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The Wilmington Arena Project is driven by a team of the brightest and most passionate minds in the Wilmington area. Together, we share a deep commitment to bringing sports, healthy living, and togetherness to the forefront of our community.
Our team also includes accomplished business leaders and community advocates who are dedicated to ensuring the success of this transformative project. By combining expertise in sports, business, and community development, we are united in our mission to build an arena that not only supports hockey but also serves as a vibrant hub for Wilmington’s growth and connection.
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Michael "Mike" Völlmin
President & Founder / Chairman of the Board
Mike grew up in Wilmington and found his passion for hockey when Ogden's Wilmington Ice House opened in 2006. After earning a finance degree and playing hockey at Babson College, he continues to this day, a decade-long pro career in Switzerland, where he holds dual citizenship.
Knowing how hockey opened doors in his life, Mike feels a deep responsibility to give back to his hometown. He launched The Wilmington Arena Project and is assembling a trusted team of lifelong friends and local hockey advocates to help bring the vision to life.
Their shared mission: to build a lasting home for hockey in Wilmington.
"This project wlll provide a platform for our youth to create and collaborate in so many different ways. Not just hockey, but afterschool programs, summer camps, and fun events of all different types. This project will be much more than just hockey, as sport tends to be, its going to galvanize the community and change a lot of lives for the better." - Mike
Kyler Harding
Co-Founder / Head of Event Operations
Wilmington born and raised, Kyler represents the heart of what the Wilmington Arena Project stands for: positivity, leadership, and community impact.
Kyler played a key role in launching the Project’s first public event, securing over $4,000 in donated raffle prizes through local sponsorship outreach. His strengths in event organization, sponsorship development, and community engagement have helped build early momentum and local support for the arena initiative.
Deeply connected to Wilmington and committed to its future, Kyler brings energy, determination, and a strong local network to help drive the Wilmington Arena Project forward.
Kyler@wilmingtonarenaproject.com
Phone: 910-620-2103
Board Of Directors
Bobby Sanguinetti
Wilmington transplant, former NHL defenseman with the Carolina Hurricanes, and current Assistant Coach of the Charlotte Checkers. He brings elite-level playing and coaching experience, deep connections within professional hockey, and firsthand knowledge of player development at the highest levels of the game. Bobby adds instant credibility, hockey operations insight, and strong ties to the broader Carolina hockey community.
Ralph Evangelous
Former Chief of Police of Wilmington, brings decades of public safety leadership, strategic security expertise, and deep local relationships across government, business, and first responders. A trusted community leader, he provides invaluable insight and connectivity within the Wilmington and New Hanover County landscape. Ralph is also a passionate supporter of Wilmington hockey through his son Tyler’s involvement and the annual Wilmington Fire Department vs. Police Department charity games.
Brian Ferrell
Brian is a corporate attorney and former investment banker with significant experience advising companies and investment funds on mergers and acquisitions, capital formation, and complex strategic transactions. He is a member of Smith Anderson’s Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity practice groups, where he represents publicly traded and privately held companies, sponsors, and investors across the transaction lifecycle. Over the course of his career, Brian has advised on more than $40 billion in M&A and capital markets transactions.
Raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, Brian is passionate about initiatives that drive economic growth, community development, and expanded access to youth and professional sports in the region. A lifelong athlete, he played NCAA ice hockey and remains actively involved in the sport.
Committee Members
Torey Mitchell
Reloacated from Montreal to Wilmington as a former NHL forward with over 650 games played, brings pro sports insight and leadership experience to the project.
Roger Weismiller
St. Louis native who moved to Wilmington (Leland) in 2023, spent most of his career in financial services but also played a major role in St. Louis’ 1988–1998 push to build a domed stadium and attract an NFL team. He later joined the relocated Los Angeles Rams in 1995, working in marketing, sponsorships, and premium seat leasing.
Sal Lombardi
Sal brings decades of hands-on experience across professional and collegiate sports, including work with the NHL (New York Rangers, LA Kings), multiple minor leagues, and USA Hockey. He has been directly involved in the design and opening of major facilities such as America West Arena and the Staples Center, as well as leading athletic equipment and facility operations at multiple universities.
Ian Faintuck, MBA
Ian Faintuck, MBA
Head of Corporate Sponsorships
Originlly from Toronto, he’s bringing his experience in finance, investor relations & consulting to the Wilmington Arena Project. As a hockey-loving dual citizen, Ian has found a home with the Wilmington hockey community & is excited to contribute to its growth.
Brett Brodie
Former Wilmington Ice House manager and UNCW hockey supporter. Now in Raleigh with the Carolina Hurricanes and officiating in the SPHL
Wesley Kinney
Wesley has been a part of growing the game of hockey in Wilmington since moving here in 2002, coaching athletes from learn-to-play programs through 18U travel hockey and supporting camps in Canada and Europe. With a professional background in mathematics and statistical programming, he brings a strong analytical and problem-solving skill set to the Wilmington Arena Project, helping guide data-driven decisions and long-term strategic planning to ensure its success.
Brock McGinn
A longtime NHL forward and the owner of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the SPHL. Moving from Canada to Wilmington, Brock is excited to help grow the game of hockey in the community and support its long-term development at the local level.
Steven Ash
As proud Wilmington resident, he brings experience in business development, event management, and sports partnerships. Joining WAP was a natural step, as the project has the potential to transform Wilmington for years to come.
Nolan Tabraham
President of the UNCW Club Ice Hockey Team, leading community outreach and record fundraising. Now a senior in Exercise Science, he sees the Wilmington Arena as a game-changer that is ready to elevate UNCW hockey.
Jamie Miller
After years of moving between Alaska and Wilmington, Jamie has combined his passion for ice hockey with his commitment to improving the Wilmington community. He is contributing his network and expertise to help make the Wilmington Arena a reality.
Operational Team
Elizabeth Vollmin
Event Coordinator
Colton Courtney
Head Videographer
Stephanie Eschler
Website Design & SEO
Lauren McCarty
Head of Communications
MoniYah Person
Social Media Manager
At the Wilmington Arena Project, our culture is rooted in collaboration, passion, and a shared vision for the future of our community. We embrace the motto "It's not me, It's WE!" when promoting this nonprofit; a spirit of teamwork that defines hockey.
Driven by a deep love for the game and a commitment to Wilmington, our philosophy is centered around youth development and community building. Our culture in Wilmington, which thrives on the belief and gratitude, can unite in creating an arena that not only celebrates sports but also strengthens the bonds within our community.
Join the team
Join the team
Excited about sports and eager to be part of a dynamic new project?
We’re looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team. Tell us a bit about yourself and why you’d love to be part of this adventure by reaching out to michael@wilmingtonarenaproject.com.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
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