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AHL Utica Comets

Inside the Comets: Director of Game Operations Gina Nassivera

April 7, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


By now you have probably noticed that there is an enjoyable experience in The AUD on Comets game nights. Directing game nights falls under Gina Nassivera's responsibilities. That list of responsibility shows that Gina does a little bit of everything, including literally turning on the lights.

The next time you visit the Comets website, click on the tab labeled team. Next, select Comets staff. Scroll down until you come to Gina Nassivera - Director of Game Operations. That's where you will find Gina's bio, and experience. On gamedays Gina can be found in the pressbox, in the last row of the building.

Like most, if not all employees on the AHL level, Nassivera's job description should include - and all other duties. Game Presentation encompasses a great many 'must do's', so hockey fans can have a memorable experience.

At The AUD since 10am, Nassivera will remain on location in all likelihood up to one hour after the game has ended. The hours are long but they are rewarding. It's 5:30pm, the Chicago Wolves are in Utica for their first-ever trip to skate against the Comets. After a long climb up to the press box, Nassivera has sole possession of the arena (one row down Brendan Burke is preparing for the night's Comets radio broadcast).

Sitting in the last seat to the left is where you will find Nassivera at every home game. This is where she directs all that is, in- between action on the ice. This is where game presentation happens.

When sitting down next to Nassivera, immediately you conclude that this is a busy woman. As the point contact with the production crew downstairs, Nassivera is reviewing with her team the night's script. What fans see come up on the video boards, what music they are treated to, they are all as a result of Nassivera calling the shots.

Between taking and making calls on her phone, speaking to the production suite employees, and working the mouse to her computer, all at the same time, Nassivera is busy, and by all accounts enjoying every minute of it. In Gina's line of work, timing is everything.

As the press box begins to fill Nassivera remains in her "zone". In all that Nassivera creates when the Comets are at work, as the National Anthem concludes, taking a cue through her headset - she reaches behind her and at the main control hits a large red button to bring up the house lights. Combing through the night's script, which she creates for each game, Nassivera crosses off when sponsors ads appear on the video board.

When Nassivera marks an X in her book, this is a good thing. What was planned comes off. Coming to the Comets after three seasons of experience as the Rockford IceHogs game operations and events manager, Nassivera knows how to get fans to react in and out of their seats. Continuously working, as the start of the Comets-Wolves game approaches, she begins to gather images of those in the starting line-up - ready for the viewing on the video boards, at a second's command.

Along with her previous experiences in Rockford, Nassivera has the education that duly qualifies her to hold her Comets title. First, earned was a BA degree at Castleton State (VT), then a masters in sports management at Northern Illinois University. There's no substitute for experience for Nassivera this season. Gina is pulling double-duty, wearing her director's hat as well as handling all music requirements. With the music director moving on from Utica as the season began, Nassivera absorbed the responsibilities.

So what's a woman doing in a game/business traditionally dominated by men? Growing up in the Glens Falls area, Nassivera became familiar with hockey by attending games in the Civic Center of the Frostbite and Red Wings.

"I was never a huge fan of the fights," Nassivera said. She tells of having a cousin who was drafted by the Ottawa Senators and had played for former Winnipeg Jets coach Claude Noel.

While pursuing her masters, Nassivera was a marketing intern with the IceHogs. "For five months I shadowed with in-game presentation. Everything went well and I was invited back; hired part-time by Gordon Kaye. He gave me a chance when I was in grad school," Nassivera explains. "There's not much difference between Rockford and Utica. I love the people here. Rob (Comets President Rob Esche) trusts my vision and experience."

Wanting to get back east, to be closer to her family in the Adirondacks, when Nassivera learned of Utica joining the AHL, an interview was secured." Traditions were in place. This (Utica) is a well established hockey market. I was the last to be hired (Comets staff) in the summer," Nassivera states.

There are frequent, but all necessary, interruptions when having a conversation with Nassivera. There is little down time. Every bit of entertainment that is offered and consumed by fans inside The AUD comes with much planning. What is the team mascot Audie's role for the game? Nassivera explains that she will discuss this with fellow staffer Machaela Buckley of corporate fulfillment.

Cecelie Pikus, the in-game host Comets fans have become familiar with, checks in with Gina briefly to confirm which channel to have her wireless microphone on for the evening. It's 25 minutes before the Comets and Wolves are to appear for their pre-game skate and the halo video screen above the scoreboard isn't working. Nassivera is on her phone. After an inquiry is made, at the nine minute mark the halo is lit.

Nassivera didn't relocate to Utica to reinvent what hockey fans want. With the music offered, Nassivera wants to hear feedback, and is open to suggestions. "We are regulated by AHL guidelines what goes on our playlists," Nassivera states. Constantly thinking of what to offer for the fans' experience in The AUD, Nassivera tells of making the 16-hour drive from Rockford to Utica with much on her mind.

Preparing for game presentations, Nassivera informs us that her busiest days are when there are no Comets hockey in The AUD. Preparation keeps Gina on the go. Nassivera breaks from our conversation to speak with the person who is working the switcher for the evening; bringing camera shots to life on the video boards. The camera people are pretty much on their own but if Nassivera sees someone she thinks should be up on the video boards, the production suite is informed.

There's no doubt that Nassivera is excited to be in Utica and to create a sports entertainment atmosphere in The AUD all season long. Her parents were in Utica recently and had a fun time and thought The AUD offered an intimate experience for all. Let us not forget, at Utica College men's and women's hockey games, Nassivera is involved with the music there as well.

The 12-hour schedule on Comets game day/night is what Nassivera signed up for, when relocating to the Mohawk Valley. There are no complaints, seemingly still with not enough time to create all that she envisions. In exiting the press box, one take away from being in Nassivera's shadows - give her the space she needs and let her do as she sees fit. There's no pulling back on the reins of an artist.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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