has served in various roles.

Brian Burke Videos

Brian Burke fighting for LGBTQ+ communities in hockey | Hockey Culture

Brian Burke

Strombo: Brian Burke on the Prospect of an Openly Gay Nhler

Former Canucks Gm Brian Burke Fields Tough Questions About Hockey Cana

Brian Burke's Welcome at the Alberta Safe & Caring Schools Forum

Brian Burke Interviews & Podcasts

Brian Burke Brings His Hockey Tales to Life at Timberwolves Legacy Nig

Brian Burke Interview with Gary Bettman: Primetime Sports Conference

Dave Kelly Live: Brian Burke Interview Full

Brian Burke: the Interview: Winged Wheel Podcast

BRIAN BURKE BIOGRAPHY

Brian Burke is a prominent figure in the world of hockey, as well as in the media. His boldness and refusal to shy away from attention make him a well-known personality. He gained recognition for his advocacy of “pugnacity, truculence, testosterone, and belligerence” while leading the Maple Leafs. Burke’s involvement in hockey has spanned across various roles, including player, agent, league executive, scout, Stanley Cup-winning GM, Olympic GM, and media analyst. He has worked alongside notable figures such as Pat Quinn, Gary Bettman, and numerous future Hall of Fame players, making him one of the most knowledgeable and attention-commanding voices in the game.

Brian Burke most recently served as president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. He supported general manager Ron Hextall in managing all aspects related to the hockey operations department, and reported directly to the team’s president and CEO, David Morehouse. Burke, who graduated from Harvard Law School, has had a long 31-year career as an NHL executive, during which he won the Stanley Cup as the general manager of the Anaheim Ducks in 2006-07. He has also served in various positions for other teams, including as general manager of the Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, and Toronto Maple Leafs, and as the president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames. In addition, he worked as an executive vice president and director of hockey operations for the NHL from 1993-98, working closely with commissioner Gary Bettman.

Brian Burke became the president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh team on February 9, 2021, and is currently in his second season in this position. He supports general manager Ron Hextall in managing all aspects related to the hockey operations department, and reports directly to the team’s president and CEO, David Morehouse. Burke, who graduated from Harvard Law School, has had a long 31-year career as an NHL executive, during which he won the Stanley Cup as the general manager of the Anaheim Ducks in 2006-07. He has also served in various positions for other teams, including as general manager of the Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, and Toronto Maple Leafs, and as the president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames. In addition, he worked as an executive vice president and director of hockey operations for the NHL from 1993-98, working closely with commissioner Gary Bettman.

Burke began his NHL management career in 1987 as the director of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks, and has held different positions with multiple teams over five decades. He received The Sporting News’ NHL Executive of the Year award in 2001 and 2007. Although he was born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was raised in Edina, Minnesota. He has been an essential executive for USA Hockey and was the general manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic team that won a silver medal. He was also the director of player personnel for the 2014 Olympic team and was one of the original members of the USA Men’s National Team Advisory Group.

From 2019 to February 2021, he worked as a hockey analyst for Rogers Media (Sportsnet) in Canada, and during this time, he also published a book titled Burke’s Law: A Life in Hockey. Burke played college hockey at Providence College from 1973-77 under coach Lou Lamoriello and spent parts of two seasons in the American Hockey League before earning his law degree at Harvard. He worked as a player agent from 1981-86.

However, Brian Burke’s accomplishments extend beyond the realm of hockey. He is a Harvard Law School graduate and an accomplished businessman with experience making difficult decisions for multi-million-dollar companies.

Despite his assertive demeanor, he is also a father who has experienced the tragedy of losing his youngest son in a car accident. Burke has had to deal with this immense grief while under the public eye. His son Brendan Burke came out in 2009, and Brian Burke became an outspoken advocate for gay rights.

In 2012, Brian and Patrick, a former NHL scout and Brian’s son , launched the You Can Play Project to ensure safety and inclusion for all sports participants, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans. The project was founded in honor of Brendan Burke, Brian’s late son and Patrick’s brother.

Brian Burke Topic Presentations

Brian Burke Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Stand up for Pride with Pride

Brian Burke Books & Articles

Burke's Law: a Life in Hockey
Burke's Law: a Life in Hockey

Brian Burke is one of the biggest hockey personalities--no, personalities full-stop--in the media landscape. His brashness makes him a...

Brian Burke is the Most Misunderstood Man in Hockey
Brian Burke is the Most Misunderstood Man in

In his new book released this week, Burke’s Law, A Life in Hockey, the hard-nosed NHL executive turned Sportsnet analyst goes deep and...

Timberwolves Announce Brian Burke as 10th Annual Unbc Legacy Night Keynote Speaker
Timberwolves Announce Brian Burke as 10th Annual

“Every year the bar for UNBC’s Legacy Night is raised higher thanks to the incredible outpouring of support from our community, and...

Nhl History: Vancouver Canucks Hire Brian Burke as Gm
Nhl History: Vancouver Canucks Hire Brian Burke

Yesterday was one of the biggest days in Vancouver Canucks history as they named Brian Burke as the clubs general manager in 1998. It was...

Brian Burke and the Sedins Pay Tribute to Alfredsson as He Prepares to Step into the Hall of Fame Monday
Brian Burke and the Sedins Pay Tribute to

For Burke, though, Alfredsson was always the enemy during his career with the Ottawa Senators. At all of Burke’s stops in National...

Brian Burke Speaking Testimonials

"Brian is a charismatic speaker, and his delivery is based on a history of tremendous business successes, which have given him the authority to speak so dynamically."

Macdonald Realty

"The evening went very well. Brian was phenomenal. He truly is a dynamic and engaging speaker. The Q&A was the highlight of his time with us. Brian was also very gracious with his time and spoke with whomever approached him. Everything worked out just as expected. The guests were truly engaged. It was a great evening and we probably could have gone for another hour with Brian speaking. Everyone thought it was fantastic."

Toronto Transportation Club

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brian Burke known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Brian Burke is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Brian Burke speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Brian Burke delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

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Brian Burke is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Brian Burke from and where do they speak across Canada?

Brian Burke is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Brian Burke available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Brian Burke is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Brian Burke deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Brian Burke may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Brian Burke to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Brian Burke is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Brian Burke for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Brian Burke is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Brian Burke as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Brian Burke keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Brian Burke for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Brian Burke may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Brian Burke for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Brian Burke should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Brian Burke represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Brian Burke is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More