According to Liz Mullen of SBJ, hockey agent Darren Ferris has created Definitive Hockey Group and had brought several other agents with him, most recently Murray Kuntz, formerly of CAA Hockey. Kuntz’s split with CAA was “mutual and made sense for us [both parties]” according to Pat Brisson, CAA Hockey co-head. It is unknown if any players will follow him to his new agency, but players usually go with the agent with whom they have the closest relationship.
The group also includes agents Ryan Barnes, Rob Smith, Dylan Liptrap, Mitch Barnes, Dave Reid and Barry Jeboult and has presence in both Russia and the Czech Republic.
The Oakville, Ontario based agency lists 14 NHL clients, including Calgary center Sam Bennet (No. 4 overall pick of 2014 draft) and center/wing Mitch Marner (No. 4 overall pick in 2015 draft). A full client list can be seen on the agency’s website, here.
Ferris previously worked at NHL Hall-of-Famer Bobby Orr’s Orr Hockey Group, where he was known as “a skilled recruiter of talented young players” before launching another hockey agency, ARC Sports Group, in 2012.
In Definitive Hockey Group, Ferris intends to build a full-service agency, focused on hockey and the quality of players. “Being selective allows us to provide a far superior service,” Ferris said. “With my 22 years’ experience, I have seen a lot that I would like to change in the industry.”