Hockey Agency
IMPORT SPORTS
The Agency That Shows Up
Est. 2017
Ottawa, Canada

THE AGENCY THAT SHOWS UP.

Contracts. Development. Mental wellness. Career strategy. Every league that matters. People who answer the phone.

Full-service hockey agency & hockey advisors: player representation, contract negotiation, and development across OHL, CHL, USHL, NCAA, AHL, ECHL & PWHL.

Licensed Player Agents
PWHLPA Certified
RBC Sports Partner
2007 Stanley Cup Champion on Staff
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FULL-SERVICE HOCKEY AGENCY CONTRACT NEGOTIATION PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FAMILY ADVISING MENTAL WELLNESS WOMEN'S HOCKEY BRAND STRATEGY INTERNATIONAL PLACEMENT
0
Pro Leagues. Active Contracts. Worldwide.
$0
NCAA Scholarship Dollars Secured
0+
Countries Where Our Players Compete
2017
Founded in Ottawa, Canada
Who We Are

THE ISM DIFFERENCE

What sets our hockey agency apart from every other hockey advisor in the industry.

Since
2017

The standard was low.
ISM raised it.

Import Sports Management was built in 2017 on a simple idea: hockey players and their families deserve more than a name on a spreadsheet. Too many agencies treat clients like transactions: sign the deal, collect the fee, move on. ISM was created to be the opposite of that. Every client gets real attention, real access, and a team that's invested in their career from day one.

The results back it up. Over $6.37 million earned for professional clients. More than $7.7 million in NCAA scholarship dollars secured. Players placed across the AHL, ECHL, OHL, WHL, QMJHL, USHL, NCAA, Liiga, KHL, SHL, and professional leagues in Germany, France, and the UK. ISM doesn't just compete with the big agencies. It outperforms them where it matters most: in the details, the follow-through, and the relationships.

What makes ISM different isn't one person. It's the structure. A deliberately small client roster. A development team with NHL credentials. A sport psychologist on staff. Regional advisors across North America who are former players and coaches themselves. Direct phone access to your agent, not a call center, not an associate. The bar was set low in this industry for a long time. ISM exists to raise it.

ISM was there for me every step of the way. From helping my family navigate the Team USA process to figuring out the right path through junior hockey and into the USHL, they made everything feel manageable. Import was always a phone call away, whether it was advice on development, talking through big decisions, or just checking in. They genuinely care about you as a person, not just a player.
CM
Cullen McCrate
Fargo Force, USHL (Michigan State Commit)
What We Do

OUR SERVICES

Full-service hockey agent representation, from junior draft prep to professional contract negotiation. Here's what you actually get when you work with us.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We negotiate contracts. That's the core of what an agency does, and we take it seriously. We know the GMs, we know the market, and we know what your player is worth. AHL, ECHL, Europe, doesn't matter. We've put $6.37M+ into our clients' pockets across every league you can name, and we don't stop pushing until the deal is right.

Contracts Free Agency Career Strategy Post-Career
Learn More →
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FAMILY ADVISING

CHL or NCAA? USHL or BCHL? Prep school or stay home and play AAA another year? These decisions keep parents up at night, and most of the advice out there is garbage. We sit down with your family, look at the player honestly, and map out the options that actually make sense, not the ones that make us look good. $7.7M in scholarship dollars tells you we know what we're doing here.

NCAA Recruiting CHL Advising USHL Placement Prep Schools
Learn More →
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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Sean Skahan was the S&C coach for the Ducks for 13 years and the Wild for 6. He has a Stanley Cup ring. Chris Stanley played 15 pro seasons and coached in Germany. These aren't consultants we found on LinkedIn. They're legit hockey people who work directly with our clients on strength programs, on-ice skill development, and video breakdowns.

NHL-Level S&C On-Ice Skills Video Custom Programs
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MENTAL WELLNESS

Nobody talks about this enough. A 17-year-old kid moves across the country, lives with a billet family, and is expected to perform every night. That's hard. Danny Sheppard has two Master's degrees and a background in sport psychology, and he works with every ISM client one-on-one, completely confidential, no judgment. It's included. Not an upsell.

Sport Psychology 1-on-1 Confidential Included
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WOMEN'S HOCKEY

The women's game is exploding and most agencies are still figuring out how to spell PWHL. We're not. Courtney Tougas runs our Women's Division. She's PWHLPA-certified and handles everything from NCAA D1 recruiting to pro placement. Same service, same commitment, same standards as our men's side. Full stop.

