101. Ian Sylves | Win Where You Are

Ian Sylves is a former collegiate and professional hockey goalie whose relationship with the game began almost as soon as he could walk. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Ian spent much of his life on the ice before eventually playing Division III college hockey and continuing his career professionally, including time overseas. After years of pushing through injuries, deteriorating back issues ultimately forced him to step away from the sport before he was ready.

In this episode, Ian reflects on the difficult reality of leaving hockey when his body made the decision for him, and the identity shift that followed. He shares how navigating ongoing health challenges, the loss of his father, and uncertainty about what came next forced him to rethink what he wanted his life beyond hockey to look like.

Ian also discusses how the qualities he developed as a goalie — discipline, emotional control, adaptability, coachability, and learning to recognize patterns — continue to shape his work today in financial planning and his approach to coaching the next generation of goalies. Through his story, Ian offers a thoughtful perspective on accepting the unexpected, finding purpose beyond competition, and recognizing that the lessons learned through sport can continue to serve you long after your playing career ends.

Want to connect with Ian? Find him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iansylves/?isSelfProfile=false