From the Ice to Open Houses: Eddie Lack’s Journey from Pro Hockey to Real Estate

For many athletes, transitioning from the world of professional sport into a new career can feel like stepping into the unknown. The adrenaline fades, the routine changes, and the identity you've built over years of high-level competition needs reshaping. For former NHL goalie Eddie Lack, that transition was both challenging and transformative.

After years of playing professional hockey, including stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and New Jersey Devils, Eddie found himself at a crossroads. But with a strong work ethic, a supportive network, and a powerful shift in mindset, he’s now thriving as a real estate agent in Arizona—still competing, still pushing, and still building a legacy, just in a different arena.

From the rink to real estate

When Eddie retired from hockey, he was met with a question that many athletes face: “What now?” The abrupt shift from being in the spotlight to entering the workforce can be jarring. “When you play hockey, you’re the guy that people look up to,” Eddie says. “Going from that to starting a job in sales – well, that was hard. I had to really embrace who I was outside of hockey.”

It wasn’t an instant transformation. It took time for Eddie to recognize that his new role had real value. “After a while, I realized I was helping people build wealth through real estate. That shift in mindset changed everything for me.”

Coaching beyond the ice

Eddie’s ability to adjust and excel in real estate wasn’t just about grit – it was also about guidance. A key influence in his transition was a mental coach he began working with while still playing hockey. That coach evolved into a life and business mentor who helped Eddie navigate life beyond sport.

Real estate, it turns out, shares more similarities with hockey than you might think. “You get out what you put in,” Eddie explains. “When I practiced harder, I got better results on the ice. It’s the same in real estate – the more effort I put in, the more results I see.”

Applying the athlete mindset

Eddie’s competitive drive didn’t retire with his hockey gear. “As an athlete, you want to be the best in everything you do,” he says. “That mentality didn’t go away. I still want to be at the top. Second place? That’s just the first loser.”

That mindset has fueled his success in real estate. From preparing listings to closing deals, Eddie brings the same intensity and focus that once helped him block slapshots in front of thousands of fans.

A shared mission with FreeAgent

As someone who’s gone through the challenges of career transition firsthand, Eddie sees huge value in what FreeAgent offers. “It’s like a door waiting to be opened,” he says. “A lot of my friends are retiring now, and they don’t know what path to take. FreeAgent is such a great resource for athletes looking for their next step and for companies looking to hire talented, driven people.”

The connection goes even deeper. “In real estate, your network is everything. FreeAgent is helping athletes build that network and make meaningful connections. We’re aligned in that mission.”

Powered by the athlete community

For Eddie, his hockey background continues to be a major asset. “Everyone I work with comes from my sphere of influence in the hockey world,” he says. “Whether it’s a teammate, a coach, or even someone who saw me play for the Canucks 10 years ago – they reach out when they’re ready to buy a home. It all comes back to that community.”

Now thriving in a second career, Eddie Lack proves that the qualities that define athletes—resilience, discipline, drive—can lead to success far beyond the field or the rink. And with support from organizations like FreeAgent, more athletes are discovering that the next chapter can be just as rewarding as the last.