OUR PHILOSOPHY
At the core of our philosophy is a strong belief in the continuous improvement. We understand that success is not merely about reaching milestones or achieving specific goals; it’s about embracing a mindset of perpetual growth and advancement.
We recognize that the path to success in the rapidly changing world of sports is the ability to adapt and change. That’s why we emphasize the importance of constantly pushing the boundaries, disrupting the status quo, an seeking new opportunities for improvement.
We encourage our clients to embrace change and view challenges as opportunities to grow, thrive, and succeed.
ADVISING
CAREER NAVIGATION
Starting a career in hockey is an exhilarating journey filled with numerous opportunities, setbacks, and endless possibilities. However, transitioning from one level to the next can be daunting for juniors and collegiate hockey athletes.
We serve as your trusted guide in navigating the recruiting process, understanding NCAA eligibility requirements, and connecting with college coaches and programs. We’ll help you navigate the transition to the next level of competition.
ADVANCING PLAYERS
We diligently work to secure roster spots for players seeking advanced career opportunities. Our staff actively markets our players across various drafts, including the prestigious OHL, USHL, WHL, and QMJHL. Rest assured, our comprehensive approach ensures our clients are positioned for success and visibility in their respective leagues.
By combining targeted advocacy with tailored marketing strategies, we strive to maximize the exposure and opportunities available to our athletes, ultimately ensuring they achieve their professional aspirations.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Our dedicated team takes proactive measures to ensure that our clients meet all the academic requirements set forth by the NCAA Eligibility Center, thus facilitating a seamless transition to college hockey. We closely monitor academic standing, track progress, and provide guidance every step of the way.
Furthermore, we offer personalized support tailored to individual needs, empowering our players to excel on the ice and in the classroom.
PLAYER EVALUATIONS
At 85 Sports Management, we emphasize conducting comprehensive player evaluations to assess performance and identify avenues for growth. Our team employs a multi-faceted approach, leveraging various tools and methodologies to gain insights into player development.
We attend games and analyze clients’ game films as well as conduct in-depth discussions with coaches and scouts. We also analyze statistical data provided by RinkNet and Hudl/InStat scouting and video software. Our player evaluations are a cornerstone for our targeted development and improvement approach.
STATISTICAL ANALYSES
We use advanced statistical analyses to facilitate informed decision-making and strategic planning. Our experts harness the power of cutting-edge software utilized at the professional level, like RinkNet scouting and Hudi/ InStat video analysis, to provide quality insights. RinkNet is used by all NHL, CHL and NCAA teams.
We track performance metrics, identify trends, and pinpoint areas for improvement. We empower our athletes to set realistic goals and track their progress over time based on data-driven insights.
Whether it involves monitoring on-ice performance, assessing tactical effectiveness, or evaluating strategic decision-making, our statistical analyses are valuable for optimizing performance and achieving success in hockey.
AGENCY
CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
We negotiate favorable contracts to promote the professional careers of our clients in the North American and European professional leagues. Our seasoned team aims to secure contract terms that offer immediate financial benefits to you and set the stage for sustained career growth. This includes but is not limited to salaries and bonuses, housing and living arrangements, travel, insurance, and medical treatment.
PLAYER MANAGEMENT
In building strong personal relationships with our clients, we are constantly in contact with our players to map out and, if necessary, adjust their career paths—from the junior leagues to D1 college hockey to the professional leagues in North America and Europe.
This is an ongoing strategic process in which 85 Sports leverages our clients’ potential and experience, examines a wide range of options, and takes advantage of the best opportunities available.
This requires a team of experienced hockey professionals who have developed close contacts and relationships with coaches, general managers, and scouts at the junior, college, and professional hockey levels in North America and Europe over the years.
CARE MANAGEMENT
At 85 Sports Management, LLC, we understand that success in hockey requires physical, mental, and emotional health.
So, whether it’s connecting our clients with highly regarded medical professionals for injury treatment and prevention, providing access to mental health resources or offering other services during challenging times, we’re committed to ensuring that our clients receive the comprehensive care and services possible to succeed. This includes not only making sure our clients receive excellent medical treatment but also working with the appropriate players’ association to obtain second medical opinions or assisting our clients in applying for workers’ compensation with the state.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Player development is critical to helping our clients improve their performance and careers. Using some of the top hockey experts in skill development, power skating, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology, 85 Sports Management will assist our clients in ensuring they have access to all those professional resources to fine-tune their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses during the off-season.
NIL (NAME, IMAGE, LIKENESS)
Professional hockey players have unprecedented opportunities to monetize their image, name, and likeness. And that’s what our talent agency does. We help clients capitalize on these opportunities. From securing lucrative endorsement deals to establishing lasting partnerships with top brands, we’ll work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your earning potential & build your brand so you can make money even when you’re not in the rink.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (REFERRAL BASED)
Our Professional Services (Referral Based) Include the Following:
PERSONNEL
NICK SHACKFORD
PRESIDENT | COLUMBUS, OH | PHPA CERTIFIED AGENT
Nick Shackford, President of 85 Sports Management, co-founded the agency in 2018 alongside teammate in juniors and college, Niles Moore. With a keen eye for talent, experience on the ice and behind the bench and a passion for advancing hockey careers, Nick oversees all hockey operations, ensuring that current and aspiring professionals have access to the best opportunities in the industry.