PWHL NCAA Women's PWHLPA Certified International
Learn More →
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BRAND & MARKETING

Your career on the ice has an expiry date. What you build off of it doesn't. We help our guys grow their social media, land endorsement deals, and build a personal brand that has value long after they hang up the skates. We also get our clients involved in community work and philanthropy, because that stuff matters and teams notice it.

Social Media Endorsements Philanthropy Branding

Not sure which service fits? We'll walk you through it.

Talk to an Agent 📞 (613) 808-1738
Why Families Choose ISM

BUILT DIFFERENT.

Why families choose ISM as their hockey advisor over traditional agencies. The mega-agencies can't give your family the attention it deserves. The one-man shops don't have the resources. ISM was designed to be the only agency that does both.

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DIRECT LINE TO YOUR AGENT

Every ISM client gets their agent's personal cell number. Not a call center. Not a junior associate. When there's a decision to make, the person who knows your kid's game, your family's goals, and the deal on the table is the one picking up the phone. That's how it works here. Every time.

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A REAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Most agencies stop at the contract. ISM has a Stanley Cup-winning performance coach, a certified European skills coach with 15 pro seasons, and a sport psychologist with two Master's degrees, all working directly with clients. ISM doesn't outsource development. It's built into the agency.

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GLOBAL PLACEMENT. REAL RELATIONSHIPS.

Liiga. SHL. KHL. DEL. EIHL. Ligue Magnus. ISM has placed players across all of them, not through a third party, but through direct relationships with GMs and sporting directors built over years. When Europe is the right move, ISM doesn't Google it. ISM calls the people who make the decisions.

👩‍👧‍👦

FAMILIES TRUST US WITH REFERRALS

The majority of new ISM clients come from families already in the program. That's not an accident. Parents talk to parents. When someone asks "who do you use for your kid?", ISM families don't hesitate. That kind of trust isn't bought. It's earned, one family at a time, over years of doing right by people.

To the Parents Reading This
THIS IS YOUR KID'S FUTURE.
WE DON'T TAKE THAT LIGHTLY.

You've invested years. Early mornings, long drives, tournaments across the country, tuition you don't talk about. You've watched your kid work harder than most adults ever will. And now comes the part where one bad decision, the wrong league, the wrong school, the wrong agent — can undo all of it.

ISM exists because that moment deserves better than a cold call from a guy who doesn't know your kid's name. When you work with us, we know the player. We know the family. We know the grades, the goals, the things that keep you up at night. And every move we make is filtered through one question: is this right for this kid and this family?

If the answer isn't yes, we don't do it. We don't chase commissions. We don't push a kid somewhere that isn't the right fit. We'd rather lose a deal than lose your trust. That's not a line on a website. Ask any ISM family.

24h
Max Response Time
100%
Direct Agent Access
$0
Hidden Fees, Ever
2017
First Clients Still Here
The ISM Standard
Every ISM client gets: direct cell phone access to their agent, a personalized career roadmap, NHL-caliber performance consulting, confidential mental wellness support, and a team that answers when you call. Not some clients. Not premium clients. Every single one.
Development Pathways

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

The biggest decision a hockey family makes isn't which team, it's which path. Here's what you need to know.

CHL vs NCAA
Development Timeline
Common Mistakes
CHL
OHL / WHL / QMJHL
Age
16–20
Cost
Free. Players are paid a stipend + education package
Exposure
High NHL scout visibility, televised games, CHL Top Prospects Game
Development
Pro-style schedule, high compete level, physical play earlier
Education
Scholarship package after playing career (varies by league)
Draft Impact
Historically produces ~60% of NHL draft picks
Best For
Players projecting as high-end pro prospects ready for elite competition at 16
NCAA
Division I / Division III
Age
18–24
Cost
Scholarship (D1, partial to full), or self-funded (D3)
Exposure
Growing NHL interest, Frozen Four, strong conference play
Development
More time to mature physically, world-class S&C, structured off-ice
Education
Earn a degree while playing, massive long-term value
Draft Impact
Rising. NCAA players increasingly drafted and signing pro deals
Best For
Players who value education, need time to develop, or project as late bloomers
ISM'S TAKE

There's no universal right answer. Some players are ready for CHL at 16. Others peak after four years of NCAA development. The wrong path doesn't just waste time. It can stall a career permanently. ISM evaluates each player individually: their projection, maturity, academics, family priorities, and financial situation. We lay out every option honestly and let the family decide. We never push one route because it's easier for us.

