"All the speakers were really good," Mittelstadt said of the event. "They did a good job of filling us in on what it's going to be like. It was more about what to stay away from and what to manage, which was really good. It might be a little overwhelming throughout the week since there are so many meetings, but you're prepared for it."

Those principles and life skills are repeated to young players and veterans when players' association officials make an annual visit to each NHL team during the season. That provides players with a platform to raise any questions and concerns about life away from the rink.

When Skinner was drafted seventh overall by Carolina in 2010, his parents, Andy and Chuffy, both lawyers in the Toronto area, questioned how well the league was preparing 18-year-old players for the drastic transition. Before implementing the orientation program, the NHL and NHLPA conducted a session on the first morning of the draft every year.

Early in Jeff's career, Andy would spend approximately one week in Raleigh, N.C., just to be there in the event help was needed.