Ever since I first laced up my skates, hockey has been my passion and greatest teacher. I began my journey playing for Lørenskog in Norway, where I honed my skills, earned the title of Goalie of the Year, and led my team to victory at the Regional Allstar Tournament. At just 14 years old, I made the bold decision to move to the US on my own to pursue my hockey career. Over the next five years, I played for five different teams—Elite Hockey Program, New Jersey Titans, Jersey Shore Whalers, Battle Creek Kernels, and Columbus Mavericks—experiencing both the highs and lows of the sport. I've been both a starting and backup goalie, faced the challenges of being traded mid-season, and even stepped into the world of pro hockey. Along the way, I've also lived with billet families, encountering both the warmth of supportive homes and the challenges of less-than-ideal situations. Now, as I transition into my role as a hockey family advisor, I am eager to share these invaluable experiences. My mission is to help young players and their families navigate the complex world of hockey—whether it's making the leap to the US or finding opportunities in Norway—and to guide you in crafting your own "Game plan for success" on and off the ice.
With over 30 years of experience as an educator and a decade as a dedicated goalie coach, I have spent my career guiding young athletes both on and off the ice. I am a Certified Goalie 1 Trainer in Norway, an experienced equipment manager, and, most importantly, a hockey father to two players.
Beyond coaching, I have firsthand experience navigating the challenges that come with pursuing a hockey career. From sending my own son to play in the U.S. at just 14 years old to managing trades, billet families, and international finances, I’ve seen the highs and lows of the journey. I know the excitement of watching your child chase their dream—and the stress of handling everything that comes with it.
Whether it's choosing the right team, negotiating contracts, or simply figuring out how to transfer money across borders, I’ve stepped on a few landmines so you don’t have to. My goal is to share my experience with parents who are considering letting their child take the leap into competitive hockey.
If you’re looking for guidance, support, and real-world advice, I’m here to help. Let’s navigate this journey together.
Our Team
Anders "Aj" Smith
Owner/Advisor
Jason Smith
Director of Operations/ Academic Advisor