SkateGuard

Every elite young hockey player dreams of a career in the sport they love-but few are truly prepared for everything that comes with it. SkateGuard is a guide for elite athletes and their families who want to build success that lasts beyond the rink. Rob Martini, who brings firsthand experience as an international-level hockey coach and former elite player, and Mike Jaczko bring decades of experience advising professional athletes and managing the complex financial lives of players. Through SkateGuard, they extend that expertise to the next generation, helping young players and parents make smart choices in a competitive and often unforgiving world. This new edition looks well beyond money, offering real-world lessons on personal branding, sponsorship deals, media and social pressures, billeting, mental wellness, and building a trusted team of advisors. Grounded in real stories and practical guidance, SkateGuard empowers players to take control of their paths-on the ice, off the ice, and for the long run.