ST. CLOUD, Minn. - An experienced sports writer and former editor has been selected to help lead Forum Communications Co.’s efforts to coordinate and expand its sports reporting efforts.
Mick Hatten begins Nov. 6 as a sports editor tasked with leading its emphasis on high school and college hockey, expanding its network of freelance writers for sports tournament coverage and expanding offerings to audiences across Minnesota and North Dakota.
Hatten also will work closely with Jess Myers, who has been hired to cover University of Minnesota hockey and supplement the company’s coverage of other college programs.
Hatten will be based in St. Cloud and work for Forum News Service, which is operated by the family-owned company. Forum Communications owns properties in four states.
Hatten has worked for the St. Cloud Times for 19 years, most recently as the hockey beat reporter and coordinator for St. Cloud State University sports coverage. At the newspaper, he’s also served as prep sports coordinator and editor for a weekly section reflecting community news submitted by readers.
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“Mick is a talented sports journalist with a lot of experience working with the community, finding engaging stories and serving digital audiences through live chats and blogs, radio and video,” said Steve Wagner, director of content for Forum Communications. “We’re thrilled to have Mick join our team and help lead our efforts to grow and engage our audience throughout the region.”
Hatten has won numerous sports journalism awards, written two e-books on SCSU hockey and appeared as a guest on several college hockey shows.
He grew up in St. Cloud, where he played hockey for Apollo High School and graduated from SCSU.
"I'm extremely excited to start this newly created position with Forum News Service,” Hatten said. “I feel like this role will allow me to use the culmination of all of the skills that I have used during my long career in newspapers. I'm particularly excited that I will be able to help with college hockey coverage.
“College hockey is something that I have a passion for. I'm thrilled that I'm going to be able to continue to be around the game that I love so much."
Forum News Service distributes news, sports and other specialty journalism content to more than 120 newspapers, including about 100 in Minnesota.
