Omar Mitchell, Vice President of Sustainability and Growth Initiatives for the National Hockey League (NHL), is celebrated as a Hydro20 honoree for his leadership in advancing water stewardship within the hockey industry.

Under his tenure, the NHL has advanced innovative practices, such as those seen with the Seattle Kraken, who play in one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable arenas. This facility features the "greenest ice," created using rainwater collected from the arena’s roof and stored in giant cisterns, significantly reducing reliance on external water sources.

Mitchell’s efforts include minimizing water use to create ice sheets, averaging 12,000 to 15,000 gallons per sheet, and employing minimal resurfacing to maintain NHL standards. Across NHL arenas, water management includes purifying ice shavings before disposal to prevent contamination of waste streams, ensuring responsible water handling.

In partnership with Zamboni, Mitchell has championed technological advancements in ice maintenance, utilizing computer systems to spray water efficiently and create precise ice sheets with minimal energy and water use.

Additionally, the NHL Venue Metrics platform, powered by SAP, tracks league-wide data to provide insights into venue operations, enabling franchises to share best practices for reducing water usage and emissions.

Omar Mitchell’s commitment to sustainable water practices and innovative technology in the NHL has earned him a well-deserved place among the Hydro20 honorees.