08/30/2025
Ralph Krueger made a special effort to join us on our Grand Opening day and CJOB’s drove out to have him on his show! Everyone wanted a moment with him and his words were inspiring and heartfelt. Ralph is not only an inspiring motivator but also a dynamic and captivating speaker, engaging audiences worldwide since the creation of his Teamlife philosophy in 1994. While the core principles of Teamlife remain timeless, his delivery is constantly evolving—fresh, relevant, and impactful. Plus Ralph grew up right here in Steinbach, more specifically, exactly where the Centre is now.
Ice hockey has always been his greatest passion. Over the years, Ralph has left a lasting legacy in coaching and management roles across the globe: head coach and general manager in Austria, national team coach in Switzerland, five seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres, an advisory role for Hockey Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics, and head coach of Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
In 2013, Ralph made a bold and highly successful transition from ice hockey to football, becoming chairman of Southampton FC in the English Premier League. During his tenure from 2013 to 2019, he guided the club to four top-eight league finishes, two Europa League qualifications, and an appearance in the League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Since autumn 2023, he has also served as chairman of the advisory board at Austria Wien.
His influence extends beyond sport. In 2010, Ralph was appointed to the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on New Models of Leadership. He is also the author of the bestselling book Teamlife: From Setbacks to Success (2001), which captures his unique approach to leadership, resilience, and high performance.
Ralph’s story is more than a record of victories—it is a remarkable journey across continents, cultures, and sports, offering lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence.
