USA Hockey Foundation

Does hockey train our youth to become future CEOs? Mark Fusco thinks so. As a retired CEO and United States Olympian, he would know.

“Running a business can be very difficult, depending on how big it is and how complicated it is,” says Fusco, who retired from his most recent CEO post at Aspen Technology last September. “You have all sorts of different constituent groups that you’re dealing with, but hockey is the same. You’re part of a team. You’re building a future for the championship or to try and win your games.”

Fusco, a 1984 U.S. Olympian, still holds multiple Harvard scoring records for defensemen. After suiting up for 80 NHL games with the Hartford Whalers, Fusco retired one professional career in pursuit of another. The proud Crimson alum returned to his alma mater, this time enrolling in the prestigious Harvard Business School. He then earned his first CEO position.

He has found success on the ice and in the office. Whether you’re putting on a jersey or a suit and tie, Fusco says, the cultures of successful businesses and hockey teams are very much the same.

“It’s a competitive environment, at least in my experience,” says Fusco who, in 1983, became the first defenseman to win the Hobey Baker Award. “You try to build a team and try to mold them. You’re playing every day to win, not only in the short-term, but in the long-term. The perseverance that it takes to be a good hockey player – I think it’s the same as trying to do something in the business world that is difficult and complicated. It’s not the same skill set, but it’s certainly the same perseverance and wanting to win.”

It’s those life lessons and development that have kept Fusco connected to USA Hockey. He not only follows the organization, but also continues to contribute financially to the USA Hockey Foundation’s charitable efforts.

Donors to The USA Hockey Foundation who have contributed $1,000 or more during the fiscal year (starting Sept. 1) are recognized for their gifts with membership to the Circle of Champions. These donations provide more and more kids the opportunity to play, learn and love the game of hockey.

“Mark recognizes the importance that USA Hockey has played in his career and his life,” says USA Hockey Executive Director Dave Ogrean. “He has not only dedicated time to growing and strengthening hockey, but he has also dedicated money by becoming a member of The USA Hockey Foundation’s Circle of Champions giving club. We hope to double the number of members in this club by encompassing more USA Hockey alumni.”

Fusco now has two other specific reasons to invest in USA Hockey: he’s coaching his sons’ peewee and bantam teams in Massachusetts. But his main focus is to help kids who may not be able to afford it.

“Anybody who gets to play hockey is changed forever – for the better,” says Fusco, who also owns a local club team and a rink with his brother, Scott Fusco, who was also a 1984 U.S. Olympian. “I’d like to see more kids get an opportunity to play. That’s why I’m interested in what USA Hockey’s doing. That’s why I’m interested in The USA Hockey Foundation. I’m interested in giving kids the opportunity to play when maybe they couldn’t have because of their personal financial situation. I think hockey is a great game to get people involved in. The more, the better.”

Outside of his Circle of Champions giving, Mark helped spearhead another initiative to get more kids on the ice. The Aspen Tech Grant was established in 2007 to help cover registration fees for kids in the northwestern Boston suburbs. This year, 16 kids received the Aspen Tech Grant.

“There’s nothing like a little kid on the rink with a smile on his face,” adds Fusco, who was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. “It’s intoxicating. Kids that get exposed to hockey – they all want to play. It’s the most fun game of any.”

And the lessons provided by the game are invaluable. That’s why Fusco is giving his time and money to provide these experiences to more kids.

“There are a lot of parallels between hockey and being successful in life,” says Fusco. “You’re playing through your good days and your bad days. Everybody has them. Hockey is a great learning ground for life – and I want to share that.”