2nd Edition

An Essential Guide to Navigating Life and Money in Elite Hockey

"An absolute eye-opener" - Nick Kypreos

Empowering elite and pro hockey players to make smart choices about their careers, money, and future. SkateGuard is a guide and growing movement helping athletes and families succeed beyond the rink.

About the Authors

Mike Jaczko

Mike’s drive for creating SkateGuard originates from his love of hockey and his commitment to the well-being of players, both on and off the ice. The idea for the book came from a personal finance workshop he presented to promising young Calgary Flames players several years ago, after which NHL veterans in attendance encouraged Mike to distil his wisdom into the pages of a book…

Rob Martini

Drawing on his experience as a former elite player and international-level coach, Rob Martini brings a rare combination of firsthand hockey experience and financial expertise to helping athletes build stability, purpose, and success that lasts well beyond the game. He understands how the hockey world truly works––the people, pressures, and culture that shape players’ decisions––and leverages his deep relationships and network across the sport to help them navigate it with confidence.

How We Help

Career Guidance

We help players navigate contracts, transitions, and long-term career planning with confidence.

Financial Education

Workshops and tools to build smart money habits and prepare for life after hockey.

Life Beyond the Rink

Resources and mentorship to support personal growth, education, and career paths beyond the game.

Family Support

Guidance for families managing the pressures, decisions, and opportunities of elite hockey.

Real-World Insights

Expert perspectives and lived experiences to help players understand the realities behind the sport.

Latest News From Rob & Mike

An Update for Year End

As we come into the final month of 2025, we felt as though the time has come to update SkateGuard. Three years ago, Mike Jaczko and I set

The Main Event: The CHL, the NCAA, NIL Legislation, and the Changing Face of Hockey – October 2025 Update

The face of hockey changed in November of 2024. This we now know. The decision by the NCAA allowing major junior players to play Division 1 hockey is

Subscribe to "3/8ths of a Thought" - Our New Blog

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss out on our latest news and valuable advice tailored specifically for hockey players and their families and guardians. Stay in the loop and stay ahead of the game!

Your personal information will remain confidential.

Supporting Our Kids

Proceeds from the book will be donated to the Marner Assist Foundation founded by pro hockey player, Mitch Marner, to assist children and youth in the areas of social care, health, education, and the environment to ensure our children have a sustainable future.

Testimonials

"This book is an absolute eye-opener. Sadly, over my career a number of my teammates were victimized by unscrupulous people and their financial security was irrevocably damaged by it. Mike and Rob do a great job of separating fact from fiction. SkateGuard empowers hockey players with key strategies to protect their financial future. "

"This book is a must read! The average NHL career lasts four years. This book is a great tool to help organize a young player's finances and begin planning for a successful and healthy future. Mike and Rob have a good grasp of what it takes to be successful off the ice. Congrats, guys!"

" Playing hockey in the NHL usually leads to fame and financial reward, but you need a plan and also a trustworthy team around you. This book helps a player and family understand and navigate some of those challenges that will arise. Well done, Mike & Rob. "

" Guidance off the ice is just as important as coaching on the ice to reach the highest level. Mike and Rob help you navigate many off-the-ice challenges that all elite players encounter, from minor hockey all the way to the NHL and retirement. "

A Word on the Marner Assist Foundation

We are dedicated to assisting children and young adults in reaching their full potential, especially if they are experiencing mental health issues. With that in mind, we are committed to donating all proceeds from the sale of this book to the Marner Assist Foundation.

Founded by Vegas Golden Knights’ hockey player, Mitch Marner, the Marner Assist Foundation aims to generate sustainable change for children and youth by providing resources that will make a significant impact on their lives. The focus is to provide assistance in the areas of children’s social care, health, education as well as supporting environmental causes to ensure our children have a sustainable future.
‍
We’re proud to support the tremendous work carried out by the Marner family.