Free Agent Technologies
Dec 15, 2024
Olympian Fram’s journey from hockey star to post-sports career highlights the power of Free Agent’s supportive network, helping athletes leverage their skills in new roles.
For Olympian Fram, hockey has been a lifelong passion that began at the age of six. From his earliest years, he devoted himself to the sport, driven by a dream of reaching the highest levels. At just 16, Fram was drafted into the Western Hockey League, where he made the difficult decision to move away from family and friends to pursue competitive hockey, fully immersing himself in a demanding schedule of training, games, and school. This early step required maturity and focus beyond his years, teaching him many of the skills that would shape his athletic and personal growth.
After five seasons with the Spokane Chiefs—where he rose to the role of team captain—Fram’s journey continued with a professional stint in the San Jose organization. He soon chose to further his education at the University of Alberta, drawn to its strong hockey program. There, he continued honing his skills, winning three consecutive Canada West titles and a national championship.
His success attracted the attention of the KHL's Kunlun Red Star, a Beijing-based team recruiting players of Chinese descent for the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. Fram’s dedication and skill led him to represent Team China in the 2022 Winter Olympics, an incredible highlight in a career that spanned countries and cultures.
Transitioning out of competitive sports can feel like navigating uncharted waters. The skills honed over years of training are valuable, yet adapting them to a new career without the right support can be daunting. Free Agent offers more than just resources for athletes—it provides a lifeline for those seeking connection, purpose, and a community.
Olympian Fram recently shared his journey, describing the pivotal role Free Agent plays in athletes' post-sports transition. Reflecting on his experience, he emphasized the value of a network that understands athletes’ unique challenges as they step into new career phases.
“Free Agent provides a similar safety net,” Fram explains. “Connecting athletes with people who’ve been through the same experiences, whether they’re currently navigating the transition or have already done so.” He adds, “Everyone within it is genuinely invested in each other’s well-being.”
Fram describes Free Agent as more than just a professional network—it’s a close-knit family that resonates with his journey as a hockey player. Growing up, he relied on guidance from family and mentors; later, his coaches and teammates became like family, supporting him at every step. Though still in his hockey career, he sees the value Free Agent offers to athletes facing life beyond sport. “Having access to an interconnected community of individuals who understand the unique challenges of moving on from sport is invaluable,” Fram says. Free Agent is about more than career connections; it’s a place where athletes find belonging and camaraderie. For those approaching the transition, the network offers comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
For Fram, Free Agent’s value extends beyond career guidance, fostering shared experiences and support. “Having people within Free Agent who are invested in your growth and well-being is unique,” he notes. Members are eager to help each other not only with career advice but also with personal support. Through Free Agent, athletes gain a meaningful network of peers who genuinely care about each other’s success and well-being.
Years of training equip athletes with discipline, time management, and teamwork—skills that translate well into new careers. Fram explains that athletes bring structure to their lives, developed by balancing rigorous training schedules with other commitments. “Being on time, working hard, and managing multiple commitments were ingrained in me as an athlete,” Fram says. “Balancing studies with travel and training taught me time management, while adapting to new roles—from a younger team member to a senior player—helped me develop leadership qualities.”
These qualities become second nature to athletes and are highly valued in professional settings. Through Free Agent, athletes learn to turn these traits into assets for future roles, empowering them to leverage their experiences in new areas.
Fram sees similarities between the Free Agent network and the connections he built in his athletic and educational experiences. He believes Free Agent’s value lies in its community of high-performing individuals with unique journeys but a shared commitment to excellence. “Being connected with top-tier athletes provides inspiration and support,” he shares. “It’s not just about professional connections—it’s about sharing a common drive and supporting each other’s journeys.”
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Fram notes that being surrounded by elite individuals creates a motivational environment that pushes one to reach new heights. Through Free Agent, athletes are part of a community that understands the highs and lows of high performance and stands ready to cheer them on as they explore new avenues.