Personnel
Nick Shackford
PRESIDENT | COLUMBUS, OH | PHPA CERTIFIED AGENT
Nick Shackford, President of 85 Sports Management, co-founded the agency in 2018 alongside teammate in juniors and college, Niles Moore. With a keen eye for talent, experience on the ice and behind the bench and a passion for advancing hockey careers, Nick oversees all hockey operations, ensuring that current and aspiring professionals have access to the best opportunities in the industry.
Before establishing 85 Sports Management, LLC, Nick honed his eight-years of experience in coaching and scouting in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). His diverse experience includes coaching stints with the Kenai River Brown Bears (Alaska), New Mexico Mustangs, Port Huron Fighting Falcons and Johnstown Tomahawks.
Nick has worked alongside esteemed coaches such as Oliver David, the head coach for EC Salzburg (ICEHL) in Austria, and Jason Kersner, the head coach for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL), gaining invaluable insights into coaching, player development and team management.
Nick’s hockey journey boasts significant accomplishments, spanning three years of Varsity hockey at The Berkshire School where his team competed in the New England Prep School final four for two years and he served as captain in his senior year. He also captained the Baystate Breakers in the former Eastern Junior Hockey League. Following his junior career, he continued his collegiate career at SUNY Cortland and St. Anselm’s College.
Niles Moore
VICE PRESIDENT, LEGAL AFFAIRS | COLUMBUS, OH
Niles Moore, Vice President of Legal Affairs at 85 Sports Management, LLC, co-founded the agency with Nick Shackford in 2018. In his role, Niles oversees all legal matters within the company, specializing in contract negotiations, arbitration and due diligence.
Niles earned his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse Law in 2014. He practices law at the esteemed Moore & Yaklevich firm in Columbus, Ohio.
Niles’s hockey journey includes playing Junior A hockey in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the Dayton Gems and Cleveland Barons and in the former Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) with the Baystate Breakers. He played collegiate hockey at SUNY Cortland and Suffolk University, garnering accolades on the ice and in the classroom. Niles now resides in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio where he practices law.
Ryan Fairbarn
EXECUTIVE VP | DUNSTABLE, MA | PHPA CERTIFIED AGENT
Serving of Executive Vice President of 85 Sports Management, Ryan Fairbarn plays a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations, working closely alongside President Nick Shackford. Previously Ryan worked for the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL) as an amateur scout in evaluating players for the NHL Entry Draft.
During his collegiate years, Ryan played four years at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Before playing at RIT, Ryan played his junior hockey for the Georgetown Raiders and Newmarket Hurricanes in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
Currently residing in Boston, with his wife Kasie Strong-Fairbarn, a distinguished member of the Women’s College Hockey Hall of Fame, and their five children, Ryan brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role.
After college, Ryan embarked on a professional hockey journey, spending five seasons in the Central Hockey League before venturing overseas. His international endeavors included stints in Germany and Norway, where he tallied 120 points in 92 games.
Before joining the Arizona Coyotes as an amateur scout, Ryan was the head scout for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Ron Newhook
AGENT, EUROPEAN AFFILIATE | GERMANY; DEL 2, PHPA CERTIFIED AGENT
Ron runs the agency’s European Affiliate in Kaufbeuren, Germany. Hailing from North Bay, Canada, Ron Newhook was drafted by Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he played for two years before playing his final year for the London Knights. Ron amassed an impressive 136 points in 194 games during his OHL career.
After his junior career Ron played for the Toledo Storm (ECHL), Central Texas, Waco and Amarillo in the now defunct Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL).
In early 2000, Ron pursued an overseas career in Germany, where he enjoyed a remarkable 19-year career in professional hockey before retiring in 2019. He now lives in Kaufbeuren, Germany with his wife and children.
Andy Willis
Player Advisor | St. Louis, MO
Andy Willis joined 85 Sports Management, LLC in June 2024. Andy began his journey in his hometown AAA program and progressed to playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the Lone Star Brahmas and the Austin Bruins.
After his junior career, Andy played college hockey at Lindenwood University’s Division 1 program and subsequently had a professional playing career in the ECHL. Throughout this time, he was represented by 85 Sports’ President, Nick Shackford.
As a Player Advisor for 85 Sports, Andy’s primary focus is on identifying, developing, and nurturing talent at various levels, including AAA, high school/prep, and junior. His extensive knowledge and network in the hockey community make him a valuable asset in building our talent pipeline.