SkateGuard

It’s been so inspiring to see the rise of the PWHL, a sign that the world is finally realizing hockey is as much for women as it is for men. This shift is changing everything for preteen and teen girls who now see a future in this sport, a future they can truly stay in long after childhood. Hockey is so much more than just a game. It’s about finding confidence, building resilience, and creating lifelong friendships. As SkateGuard's Rob always says, "Sports are the best education I ever had, and I wish for everyone to experience that." This #InternationalWomensDay, let’s take a moment to celebrate all the strong, determined women who are paving the way in hockey. It’s a beautiful thing, and the best is yet to come.

With the GTHL expelling the Humberview Huskies and news of an alleged sexual assault involving former OHL players surfacing,?it was not a good news week for the?hockey?community. These stories expose critical issues in the sport, from governance failures and ethical breaches to the pressing need for stronger protections, and better education?for young athletes. Amid all this, young players and their families are left navigating uncertainty. Who is looking out for them? How do we ensure hockey remains a safe and supportive space??How do we increase the odds that the young men and women that play the game make good decisions? Accountability matters, but real leadership means prioritizing the well-being of those who make the game what it is - the players! SkateGuard is watching to help support young players and families. And we won’t stop pushing for a better, safer future in hockey. #hockeyplayers #hockeyfamilies #youthhockey #elitehockey #GTHL #OHL

Right now, SkateGuard’s Robert Martini is behind the bench with Team Singapore at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China! From working with young players figuring out their next steps to coaching on the international stage, it’s all about growing the game and sharing the love of hockey. Rob comments: "Having lived 5 years in Singapore, the country holds a special place in my heart. The passion these guys have for hockey is unreal, and it’s an honour to help them build their skills and knowledge. Hoping they make everyone back home proud!" Hockey careers take all kinds of paths from playing, coaching to business - you name it! Pretty cool to see the game thrive in new places! #AsiaWinterGames #internationalhockey

Big changes are shaking up hockey’s elite tier! We’re seeing massive overlap for the first time between the CHL, NCAA, and leagues like the USHL. It’s becoming clear that spots in the elite tier of hockey – major junior and NCAA Division 1 – are more competitive than ever. It's?likely that fewer players will make it to the top tier, meaning more might look to NCAA Division III, USports, or even lower-level pro leagues in North America and Europe. But those paths come with new challenges - fewer scholarships, less structure, and less visibility. At SkateGuard, we’re keeping a close eye on these changes and helping players navigate their options. NIL deals, shifting eligibility rules, and new career pathways are coming fast, and players need to be ready. Stay informed by subscribing to our blog: https://lnkd.in/gsbpyFMV #elitehockey #NCAAchanges #CHL #USHL #youthhockey #majorjuniorhockey #hockeyplayers #hockeyparents #hockeylife

Happy New Year from Mike & Rob at SkateGuard! Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead, on and off the ice. Let's make 2025 the best year yet! Want to kick off 2025 with some great habits? Subscribe to our blog, packed with practical advice and insights for young players and their families. Subscribe through the link in our bio and get helpful tips to support your hockey career delivered straight to your inbox.

Your player might get drafted, but what happens after two years? Here’s the deal: - If your CHL player isn’t signed by an NHL team within two years, they re-enter the draft. - NCAA players (and any other players NOT playing in the CHL), on the other hand, have AT LEAST four years to develop before facing the same deadline. The Problem: For CHL families, two years isn’t always enough time for young players to mature, improve, and make their case for a pro contract. What We Do: At SkateGuard, we help you navigate these complexities, from understanding draft rights to making strategic decisions about where to play. DM us if this is a decision your family is facing - we’re here to help! *SkateGuard is a pro bono initiative dedicated to improving personal outcomes in elite and professional hockey. #YouthHockey #Hockeyplayer #elitehockey #NCAAChanges #HockeyCommunit #majorjuniorhockey #hockeymom #hockeyplayers #EliteHockey #OHL #HockeyLife #AHL #WHL #CHL #ncaa #nhl #QMJHL #USHL

With NCAA eligibility now available to CHL players, families need to think about more than just hockey. College tuition, housing, and potential loss of school package money from not signing early with the CHL all come into play. SkateGuard Tip: Sit down with your family to discuss the financial realities of both options. Beyond tuition and living costs, think about the bigger picture: What’s the long-term earning potential for each path? How might scholarships or NIL deals offset costs? Be realistic! Not everyone makes the NHL. What else will you gain aside from hockey development? Still unsure? SkateGuard can help you: - Break down the numbers and create a clear financial comparison. - Explore funding opportunities like scholarships and sponsorships - with realistic expectations! - Access guidance from trusted financial advisors with experience in hockey careers. Planning ahead is key. DM us or book a workshop for your team to start mapping out the best financial strategy for your future. #Hockeyplayer #hockeyparents #FamilyDecisions #HockeyCommunity #HockeyLife #HockeyFinance #hockeymom #hockeydad #ncaa #AHL #WHL #OHL #elitehockey #NCAAChanges #YouthHockey #majorjuniorhockey #CHL #financialliteracy

Here’s a dynamic not many people are talking about: fewer players will reach the elite tier of hockey, meaning those competing in major junior or NCAA Division 1 programs. Right now, there are 124 teams in this tier (60 CHL teams + 64 NCAA D1 programs), with about 3,100 players. Until recently, these pathways rarely overlapped. But now? With rule changes allowing major junior players into the NCAA, competition for these spots is heating up. What does this mean for players? Making it to the top will be tougher than ever. More players may end up in NCAA Division III, USports, or lower-level pro leagues, where opportunities for scholarships and structure are limited. The overlap between major junior and NCAA D1 players could reshape how careers evolve - on and off the ice. At SkateGuard, we’re paying close attention to these shifts because the choices you make today matter. From exploring new opportunities to navigating the challenges ahead, we’re here to help players and families make informed decisions. Want to understand this changing landscape and where you fit in? Check out our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/gsbpyFMV

Much has happened since the NCAA changed its rules to allow major junior hockey players to compete in Division 1 men’s programs, and the ripple effects are huge. 19 players currently in major junior hockey have already committed to NCAA Division 1 programs, according to Chris Heisenberg’s 2025 commits list. (Shoutout to Chris for nearly 30 years of keeping us updated on where the game’s top players are headed!) What does this mean?? We’re seeing massive overlap for the first time between the CHL, NCAA, and leagues like the USHL. It’s becoming clear that spots in the elite tier of hockey – major junior and NCAA Division 1 – are more competitive than ever. And as this shift unfolds, where players don’t end up is just as important to watch. Fewer players will make it to this top tier, meaning more might look to NCAA Division III, USports, or even lower-level pro leagues in North America and Europe. But those paths come with new challenges - fewer scholarships, less structure, and less visibility. At SkateGuard, we’re keeping a close eye on these changes and helping players navigate their options. NIL deals, shifting eligibility rules, and new career pathways are coming fast, and players need to be ready. This is a new era for hockey. Whether it’s making smart moves on NIL opportunities or choosing the right path, we’re here to help you help yourself. Stay informed. Read our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/gsbpyFMV

Happy Holidays from Mike and Rob! Wishing all the players, families, fans, coaches, volunteers, and everyone in between a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little hockey!