Before establishing 85 Sports Management, LLC, Nick honed his eight-years of experience in coaching and scouting in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). His diverse experience includes coaching stints with the Kenai River Brown Bears (Alaska), New Mexico Mustangs, Port Huron Fighting Falcons and Johnstown Tomahawks.
Nick has worked alongside esteemed coaches such as Oliver David, the head coach for EC Salzburg (ICEHL) in Austria, and Jason Kersner, the head coach for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL), gaining invaluable insights into coaching, player development and team management.
Nick’s hockey journey boasts significant accomplishments, spanning three years of Varsity hockey at The Berkshire School where his team competed in the New England Prep School final four for two years and he served as captain in his senior year. He also captained the Baystate Breakers in the former Eastern Junior Hockey League. Following his junior career, he continued his collegiate career at SUNY Cortland and St. Anselm’s College.
NILES MOORE
VICE PRESIDENT, LEGAL AFFAIRS | COLUMBUS, OH
Niles Moore, Vice President of Legal Affairs at 85 Sports Management, LLC, co-founded the agency with Nick Shackford in 2018. In his role, Niles oversees all legal matters within the company, specializing in contract negotiations, arbitration and due diligence.
Niles earned his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse Law in 2014. He practices law at the esteemed Moore & Yaklevich firm in Columbus, Ohio.
Niles’s hockey journey includes playing Junior A hockey in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the Dayton Gems and Cleveland Barons and in the former Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) with the Baystate Breakers. He played collegiate hockey at SUNY Cortland and Suffolk University, garnering accolades on the ice and in the classroom. Niles now resides in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio where he practices law.
RYAN FAIRBARN
EXECUTIVE VP | DUNSTABLE, MA | PHPA CERTIFIED AGENT
Serving of Executive Vice President of 85 Sports Management, Ryan Fairbarn plays a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations, working closely alongside President Nick Shackford. Previously Ryan worked for the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL) as an amateur scout in evaluating players for the NHL Entry Draft.
During his collegiate years, Ryan played four years at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Before playing at RIT, Ryan played his junior hockey for the Georgetown Raiders and Newmarket Hurricanes in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
Currently residing in Boston, with his wife Kasie Strong-Fairbarn, a distinguished member of the Women’s College Hockey Hall of Fame, and their five children, Ryan brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role.
After college, Ryan embarked on a professional hockey journey, spending five seasons in the Central Hockey League before venturing overseas. His international endeavors included stints in Germany and Norway, where he tallied 120 points in 92 games.
Before joining the Arizona Coyotes as an amateur scout, Ryan was the head scout for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
RON NEWHOOK
AGENT, EUROPEAN AFFILIATE | GERMANY; DEL 2, PHPA CERTIFIED AGENT
Ron runs the agency’s European Affiliate in Kaufbeuren, Germany. Hailing from North Bay, Canada, Ron Newhook was drafted by Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he played for two years before playing his final year for the London Knights. Ron amassed an impressive 136 points in 194 games during his OHL career.
After his junior career Ron played for the Toledo Storm (ECHL), Central Texas, Waco and Amarillo in the now defunct Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL).
In early 2000, Ron pursued an overseas career in Germany, where he enjoyed a remarkable 19-year career in professional hockey before retiring in 2019. He now lives in Kaufbeuren, Germany with his wife and children.
ANDY WILLIS
PLAYER ADVISOR | ST. LOUIS, MO
Andy Willis joined 85 Sports Management, LLC in June 2024. Andy began his journey in his hometown AAA program and progressed to playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the Lone Star Brahmas and the Austin Bruins.
After his junior career, Andy played college hockey at Lindenwood University’s Division 1 program and subsequently had a professional playing career in the ECHL. Throughout this time, he was represented by 85 Sports’ President, Nick Shackford.
As a Player Advisor for 85 Sports, Andy’s primary focus is on identifying, developing, and nurturing talent at various levels, including AAA, high school/prep, and junior. His extensive knowledge and network in the hockey community make him a valuable asset in building our talent pipeline.
SUPPORT STAFF
ED HIRKA
DIRECTOR, PLAYER DEVELOPMENT | PHOENIX, AZ
Ed Hirka, in his third year with 85 Sports Management, LLC, brings valuable experience to our team. He played junior hockey for the Johnstown Tomahawks and collegiate hockey at Salve Regina (CCC). As Director of Player Development, Ed plays a pivotal role in nurturing client growth and progress. He scouts talent, maintains a comprehensive understanding of talent pools at all levels, and provides guidance and support to our agents. Ed also offers natural health coaching and cutting-edge natural health products to enhance client well-being.
ABBY GLASS
HOCKEY OPERATIONS ASSISTANT | PITTSBURGH, PA
Abby Glass joined 85 Sports Management, LLC in May of 2024 as a Hockey Operations Assistant. With an impressive background as a former NCAA collegiate basketball player, Abby excelled as a shooting guard and was the team captain for the women’s basketball team at Grove City College during her last two years.
Abby recently graduated in May with a B.S. in Business Management, specializing in sports management. Her expertise and passion for sports make her an asset to our team. Abby’s primary role is to assist our agents in managing their clients and supporting them to succeed off the ice. She focuses on areas such as NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and various other client maintenance services.
