Biography of Denis Jelcic
Denis Jelcic is a dedicated sports administrator, longtime business owner, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience in athletics and public engagement As General Manager of the Inline Skating Club of America, he has led one of New Jersey’s most well-known indoor sports venues. In addition to this, his ongoing work with the New York Rangers Fan Engagement Department and Madison Square Garden reflects a lifelong involvement in the world of sports and a strong commitment to people and purpose.
Over the years, Denis has gained valuable experience in recreational leadership, team operations, and athletic development. What stands out most is his consistent focus on giving
back officiating at high school games, mentoring young athletes, and building lasting experiences for fans in professional arenas. Through every role, he has remained a trusted figure in both local and professional sports settings
A Solid Foundation Built on Hard Work and Dedication
The principles behind Denis Jelcic’s approach to work and leadership began to form early in life. At 14, he started holding both part-time and full-time jobs These early experiences taught him the value of effort, commitment, and responsibility Alongside his work, he took on volunteer roles in athletics, coaching youth teams, officiating local games, and assisting with league organization
These early positions gave him practical insight into what it takes to manage people and programs effectively From assisting at local tournaments to making calls as an official, he learned that no job was too small and every action played a role in the bigger picture. When a post-college opportunity arose to support the operations of a recreational center, he accepted it immediately, setting the stage for a career shaped by community service and sports management.
Shaping Leadership Through Academic Growth
In June 1998, Denis completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City He later enhanced his knowledge by pursuing coursework in Education Administration at Montclair State University.
These academic experiences provided him with valuable tools for managing the responsibilities of sports organizations They provided him with the framework for understanding administrative structure, planning, and people management in a practical and effective manner
A Career Rooted in Sport, Service, and Strategy
Between 1990 and 2000, Denis held multiple roles with Cliffside Park Recreation in New Jersey. During that time, he developed and ran an inline roller hockey program from scratch He took responsibility for managing schedules, supervising league activities, and ensuring the smooth operation of the league. His hands-on approach helped the program grow into a consistent part of the community
During the same period, he was also involved as a coach and official in several sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and roller hockey Beyond overseeing the games, he mentored young players and helped train new officials, building a support system for others involved in local sports
In 1999, Denis was appointed General Manager of the Inline Skating Club of America in North Arlington, New Jersey This facility has remained under his leadership ever since He has
handled its daily operations, introduced new sports programs, and developed systems that make league scheduling and event planning more efficient. Under his management, the club has maintained its status as a reliable hub for athletic activities in the region
From 2014 through 2020, Denis worked with Lyndhurst Public Schools as the Assistant to the Athletic Director His role included uniform distribution, event setup, budget management, and communication with alums. He also contributed to fundraising initiatives and provided logistical support for athletic events, further broadening his skill set within the educational sports system
In 2020, Denis took on a position with Madison Square Garden as a part-time uniform distribution attendant and hockey program instructor There, he helped manage equipment and inventory, supported events, and leveraged his hockey experience to facilitate fan engagement activities.
Passion and Opportunity Meet on Sports’ Biggest Stage
When the Inline Skating Club of America had to pause operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he joined Madison Square Garden in a part-time capacity. Initially working in the uniform department, he stayed organized and committed to ensuring operations ran smoothly
Later that year, Denis applied for and secured a role as a part-time hockey instructor in the New York Rangers Fan Engagement Department His enthusiasm for the sport and ability to connect with people allowed him to make a meaningful impact Working with fans and families through these programs brought together his passion for hockey and his long-standing goal of giving back to the community For him, being part of the Madison Square Garden team has been both a personal and professional highlight.
Three Decades of Dedication and Business Longevity
Another central point of pride for him is the consistent success of his business Since 1995, the North Jersey sports facility he co-owns has continued to serve its community with leagues, tournaments, and year-round athletic programming. Reaching the milestone of 30 years in operation demonstrates not only his professional consistency but also the trust and support he has earned from those around him.
A Lifelong Commitment to Community and Sport
Sports have remained a constant in his life Since the age of 15, he has played active roles in coaching, officiating, and managing athletic events He has remained closely involved with basketball, soccer, and softball, maintaining his presence in town leagues and supporting community youth development
Denis's work in these areas has never been about personal recognition. Instead, it has consistently reflected a commitment to teamwork, mentorship, and the importance of helping
others Whether he’s officiating a high school game or participating in a significant event at Madison Square Garden, his steady presence and humble approach have made a lasting impression
Denis Jelcic continues to devote his time and energy to building strong, inclusive, and lasting athletic experiences His journey represents a whole career of dedication, humility, and purpose-driven leadership in both local and professional sports environments.