Natalie Darwitz
Chief Executive Officer
Natalie Darwitz brings an elite hockey background and a deep commitment to being an ambassador of the game. As CEO of the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame, Natalie is passionate about the rich history and tradition of Minnesota hockey and is dedicated to impacting the growth and development of future generations in Minnesota. She possesses a wealth of knowledge, a strong network and an extensive, elite hockey background to lead this organization.
Accolades include:
- 2024 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame
- 2024 inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame
- 2024 PWHL Minnesota General Manager: won the inaugural Walter Cup
- 2021 inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame
- 2019 inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame
- 2018 enshrined into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame
- 2014 Women’s Ice Hockey Analyst for NBC at Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia
- 2013 “M” Club Hall of Fame (University of Minnesota)
- 2010 US Olympic Team Captain, Silver Medal
- 2008 USA Hockey Player of the Year
- 2006 US Olympic Team, Bronze Medal
- 2005 USA Hockey Player of the Year
- 2005 NCAA National Champion, Tournament MVP, University of Minnesota
- 2004 NCAA National Champion, University of Minnesota
- Member of the 2002 US Olympic Team, led the team in goals scored and named to the All-Tournament team, Silver Medal
Andrew Heydt
President
With over 17 years in the sports and events industry, Andrew Heydt brings extensive experience in team operations, event management, marketing, public relations, and player engagement. As President of the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame, he leads day-to-day operations and drives strategic initiatives. Andrew spent 10 seasons with the Minnesota Wild, overseeing team operations, alumni relations, and player-driven events, while cultivating strong ties with partners and the community.
Earlier in his career, he held roles in communications and player relations with the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball, and in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. Andrew was a part of major milestones like the opening of Target Field (2010), TRIA Rink (2018), and high-profile events such as the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, 2016 NHL Stadium Series, 2022 NHL Winter Classic, and the 2023 NHL Global Series.
A proud Minnesota native, Heydt combines nearly two decades of industry experience with a deep-rooted passion for sports, delivering impactful leadership and memorable experiences across teams, fans, and partners alike. Andrew resides in Eagan with his wife Jill and two boys, Beckham and Cooper.
Amy Hamilton
Vice President of Partnerships
Amy Hamilton is an accomplished executive leader with deep roots in elite athletics, healthcare administration, and strategic operations. She brings decades of experience in organizational development, stakeholder engagement, and community-driven growth to support the mission of the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
Previously, Amy served as Senior Manager of Sports Medicine at TRIA Orthopedics, where she led the development of multiple sports medicine specialty programs. She managed large multidisciplinary teams and drove business development and partnership strategies that bridged clinical innovation with community engagement.
Amy began her career with Gopher Athletics as the athletic trainer for Women’s Hockey and has since held leadership roles across corporate, nonprofit, and association sectors. She is a past president of both the Minnesota and Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Associations and has long contributed to state and national legislative advocacy.
Passionate about aligning people, programs, and purpose, Amy serves on the Board of Directors for DinoMights, and is a member of the IIHF World Junior Championship Community Advisory Council.
Steve Baima
Project Lead/Principal at CSN
Passionate and results-driven, Steve is a dynamic leader with expertise in finance, management, and business development. As Project Lead for the MNHHOF, he brings strategic execution, capital formation, and a relentless work ethic to every challenge–turning vision into momentum and opportunity into lasting impact. He plays a pivotal role in aligning the project’s goals with fundraising strategy, stakeholders engagement, and execution planning.
FOUNDATION AMBASSADORS
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The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto was established in 1943 to honor and memorialize individuals who have brought special distinction to the game of hockey and those who made outstanding contributions to its development and advancement around the world
