Maletta ready for next challenge
Jordan Maletta has retired on his own terms.
The 25-year-old St. Catharines native missed the 2018/19 season after suffering a head injury while playing in the American Hockey League before returning to the ice last season with the Brock Badgers.
After the Badgers season came to an end, Maletta began to take some real estate courses and get ready for the next chapter in his life.
“In life, my goal was to play professional hockey and I loved playing hockey,” he said. “That’s all I wanted to do. I made it there and enjoyed my time but I have to take care of my body first and that’s when I decided to step back originally.
“I was given a little bit more of a run — I was thinking about going to Europe the last couple of years — but decided I was going to move on with the next part of my life. That’s when I decided to start doing my real estate courses. I really started to enjoy them and that’s when I decided that’s what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.”
Maletta admitted the decision was not an easy one.
“At first, it was definitely hard to grasp that there was a possibility I would have to walk away,” he said. “Once I decided I was finished playing, I would get up and think I wish I was still playing, but those days got easier day by day.
“As of today, I’ve pretty much accepted how things went and wouldn’t change anything. I’ve always thought everything happens for a reason. There were days I was missing the game and wanting certain parts of that lifestyle back, but as a whole, I got to live that lifestyle and enjoy it. I got to live out my childhood dream and now I’m into the next chapter.”
Maletta began the courses in April 2019 but still kept in shape, just in case he had a change of heart.
“I still had the little voice in the back of my head saying there still may be a chance. I kept training and skating and was looking for opportunities to head over to Europe,” he said. “COVID hit this year and everything lined up that I was able to nail down these courses and get everything complete. I got my license and now I’m enjoying working.”
Maletta hooked up with Revel Realty where he works with former pro basketball player and OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) A champion Ryan Serravalle and Emily Barry.
“Ryan Serravalle is a good friend and just from listening to him talk he made it sound as exciting as it has been. He’s been a great teacher and mentor,” Maletta said. “He compared real estate to playing sports. It’s very competitive. You don’t ever stop. You don’t have regular hours. You’re always working, always worried about your job, just like when I was playing. It definitely has its comparisons.”
Maletta said he learned about real estate growing up as well.
“Both my parents are into investment properties so I’ve always had as part of my lifestyle,” he said. “I remember going with my dad on the weekends to his rental properties and he was always teaching me about real estate.”
Even though he is no longer active, Maletta has kept the same routine as when he played. He is up at 5:30 a.m. for a workout before going into the office.
“I feel best after I do a morning workout still,” he said.
Maletta, who reports he feels great and has no health issues, has fond memories of his career, particularly his three years with the Niagara IceDogs.
“Looking back at old pictures and talking to some of the guys on the team, playing for the IceDogs was a dream,” he said. “I grew up watching the IceDogs at the old arena. It worked out good with timing. We had some competitive teams and overall it was a great experience.”
Maletta can be reached at 289-968-4483 or via e-mail at jordan.maletta@revelrealty.ca.
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