Passion and determination are two integral aspects of the game of hockey, and they also are two traits shared by the National Hockey League’s executive vice president and general counsel, David Zimmerman. For a game played by athletes renowned for their yeoman-like work ethic, team-first values and zeal for the sport itself, it’s fitting that the league’s lead attorney brings to the office each day this same effort and enthusiasm that the players bring to the ice.

While being an athlete and working in professional sports is perhaps one of the most idealized jobs for many young boys, Zimmerman didn’t originally dream of raising the Stanley Cup as a child growing up in Hicksville, N.Y., but instead aspired to be a veterinarian. It wasn’t until later, and he’s not sure of exactly how or why, that he developed a zest for law, which led him down a fortuitous path toward his current position.