Executive Producer / Director
Colorado Avalanche, Mammoth, & Denver Nuggets
Connect with Steve:
Sjohnston@kse.com
Events: NHL, NBA, NLL, Western Hockey League
Years in Sports: 20 FT; 23 Total
Fueled by: A healthy lifestyle (athletic greens, yogurt, exercise, a nice walk)
Inspired by: The amazing people he works with who share all types of energy, and creating amazing moments
Motivated by: Family and friends
QUICK FACTS:
TRANSFORMING AN EYE FOR PRODUCTION INTO A SPORTS CAREER…
Steve’s first sports gig was as DJ for the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) while studying at Mount Royal University, which quickly evolved into show-calling. When the 2004 NHL lockout hit, the Hitmen went from a second-tier show to the biggest show in town and the focus on game presentation amplified. This new prominence gave Steve a shot to merge his passion for sets, design, special effects and creating “a show” with his lifelong love of sports.
Steve’s first full-time role was as Director of Entertainment with the Calgary Flames for several years before transitioning to Director at the Colorado Avalanche & Mammoth in 2008, then adding Nuggets in 2013.
Technology has made many shows redundant, and true innovation harder than ever. Steve takes pride in trying new things, like using his ice conversion team with the Avs to do a flash-mob style dance on the ice, garnering a massive fan response and head nods from around the league. He evolved that concept with the Nuggets, launching the Average Joes dance team, a group (as they sound) of average dudes who go on court and do their best moves on court-still fan favorites and dance throughout the Nuggets season.
Designing epic ceremonies honoring the likes of PIerre Lecroix, Joe Sakic & Dikembe Mutombo & Championship teams are his favorite memories, most recently being a part of two Championships in 2 years (Nuggets & Avs).
BEYOND THE EVENTS:
Steve grew up going to musicals, noting Les Miserables as his favorite, but crediting his exposure to Broadway performances and iconic sports venues (a la United Center/Chicago Bulls during the Jordan era) for inspiring his passion and appreciation for the creative vision that powers an experience.
An outdoorsman at heart, when not working, Steve spends time traveling (Iceland, Vietnam & Caribbean are his favorite destinations), fly fishing, hiking, skiing and just enjoying the CO weather.
His favorite part of leadership is getting people opportunities to grow so they can reach their potential.
Steve loves spending time with his wife, daughter and their dog.