Ian Pulver is an NHLPA Certified Agent with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario (1984-1987) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of British Columbia (1987-1990). In September 2006, he founded Pulver Sports Inc., which eventually evolved into The Will Sports Group. Over the years, The Will Sports Group has become a significant force in the hockey industry, representing and advising some of the world’s top players, including Tyler Seguin, Mike Cammalleri, Olli Jokinen, Scott Gomez, Nail Yakupov, and others.
Before establishing Pulver Sports, Ian Pulver worked as a labor attorney for the NHLPA for 15 years. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of the 1992 (Strike), 1994 (Lockout), and 2004 (Lockout) NHL Collective Bargaining Agreements. Pulver was primarily responsible for developing marketplace programs, contributing to an increase in the average league salary from $271,000 to $1,800,000. He provided expert advice to players and agents on individual contract negotiations and maintained comprehensive oversight of salary arbitration filings, settlements, and hearings annually. Through his efforts, he established legal precedents and marketplace benchmarks that continue to benefit players across all tiers.
On the grievance arbitration front, Pulver evaluated the merits of all labor-related grievances brought to the NHLPA between 1990 and 2006. As part of a legal team, he successfully argued precedent-setting cases that greatly benefited players. Additionally, he was instrumental in negotiating various settlement agreements with the NHL and served as an expert witness in several hearings. From 1991 to 2006, he acted as the NHLPA’s primary contact for player interactions, providing unparalleled support and advocacy.
Ian Pulver has been recognized multiple times by The Hockey News as one of the most influential figures in hockey. His extensive experience includes appearances on sports radio shows, where he addresses major issues in the sports world. He resides in Toronto with his wife and three children, continuing to leverage his unparalleled expertise to advance the interests of hockey players worldwide.