AGES 13–15

FOUNDATION

  • Playing AAA or highest level available
  • Building video highlights package
  • Off-ice training habits forming
  • Understanding the landscape: what leagues exist, what scouts look for
  • First conversations with an advisor (no commitment needed)
  • Academic foundation: GPA matters more than most families realize
AGES 15–17

EXPOSURE & DECISIONS

  • OHL/WHL/QMJHL Priority Selection draft prep
  • Evaluating junior options: USHL, BCHL, AJHL, NAHL, Prep School
  • NCAA program outreach begins (coaches can contact Jan 1 of sophomore year)
  • The big decision: CHL vs NCAA vs gap year
  • Campus visits and verbal commitments (Aug 1 of sophomore year)
  • Decisions at 15–16 set the trajectory for the next 5 years
AGES 17–20

COMMITMENT & CAREER

  • Playing junior or NCAA, performing at the highest level possible
  • NHL Entry Draft preparation (if projecting)
  • Professional contract negotiation (AHL, ECHL, Europe)
  • NCAA Eligibility Center registration
  • Scholarship negotiation and school selection
  • Transition planning: pro career, coaching, or post-hockey career
WHERE ISM FITS IN

Most families come to us at Stage 2, but the earlier the conversation starts, the better the outcome. ISM's advisors have guided players through every stage, from 13-year-olds preparing for the OHL draft to 20-year-olds navigating their first pro contract. We build a personalized roadmap for each player and update it as they develop.

MISTAKE #1

COMMITTING TOO EARLY

  • A verbal commit at 14 feels exciting, but players change dramatically between 14 and 17
  • The program that's the best fit at 14 may not be at 17
  • Early commits limit leverage and options
  • ISM advises families to take their time and make informed decisions, not emotional ones
MISTAKE #2

IGNORING ACADEMICS

  • NCAA requires minimum GPA through the NCAA Eligibility Center
  • Poor grades close the NCAA door entirely, no matter how good the player is
  • Even CHL players benefit from strong academics (education packages, post-career options)
  • ISM tracks academics alongside on-ice development from day one
MISTAKE #3

CHASING THE NAME

  • The biggest program isn't always the right program
  • A 4th-line role at a top school develops players slower than a top-line role at a mid-tier school
  • Playing time matters more than program prestige at the development stage
  • ISM finds the right fit, not the most impressive logo for an Instagram post
Trusted By
CREDENTIALS & PARTNERS
🛡️
LICENSED
Player Agents
🏒
PWHLPA
Certified Agent
🏦
RBC
Financial Partner
💪
THERABODY
Recovery Partner
💧
CWENCH
Hydration Partner
📊
INSTAT
Video Analytics
Our People

THE TEAM

Six professionals across five regions. A Stanley Cup-winning performance coach. A sport psychologist with two Master's degrees. Licensed agents. PWHLPA-certified. Former pro players who've been through the system themselves. This is the team behind every ISM client.

CD
AS
SS
DS
CT
JN
Meet the Full Team
Common Questions

WHAT FAMILIES ASK US

These come up in almost every first conversation. Figured we'd answer them upfront.

