The Professors' Press Box began with a simple idea: to tell hockey stories that matter. Founded by a lifelong educator with more than four decades of experience in university teaching, the project grew out of a love for learning, thinking, and sharing ideas. What began as a personal pursuit after a career in academia—focused on political-economic systems, world history, and research—became a space built on curiosity and respect.
The first spark came through a connection to The Hockey Writers. The founder's son, an established hockey journalist for The Hockey Writers, NHL Trade Talk, and The Hockey News, encouraged him to cover the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nine years and countless stories later, that opportunity revealed how much depth and humanity exist within the game of hockey, echoing the same lessons found in classrooms and communities everywhere.
The vision expanded when a former student, goaltender, and coach named Brent suggested writing together. That collaboration opened the door to new perspectives on the game and set the tone for creative partnership.
Through a long-time friend and publisher, the team grew to include Craig and George, whose creativity, technical skill, and steady kindness helped shape The Professors' Press Box into what it is today. Each member brought unique strengths in vision, structure, and craft, working together like a balanced line built on trust and shared purpose.
Today, The Professors' Press Box is a community, not a corporation. It is a space for writers, readers, and fans to share insights, celebrate the game, and support one another. At its heart, the project believes hockey writing is at its best when it feels human, when it connects the play on the ice to the people who love it.
Professors' Press Box is not here to seek clicks, outrage, or rumours. The hockey world already has plenty of ambulance-chasing or gossip fountains. What we promise instead is honest, balanced writing from academic voices that look for understanding, not headlines.
We will offer insight where we can, credit where it is earned, and compassion where it is needed. We will highlight what is working, not just what is failing. When we critique, it will be fair and thoughtful, rooted in respect for the game and the people who play it.
We will also share widely. The world of hockey writing is rich, and many talented voices are telling great stories, from The Hockey Writers to NHL Trade Talk to The Hockey News and beyond. When we read something meaningful, we will point readers toward it. The Professors' Press Box is not about competition; it is about connection, and about bringing the perspective of scholars and educators into the conversation.
Our commitment is to curiosity, community, and care, to seeing the game as more than a scoreboard. Hockey is a reflection of who we all are as humans: passionate, flawed, and striving to do better. If we can capture even a small part of that spirit, we will consider our work a success.
At its heart, we hope The Professors' Press Box grows into a gathering place, a team of professor-writers, readers, and friends who love hockey for what it teaches us about effort, grace, and belonging.
Professor Emeritus, Director & Content Writer
Dr. Jim Parsons writes about hockey with the same curiosity and care he once brought to the classroom. A lifelong educator, Jim has spent over four decades teaching and mentoring future teachers at the University of Alberta, where he served as Director of the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement and helped design the province's widely respected Master of Educational Studies program. His academic work has taken him from Edmonton to Scotland, New Zealand, and China, where he was the leading Canadian author on a national English language program now used throughout the country.
Over his career, Jim has published more than 100 books and countless articles on teaching, learning, and leadership. His contributions to education earned him the Alberta Teachers' Association's Honorary Membership — the organization's highest honour — as well as the University of Alberta President's Award for People of Talent. He has also received several research awards.
As a hockey writer, Jim brings the same reflective spirit to the rink that he did to the classroom. Under his pen name, he's written for The Hockey Writers and NHL Trade Talk, covering the Toronto Maple Leafs and other Canadian teams. His work blends insight with empathy, always searching for what the game can teach us about character, resilience, and connection.
Through The Professors' Press Box, Jim continues to share stories that celebrate the human side of hockey — and the lessons that stay long after the final whistle.
Professor, Director & Content Writer
Brent Bradford (BEd, MEd, PhD) has been an educator for 25+ years and has extensive teaching experience at the school and post-secondary levels. Currently, he is a Professor of Education at Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) in Edmonton, Canada. He has published and presented widely in Education. In 2024, Brent published an edited volume, 'The Doctoral Journey: Educationalist Perspectives', and is Series Editor for 'The Doctoral Journey in Education' book series (BRILL).
A highly decorated educator, Brent has been the recipient of several awards for his teaching, research, and service, including: U of A's Graduate Student Teaching Award (2011); CUE's Gerald S. Krispin "President's" Research Award (2019); CUE's Judith C. Meier Excellence in Teaching Award (2025); and PHE Canada's Lifetime Achievement Award (2025). Alongside his teaching, research, and service connected to the profession of Education, Brent has continued to spend time in hockey.
Throughout the years, he has owned and operated a Goaltender Academy where he helped develop goaltenders from their initial days of putting goalie pads on to elite level performance. Stemming from his playing and coaching experiences, Brent looks forward to sharing his insights about the Game of Hockey, including the goalie position, the psychology and history of the sport, and the positive impact hockey (and sports overall) has on our society.
Digital Strategy & Media Lead
Craig Hole is a digital marketing and solutions expert with a passion for connecting people through sport and storytelling. As Digital Strategy & Media Lead for The Professors' Press Box, Craig oversees the platform's online presence, promotions, and digital growth initiatives. Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Craig grew up immersed in the city's hockey culture and played competitive sports throughout his youth.
His lifelong love of the game continues to fuel his work, combining technical expertise with a genuine enthusiasm for the sports community. Through his role, Craig aims to help The Professors' Press Box reach new audiences and celebrate the impact of sport on education, culture, and everyday life.
Full-Stack Software Developer
George is an experienced software developer with a passion for building high performance web applications that enable his clients to achieve their goals as effortlessly as possible. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Alberta and has spearheaded numerous projects ranging from small startup websites to working on large enterprise applications.
He also has a strong interest in sports, particularly hockey, and enjoys following the NHL and local teams. George is excited to combine his technical skills with his love for the game by contributing to The Professors' Press Box.
Whether you're a fan, a writer, or someone who loves thoughtful conversations about hockey, we'd love to hear from you.
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