Brad May’s story proves that lessons learned on the ice translate powerfully to business and beyond. The former NHL star and broadcaster brings resilience, teamwork, and community spirit to his role at NFP.
When Brad May scored that unforgettable overtime goal against Boston in 1993, the famous “Mayday” call cemented his name in hockey history. Over a 19-year NHL career, May played more than 1,000 games for six teams, culminating in his 2007 Stanley Cup victory with the Anaheim Ducks. Today, he’s traded his stick for strategy, serving as a client executive at NFP, a role that draws on the same qualities that made him a fan favorite: resilience, teamwork and authenticity.
A Career Built on Grit and Loyalty
Born in Toronto and raised in Markham, Ont., May was drafted 14th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1990. Starting his career just across the border was a blessing, he recalls, because it allowed his family to stay close.
“Buffalo was perfect for me starting out,” he said. “I didn’t go too far, and my girlfriend — who’s now my wife — could be part of it. My family got to experience those early years with me.”
Over nearly two decades, May suited up for Buffalo, Vancouver, Phoenix, Colorado, Anaheim, Toronto and Detroit, amassing 127 goals and 161 assists across 1,041 regular-season games. His crowning achievement came in 2007 when he hoisted the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in a moment that underscored his reputation as a relentless competitor and consummate teammate.
From the Ice to the Airwaves
When May retired in 2010, he didn’t step away from hockey entirely. Instead, he transitioned into broadcasting, joining CBC and Rogers Sportsnet as an analyst before moving to AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain. His candid, approachable style made him a natural fit for television, where he shared insights honed over years in the NHL. But even as he thrived in media, May was already thinking about his next challenge.
A New Arena: Insurance and Risk Management
In 2024, May joined NFP as a client executive, helping individuals and businesses navigate complex insurance needs. It’s a role that demands trust, communication and adaptability — all skills that May developed over his years on the ice and in front of the camera.
He admits the transition hasn’t been without its hurdles. “I’m not a computer guy,” he laughs. “Navigating systems like Microsoft Teams? That’s all new to me.” But he approaches it with humility and humor. “I’m self-deprecating to a benefit. If I make a fool of myself, that’s okay. I just want to learn.”
That willingness to ask for help and embrace discomfort is a hallmark of his success. “I lost 600-plus hockey games,” he said. “But there’s always a lesson in those moments. You gain valuable experience when things don’t go your way.”
Giving Back: A Lifelong Commitment
May’s sense of responsibility extends beyond the rink and the boardroom. He has supported Easter Seals Ontario through his Brad May Celebrity Classic and participated in Heart and Stroke Foundation events like Hockey Heroes Weekend, which have raised significant funds for health initiatives. He’s also lent his name and time to charity golf tournaments and heart health campaigns.
For May, these efforts reflect the same principle that guided his playing days: “It’s our responsibility to help the guys around us, even if we don’t know them.”
Lessons That Translate
It isn’t just the list of career milestones that makes May’s story compelling. It’s the continuity of character. The same qualities that carried him through nearly two decades in the NHL now define his work at NFP: resilience in the face of setbacks, a team-first mentality and a commitment to lifelong learning. His broadcasting experience sharpened his ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, while his charitable work underscores a deep sense of responsibility to community.
The Next Chapter
Brad May’s journey from Stanley Cup champion to insurance executive is a testament to adaptability and purpose. He describes his outlook with a simple question: “Why not me?” Whether facing a breakaway on the ice, a live broadcast, or a client meeting, May brings both confidence and a willingness to grow.
Today, his team includes Canadian businesses and families, and the charities he continues to champion. The arenas may have changed, but the game remains the same: show up, work hard and make a difference.
