THE CREW
Peter Wallen
CEO & NHLPA Licensed Agent
Peter’s journey in the world of hockey is a testament to his dedication and versatility. Since 1994, he has been at the helm of Alterno Management, guiding the company through the ever-evolving landscape of sports management. In 2002, he fully committed to being a hockey agent, a role that would allow him to leverage his extensive experience in the sport.
With an NHLPA license obtained in 2009, Peter distinguished himself as the sole Swedish agent based in North America, negotiating NHL contracts and representing talented players on the grandest stage of professional hockey. His unique position allowed him to bridge the gap between Swedish players and opportunities in the NHL, fostering relationships that would benefit both athletes and teams.
Peter’s roots in the sport run deep. As a former professional player in Sweden, he experienced the thrill of victory firsthand, notably winning a championship gold medal with Djurgårdens IF in 1989. This experience not only shaped his understanding of the game but also fueled his passion for helping others succeed in their careers.
Beyond his role as an agent, Peter dedicated nine years to coaching youth hockey in Stockholm before transitioning to full-time agency work in 2006. This coaching experience enriched his perspective, allowing him to nurture young talent and impart valuable life lessons on and off the ice.
Before diving into the hockey world, Peter explored a career as an insurance broker and investment advisor. This background provided him with a solid foundation in negotiation and business, skills that have served him well in his agent career.
Today, Peter continues to lead Alterno Management with the same passion and commitment that have defined his career. His blend of playing experience, coaching knowledge, and business acumen positions him as a trusted ally for players navigating the complexities of professional hockey.
Martin Nilsson
NHLPA & SICO Licensed Agent
Martin’s story is rooted in the rich tradition of hockey, growing up in a family where the sport was a way of life. His father, a professional player who spent 11 years honing his skills in Germany, set a high bar for young Martin. Inspired by his father’s legacy, Martin dedicated 15 years of his own life to the game, playing for Rögle BK from midget hockey all the way up to the senior level.
After his time at Rögle, Martin ventured into the professional arena in France, soaking up new experiences and cultures. However, at just 22, he made the difficult decision to retire from playing. Yet, his passion for the sport was far from over. At 25, he embarked on a new journey, studying sports management, which would become the foundation for his coaching career.
One of the standout moments of Martin’s coaching journey was leading SDE Hockey to the finals in the Under 16 Nationals—a thrilling experience that solidified his love for mentoring young players. That journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is etched in his memory and represents the essence of his coaching philosophy.
Armed with a degree in sports management and a transformative summer spent working for the NHL in New York, Martin’s career took another turn in 2011 when he connected with Peter Wallen. This partnership opened new doors, leading him to become a licensed SICO Agent 2011 and, in 2017, an NHLPA licensed agent.
Today, Martin blends his deep-rooted passion for hockey with his expertise in sports management, committed to guiding players and shaping the next generation of talent. His journey is a testament to the enduring bonds formed through the sport and the impact one can have on others, both on and off the ice.
Niklas Jernström
Scout and Development Advisor Sweden
Niklas’s journey into the world of hockey began like many young athletes—dabbling in various sports, embracing the thrill of competition and camaraderie. But everything changed when he turned 15. That was the pivotal moment when he found his true calling. Selected for TV-Pucken, the prestigious youth tournament in Sweden, he quickly caught the attention of scouts and was soon representing the U16 National Team.
Driven by a passion for the game, Niklas made the decision to attend the Hockey Gymnasium in Västerås, where he honed his skills and deepened his love for the sport. His path then led him across the Atlantic to Boston, where he gained invaluable experience before returning to Sweden to play for Björklöven and later Jonstorp in Division 1. However, at just 26, Niklas decided to hang up his skates and transition from player to coach.
For the past decade, Niklas has poured his heart into coaching youth and junior teams. His roles have varied from head coach to skills coach and fitness trainer, but the core of his philosophy has remained the same: nurturing not just skilled hockey players, but well-rounded athletes. He is passionate about physical training and creating injury-free players, often sharing his extensive knowledge on nutrition, sleep, and recovery to help young athletes reach their potential.
The true highlights of Niklas’s career, however, are the years spent mentoring fantastic young players. Witnessing their growth—not only in hockey but as individuals—has been incredibly rewarding. Each session on the ice has been an opportunity to inspire and guide, forging connections that extend beyond the sport.
Outside of hockey, Niklas has also built a successful career as an entrepreneur. For the past 20 years, he has navigated the world of interior design, spending the last 11 years dedicated to that industry. Balancing his dual passions, he continues to find fulfillment both on the ice and in his business, all while making a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes. Niklas’s story is one of commitment, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring those around him to strive for greatness in all they do.
Mike Asselin
Scouting and Development Advisor Ontario
Mike has been working with elite level hockey players in the Ontario region since 2003. Starting in the Toronto area, Mike fully committed himself to coaching and development world. He spent eight years coaching AAA hockey in the GTHL where his teams experienced league, playoff, and provincial championships, while Mike himself was awarded Coach of the Year in 2015 for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens Association.
Mike also spent three years as the general manager and head coach of the Hill Academy U18 Prep Program. During this time, his teams experienced high national rankings, and Mike played an integral part in both advising and graduating players along to OHL, USHL, and NCAA opportunities. Having also earned the chance to coach and represent multiple high-profile, North American programs both overseas and in international events, Mike brings with him a strong knowledge of the game and skill development as it relates to hockey throughout Europe.
Since 2003 he has worked with players of all age levels and is very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with many OHL, USHL, NCAA, NHL, and World Junior Championship players.
Currently, Mike is the hockey director of a training facility in Ottawa and is also a training and development partner with HC Sochi of the KHL, where he works with them every summer running training programs for youth to pros in Russia.
Rudolf Orjo
FHPA Licensed Agent
Rudolf has been involved in ice hockey his entire life.
He started out as a junior player for HIFK and Espoo Blues. His short hockey career ended due to injuries, and his dream of playing hockey was left behind. However, his hunger for hockey remained, and after retiring, his goal of becoming an agent became clear.
After his playing career, Rudolf graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. In 2021, Rudolf began working with Andrew Maloney and Maloney & Thompson Sports Management.
Rudi enjoys recruiting young players and helping them become professionals. He finds mentoring athletes to help them grow as athletes rewarding.
Outside of hockey, Rudolf has worked in sales and recruitment. Most recently, he worked as a facility manager, taking care of the properties of a large publicly traded company.