Kevin Bolibruck’s journey from professional hockey to entrepreneur showcases the transformative power of perseverance and lifelong learning. Through his experiences on the ice along with his time as a Player Representative and Executive Committee member with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), Bolibruck has not only excelled in his post hockey career endeavors but also continues to inspire others to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Bolibruck was born in Peterborough, Ontario but his hockey journey began at the age of three when he moved to Thorold, Ontario.  Bolibruck remembers learning how to skate and play hockey at the James Whyte Arena.  He also remembers traveling down the road to Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit his aunt and uncle where he spent countless hours on their frozen creek developing his skills.

He played minor hockey with the Welland Tigers AAA program.  At the age of 16, he made the Thorold Blackhawks Jr. B team as a defenseman.  After a successful rookie season with the Blackhawks where he notched 24 points in 38 games, including 78 penalty minutes, Bolibruck was drafted third overall in the 1994 OHL Draft by the Peterborough Petes and would return to the place where he was born.

Following his debut season with the Petes, Bolibruck’s dedication paid off as he was drafted in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. The subsequent season held significance for Bolibruck as he played a pivotal role in the Petes’ 1996 OHL Championship triumph, a milestone that proved vital for his growth as a player.

“Any time you’re around something successful and overcome adversity its huge for your development as an athlete and person, explained Bolibruck.  “People want winners.  They want people on their team who have gone through it in a group setting and understand what it takes to win.”

Bolibruck resumed his tenure with the Petes the next season where he would be appointed Captain.  However, at the NHL trade deadline, his NHL rights were traded by Ottawa to the Chicago Blackhawks.  Despite contract negotiations with the team falling through, Bolibruck re-entered the 1997 NHL Draft and found himself selected once more, this time by the Edmonton Oilers.

Instead of heading back to the OHL as an overage player, Bolibruck opted to join the Canadian National team, where he found another crucial developmental opportunity. Being part of the National Team, he participated in a 65-game schedule which included stops throughout Europe.

The following season, in 1998, Bolibruck began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Edmonton Oilers’ affiliate at the time.  Over the following six seasons, he continued his career in the AHL, splitting time between the Bulldogs, Rochester Americans, Houston Aeros, and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

During his time in the AHL, Bolibruck’s leadership abilities came to the forefront as he assumed the role of PHPA Player Representative on various teams and attended two PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.  He gained significant value in understanding the business side of the sport and learning more about players’ rights.

“I had little knowledge about how a union works or the business part of hockey.  I wanted to learn about the different processes to educate myself and my teammates regarding our rights.  If I didn’t know the answer, I made sure that I could have one that was a phone call away,” Bolibruck shared.

During his final two years as a PHPA Member, Bolibruck was elected to the PHPA Executive Committee, assuming a more significant role with the union.

“It goes back to my eagerness to learn,” Bolibruck explained.  “I was able to gain a better understanding of the processes in place and why we have them.  Additionally, I belonged to a select group of players who hold a greater influence and are the first to hear about things. Overall, it bolstered my resume as an athlete and as an individual who was thinking about their post hockey career aspirations.”

Reflecting on his AHL career, Bolibruck acknowledged the multitude of individuals who aided in his transition to becoming a professional hockey player.  Alongside various players and coaches who supported him on the ice, former PHPA personnel Rick Gorman and the late Phil Mazzone who oversaw the PHPA Career Enhancement Program played pivotal roles in his off-ice education.

In 2003, Bolibruck embarked on an exciting new chapter, venturing to Europe to continue his professional hockey career.  Driven by a desire to explore the world and the different hockey opportunities available to him, he embarked on an enriching journey. Over eight years, he played on teams located in six different countries, beginning and ending his European odyssey in England with the Sheffield Steelers.  In between, he emersed himself in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, and Italy, not only playing hockey but also absorbing their rich cultures.

Throughout his professional hockey career, Bolibruck realized the importance of laying the groundwork for his post-hockey life.  During breaks from playing in Europe, he enrolled in classes at Brock University during the summers.  In his final two seasons with Sheffield, he pursued and completed his MBA at the University of Sheffield.  Following retirement, he remained committed to furthering his education, becoming the first PHPA Member to enroll in Athabasca University’s Business of Hockey program, engaging in online coursework.

Reflecting on his journey, Bolibruck revealed a valuable lesson that other players can do to help themselves for their post hockey career. “I wish I networked as much as possible.  If I could go back, I would create a LinkedIn account and connect with as many business people as possible in my playing cities. You never know what you might be doing after hockey or who can help you get to where you want to go.”

Bolibruck recognizes that while current players are primarily focused on hockey, many of them can pursue an education alongside their hockey journey.

“The PHPA has so many resources available, and a lot of guys don’t understand that or don’t realize that until later in their careers. Don’t be afraid to take the time and reach out.  I was on a lot of 1-year contracts and realized I could be done hockey at any point.  There is a lot of life left after hockey.  Put as much time and effort into setting up your eventual post hockey career as you do for hockey, and you’ll feel really good about your situation no matter what the circumstances are,” shared Bolibruck.

Since retiring from professional hockey Bolibruck has explored various career paths but remained committed to the goal of owning his own business.  He initially ventured into the financial services industry, mastering sales and relationship-building skills before transitioning to the paint industry, where he co-owned a successful business with a friend.  Despite his initial unfamiliarity with the paint industry, Bolibruck applied his business knowledge, leading to the expansion of another paint store. Subsequently, he and his partner decided to progress further up the supply chain, creating Castle Niagara Building Centre in 2020.

Additionally, Bolibruck has taken a keen interest in mental health advocacy.  He has served on the advisory board for Your Life Counts and founded Athletes Heart, a program aimed at assisting retired athletes in transferring their skills into new endeavours, helping them find fulfillment.

“Everybody goes through hard times.  You never know what someone else is going through,” explained Bolibruck.  “I always say that the secret to living is giving.”

Bolibruck’s journey showcases the diverse opportunities awaiting athletes during and beyond their playing careers.  His involvement with the PHPA not only deepened his understanding of the business aspects of hockey but also highlighted the importance of proactive preparation for life beyond sports. His transition from professional hockey to successful business ownership serves as a testament to the invaluable support and resources provided by the PHPA which can often be overlooked.

For those eager to explore the endless opportunities awaiting them, please contact PHPA Career Enhancement Program Coordinator, Steve Carney, at scarney@phpa.com.