Earlier than most people think. If your kid is 14–15 and playing competitive hockey, it's not too early to have a conversation about the landscape. You don't need to sign anything — but understanding the timeline, the options, and what's coming helps families make better decisions when it matters. We've seen too many families wait until there's an urgent decision and not have enough information.
There's no universal right answer. It depends on the player's development timeline, academic goals, financial situation, and where they realistically project. The CHL offers earlier exposure to pro-style hockey. The NCAA offers education and scholarship money. Some players benefit from a gap year in the USHL or BCHL first. We lay out every path honestly and help the family decide. We don't push one route because it's easier for us.
At a mega-agency, your kid is one of 200+ clients. The person who signed them isn't the person managing their career day-to-day. It's a junior associate. At ISM, the agent who signs you is the agent who picks up the phone. We also have development resources (S&C coaching, skills training, mental wellness, video analysis) that most agencies don't offer at all, let alone include in the service.
Yes. Our Women's Hockey Division is led by PWHLPA-certified agent Courtney Tougas. She handles everything from NCAA D1 recruiting and scholarship negotiation to PWHL and international placement. Same service level, same development team, same commitment as our men's side. This isn't a side project for us.
We've placed players and negotiated contracts across the AHL, ECHL, OHL, WHL, QMJHL, USHL, BCHL, NCAA, Liiga (Finland), SHL (Sweden), KHL (Russia), DEL (Germany), EIHL (UK), and other European leagues. If there's a league where our client belongs, we have the relationships to make it happen.
Absolutely. Most of our clients aren't first-round picks. They're competitive players who need the right guidance to find the right fit, whether that's a D3 school with a great program, a Tier 2 junior league that develops them for the next step, or a European opportunity most families don't even know exists. We've built careers for players at every level, not just the obvious ones.
Very. We talk to parents before every major decision. We explain what's happening, what the options are, and what we'd recommend, in plain language, not agent-speak. We don't pressure, we don't rush, and we don't make moves without the family being fully informed and comfortable. Most of our new clients come from existing families telling their friends about us. That should tell you how we treat people.
ISM offers transparent, affordable packages, not the inflated fees you'll see at larger agencies. Our advisory and development packages are subscription-based at around $330/month, which includes access to our full development team, mental wellness support, recruiting coordination, and direct agent communication. For professional contract negotiation, standard industry commission structures apply. We're upfront about every cost from day one. No surprises, no hidden fees. Many families are surprised at how accessible professional hockey agency services actually are.
Start by asking other hockey families for referrals. Word of mouth is the most reliable signal in this industry. Look for an agency that's transparent about their track record, gives you direct access to the agent (not a junior associate), and doesn't pressure you into signing quickly. Ask about their development resources, not just their client list. A good hockey agent should be able to explain their process clearly, show real results, and make you feel like your kid matters, not just their commission. At ISM, the majority of our clients come from referrals by families already in the program.
A hockey advisor (sometimes called a hockey agent, player agent, or family advisor) helps guide a player's career from junior hockey through the professional ranks. This includes evaluating development pathways (CHL vs. NCAA vs. USHL), coordinating recruiting and exposure, preparing for drafts (OHL Priority Selection, NHL Entry Draft), negotiating professional contracts, managing relationships with coaches and GMs, and providing off-ice support like strength & conditioning, mental wellness, and brand development. At ISM, our advisors handle all of this under one roof, with a personal touch that larger agencies can't match.

Still have questions? Reach out directly — we respond same day.

Send a Message 📞 (613) 808-1738 ✉️ info@importsports.ca
Let's Talk
GET IN TOUCH

Whether you're planning three years ahead or need a contract by next week — this is where it starts. One conversation. No obligations.

SEND A MESSAGE
Same-day response. Most inquiries get a personal callback from Import Sports within the same business day. Not an assistant. Not next week.
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Import Sports
✉️
General Inquiries
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Headquarters
21 Crownhill Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1J 7K3
Latest from ISM

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Client wins, league updates, and the information hockey families actually need.

NCAA
NCAA
February 2026
NCAA TRANSFER PORTAL: WHAT HOCKEY FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW

The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college hockey. Here's how to navigate it strategically.

Read More
PWHL
Women's Hockey
January 2026
THE PWHL'S RAPID EXPANSION — AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

The PWHL is growing faster than projected. ISM breaks down what this means for the next generation.

Read More
Commitment
March 2025
DIEGO JOHNSON COMMITS TO UCONN — HOCKEY EAST

ISM client Diego Johnson locks in his NCAA D1 future with a commitment to UConn in Hockey East.

Read More
Recent Client Wins
McCrate — All-American
McCrate — Central Scouting
Smith — Madison Call-Up
Perreault — Fargo Force
Bennett — St. Lawrence D1
Thomas — Soo Greyhounds
Butella — US NTDP
Mangone — Central Scouting
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Category Date

Title

About ISM

Import Sports Management is a full-service hockey agency headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2017, ISM provides professional hockey agent services including player representation, contract negotiation, career advisory, development programming, and family consulting for hockey players at every level.

ISM's hockey advisors specialize in guiding families through the junior hockey draft process, NCAA hockey recruiting and scholarship placement, professional hockey contract negotiation, and long-term career planning. Our team includes certified player agents, performance coaches, mental wellness consultants, and dedicated representatives for women's hockey including the PWHL.

Leagues & Coverage
NHL AHL ECHL OHL WHL QMJHL USHL BCHL AJHL OJHL NAHL NCAA D1 NCAA D3 PWHL Liiga KHL SHL DEL
$6.37M+
Client Career Earnings
$7.7M+
NCAA Scholarships Secured

21 Crownhill St, Ottawa, ON  ·  (613) 808-1738  ·  info@importsports.ca

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