About Us

Financial and Life Success as an Elite Hockey Player

Directed at players and their parents, our SkateGuard platform helps families navigate the full scope of an elite hockey career—off the ice. We highlight the importance of being business savvy in every area of the game, from understanding development paths and education options to building a personal brand, managing media pressures, and finding trusted advisors. With a shared passion for helping players grow within the sport they love, Mike and Rob offer practical insights and real-world guidance to help athletes and families make confident, informed decisions at every stage of their hockey journey.

The importance of preparing early for a career in professional sports.

The whole family should be surrounded by professional, trusted advisors.

Look after your mental health and financial health. A holistic approach.

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.
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With over 20 years of experience in the Canadian wealth management industry, Mike serves as a trusted advisor and portfolio manager at KJ Harrison Investors specializing in succession planning, business transition, estate planning, corporate structure, tax planning and family business valuation, Mike offers a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to his clients, including professional athletes and their families.

Mike’s dedication goes beyond financial guidance, however. He provides proactive and transitional life advice to athletes, assisting them in navigating the unique challenges they may face in their careers. By offering strategic insights and personalized support, Mike strives to ensure that players can make informed decisions, protect their wealth, and secure a prosperous future.

With SkateGuard, Mike and colleague Rob Martini aim to reshape the narrative surrounding young hockey players turning pro and break the cycle of financial distress and adversity. Their hope is to make a lasting impact on the lives of players, their families, and the hockey community.

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.

As a member of the KJ Harrison Investors Private Client Team in Toronto, Rob works closely with young people who have achieved financial success, including professional hockey players. His background as an NCAA Division I defenceman gives him a firsthand perspective on the realities of athletic life, both on and off the ice.

Rob currently serves as head coach of the Singapore Men’s National Hockey Team, leading them at major international events including the Asia Winter Games (2017 and 2024), the Southeast Asian Games (2017, 2019 and 2025), and the IIHF Division IV World Hockey Championships (2022 and 2023). He is also the defensive skills coach––and a proud alumnus––of the varsity hockey team at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario.

Through comprehensive guidance, education, and support—including the SkateGuard initiative—Rob is committed to empowering athletes to make informed decisions, secure their financial future, and thrive in all aspects of life.