SkateGuard

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!

We had the pleasure of running a workshop with the Don Mills Flyers U16 team this week, along with their parents and even a few grandparents! The lads were an impressive group - engaged, curious, and eager to learn more to help their hockey careers. Rob led a discussion on the strategies that can help players make the most of their time playing hockey. It was interesting to see that the following topics sparked the most interest: - The new NCAA and CHL eligibility rules are a hot topic that’s shaping the way young players plan their careers. - Managing social media and personal branding – vital skills for players looking to stand out while staying grounded. It was inspiring to see such strong family support in the room, and the team’s questions showed just how much they’re thinking about their futures on and off the ice. Thanks to the @donmillsflyers_aaa for making us feel so welcome - we’re always here to help navigate these exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, opportunities. DM us if you'd like to book SkateGuard for an informative session with your young player's team to help them navigate their hockey career feeling supported and in control. #HockeyLife #hockeyplayers #YouthHocke #HockeyCommunity #EliteHockey #majorjuniorhockey #ncaa #hockeymom #NCAAChanges #OHL #CHL #financialliteracy #NIL #MentalHealthMatter #hockeyculture #donmillsflyers

When’s the right time to decide between the NCAA or CHL, especially with the recent changes? 18 years old? 20 years old? 21 years old? Should you wait for more clarity from the leagues, or act now before the season heats up? Players and families are starting to feel the pressure to make big decisions without all the information. Our Advice: Take a breath. This rule change is fresh, and it’s OK to wait for more details. SkateGuard works with families to create timelines that work for YOU, avoiding unnecessary pressure while keeping options open. Read out latest blog series for information relevant to elite players and their families - link in bio. *SkateGuard is a pro bono initiative dedicated to improving personal outcomes in elite and professional hockey. #OHL #hockeyparents #hockeyplayers #HockeyCommunity #YouthHockey #AHL #HockeyLife #nhl #elitehockey #majorjuniorhockey #ncaa #WHL #QMJHL #USHL #Hockeyplayer #CHL #NCAAChanges #hockeymom #FamilyDecisions #hockeydad

SkateGuard: Advice for Surviving and Thriving in Professional Hockey is packed with essential advice on navigating contracts, managing finances, balancing education, and preparing for life on and off the ice. Bonus: Every purchase supports the Marner Assist Foundation, helping kids and families through community programs, education, and health initiatives. Oder your copy here: https://lnkd.in/g_GXNFaa

Big changes are coming for hockey players! The NCAA is lifting its ban, allowing major junior players to compete in Division 1 hockey after their junior careers. This opens up new opportunities but also some important decisions. We’re here to help young players and their families weigh the options, set goals, and make the best choices for their future. Sign up to have our blog delivered directly to your inbox. It’s full of updates, advice, and tips on what’s happening and how to prepare. Click here to subscribe: https://lnkd.in/gGy_k5hK If you have any questions about your hockey career or education, comment below or send us a DM - we’re here to help! #hockeyplayer #hockeyplayers #hockeylife #hockeyfamilies #hockeyparents #NCAA #CHL #USHL #elitehockey