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John-Michael Liles knows the temptations that can accompany a lucrative NHL contract. His came in the form of a ’69 Chevy Camaro.

Back when the retired defenceman was a rookie in 2003, he was wowed by a muscle car owned by a Colorado Avalanche teammate. Liles vowed that if he ever landed a big National Hockey League contract, he’d build that custom Camaro. Five years later, the Indiana native signed a four-year deal with the Avalanche — then proceeded to fritter away US$100,000 on a yellow convertible with black racing stripes.

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“I probably spent more money on it than I realistically should have,” Liles, 38, said from his home outside Vail, Colorado. “It was a great car and I loved it, but at some point I had to become an adult. I have two kids and it’s not exactly child-friendly.”

To help him avoid bigger lures and protect 14 years of NHL earnings, Liles said he has relied on Royal Bank of Canada.

The firm was earlier than most in specifically targeting hockey players as clients and thinks it can replicate that success with other athletes. As its hometown Toronto Raptors celebrate breaking Canada’s 26-year championship drought in the biggest North American sports, Royal Bank sees an opportunity.