The National Hockey League Players’ Association has announced the launch of UNLMT - a bespoke initiative designed to substantiate players' lives outside of hockey.
The NHLPA has officially created UNLMT - a support program aimed at helping NHL players adapt to life and retirement following the conclusion of their hockey-playing careers.
Serving as an "innovative athlete development offering created to meet players where they are at, maximize their experience on and off the ice, and give them the tools to leverage the game for a lifetime," UNLMT encourages NHL players to better prepare themselves for life's challenges as they move from their playing careers into the next chapter of their lives.
Born and bred of the players, for the players, this approach will allow participants to undergo a full assessment by former NHL defenceman Jay Harrison (who has since become a psychologist), create their online player portal, sit down and sort through possible mentorship programs, while adding in one-on-one support sessions as they progress through UNLMT's program.
"Personalized support and opportunities will help players unlock their interests and achieve their goals on and off the ice."
Players will be able to virtually attend classes from some of the top universities and colleges in North America, to which they can achieve certificates in business, entrepreneurships, real estate and leadership, amongst other areas. They will also be put in contact with other influential people outside of hockey to help assist in their new endeavours.
Participating institutions include Stanford Graduate School of Business, Temple University, the University of British Columbia and others.
“With this initiative, we are focused on providing individualized support for each player so that they can excel both during their playing career and in the future,” new NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said. “NHLPA UNLMT, together with our collaborators and a strong support team consisting of several former players, is committed to making sure these players become the best they can be – in the game and outside of it.”
Walsh, who took over the reins atop the NHLPA back in March, introduces this program as his first major contribution following the result of player feedback surveys indicating the need for future education/services to be available to players during their playing careers.
“The courses I’ve been able to take and the contacts I’ve been able to make, it’s a great advantage to have," Jets forward Sam Gagner said of UNLMT.
At the moment, Gagner, Alex Killorn, Darnell Nurse, Nick Paul, Lars Eller and Kyle Okposo have been participating in a 'soft launch' of the UNLMT program, to which all have seen tremendous levels of success.
Okposo, the captain of the Buffalo Sabres, is a graduate from the Business Fundamentals Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education. His experience has also been fundamental as he continues working towards his next chapter.
"There are so many different avenues that are available to you while you’re playing," he reflected. "The courses that NHLPA UNLMT is offering allow you to engage in a meaningful way.”
More information on the launch of NHLPA UNLMT can be found by visiting nhlpa.com or by contacting [email protected]