1 PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY ATHLETIC TRAINERS SOCIETY SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY EQUIPMENT MANAGERS Newsletter Fall 2013 Experience The Magic PHATS/SPHEM 2014 Annual Conference June 19-24 JW Marriott Grande Lakes Resort Enchanting experiences await at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. e JW Marriott Grande Lakes is set among pristine lakes and fragrant gardens, located at the Headwaters of the Everglades. e Spanish Colonial Architecture, tropical gardens and the meandering lazy river add to that old world Florida charm. Well- appointed guest rooms overlook hundreds of lakes and waterways. ere is so much to do at Grande Lakes, it beckons you to explore. • Connected to Ritz-Carlton • Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa • Lazy River through the tropical gardens • Fabulous Dining options: Primo (Italian), Citron (American), Quench (Poolside), Sushi Bar, Lobby Lounge, Café Bodega (Grab and go), Starbucks • Fishing and Eco excursions • Orlando eme Parks Nearby (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, City Walk, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Sea World, Aquatica). All within 5-15 minutes of the resort. • Complimentary transportation to Disney World, Sea World and Universal Orlando • Close proximity to Orlando International Airport
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PROFESSIONAL HOCKEYATHLETIC TRAINERS SOCIETY
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONALHOCKEY EQUIPMENT MANAGERS
Newsletter Fall 2013
Experience The Magic
PHATS/SPHEM 2014 Annual Conference June 19-24
JW Marriott Grande Lakes Resort
Enchanting experiences await at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes.
The JW Marriott Grande Lakes is set among pristine lakes and fragrant gardens, located at the Headwaters of the Everglades. The Spanish Colonial Architecture, tropical gardens and the meandering lazy river add to that old world Florida charm. Well-
appointed guest rooms overlook hundreds of lakes and waterways. There is so much to do at Grande Lakes, it beckons you to explore.
•Connected to Ritz-Carlton
•Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa
•Lazy River through the tropical gardens
•Fabulous Dining options: Primo (Italian), Citron (American), Quench (Poolside), Sushi Bar, Lobby Lounge, Café Bodega (Grab and go), Starbucks
•Fishing and Eco excursions
•Orlando Theme Parks Nearby (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, City Walk, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Sea World, Aquatica). All within 5-15 minutes of the resort.
• Complimentary transportation to Disney World, Sea World and Universal Orlando
• Close proximity to Orlando International Airport
Saturday, 6/21:8:30-9:00 am: PHATS/SPHEM Opening General Session9:00-12:00 pm: SPHEM Education 9:00-12:00 pm: NHL PHATS/NHLTPS Joint Meeting and PHATS Associate Member Education and League Breakouts9:00-5:00 pm: FOMA Training Meetings11:00-5:00 pm: Exhibitor Registration1:00 pm: Golf Tournament on property at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club/Free afternoon 3:00 pm-6:00 pm: Exhibitor Set Up
Sunday 6/22:8:00-12:00 pm: Exhibitor Set Up continued9:00-12:00 pm: PHATS/NHLTPS Education9:00-12:00 pm: SPHEM Education and League Meetings
9:00-5:00 pm: FOMA Training Meetings1:00-5:00 pm: PHATS/SPHEM Exhibit Hall Open5:00-7:00 pm: PHATS/SPHEM/FOMA and Vendor Networking Reception
Monday, 6/23:9:00-12:00 pm: FOMA General Meetings and Training Meetings 9:00-12:00 pm: PHATS Education9:00-12:00 pm: SPHEM Education1:00-5:00 pm: FOMA Exhibit Hall Open 1:00-5:00 pm: PHATS/SPHEM Exhibit Hall Open 5:00-8:00 pm: Exhibit Hall Breakdown7:00-8:00 pm: PHATS/SPHEM Hall of Fame Reception8:00-10:00 pm: PHATS/SPHEM Hall of Fame Dinner
Tuesday, 6/24:9:00-12:00 pm: PHATS Education with Julie Grand, Ruben Echemendia, Willem Meeuwisse and Athlete RMS9:00-12:00 pm: SPHEM Education9:00-5:00 pm: FOMA General Meetings
Wednesday, 6/25:9:00-12:00pm: FOMA General Meetings
***(The agenda is subject to change. Please visit www.phats-sphem.com for a detailed schedule of events.)***
Hotel AccommodationsPHATS/SPHEM room block dates: June 19-24, 2014 (Registration opens in Mid February)
RATES: $179 PER NIGHT SINGLE OR DOUBLE OCCUPANCy
TAx: 12.5% TAx PER NIGHT.
CuT-oFF dATE: All reservations must be made by May 28th, 2014 to guarantee the group rate.
RESERvATionS: 800-576-5750 (toll free). Ask for the PHATS/SPHEM group rate. There is limited room inventory on Thursday, June 19th. Please book early if you plan to arrive on Thursday.
CAnCEllATion PoliCy: you must cancel 3 days prior to your arrival date to avoid any penalties.
CHECk in TiME: 3:00 pm Check out time: 11:00 am
MEETinG REGiSTRATion: Registration does not open until mid February. An email will be sent inviting you to register. More information will be provided on the PHATS/SPHEM website, www.phats-sphem.com
ATTiRE: Business Casual
ExhibitorsExHibiTS CoSTS: $1200 for an 8x10 Exhibit Booth, 2 day show.
SundAy, 6/22: 1:00-5:00 pm
MondAy, 6/23: 1:00-5:00 pm
*All booths are 8’ x 10’ (depth x width) of Exhibit Space. Includes: All pipe and drape, carpet, exhibitor identification sign, 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs and one wastebasket.
EquiPMEnT vEndoRS: Contact Pete Rogers if you are interested in educating the Equipment Managers on your company and product. Rates and times vary. [email protected]
MEdiCAl vEndoRS: Contact Anita Ramsay if you are interested in presenting an educational session to the PHATS Athletic Trainers. Rates and times vary.
PHATS and SPHEM are thrilled to welcome the NHLTPS (National Hockey League Team Physicians Society) to the 2014 conference. PHATS will have the opportunity to work hand in hand with the team doctors at their educational sessions and the NHLTPS will continue
with their own society meetings at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes. It is a win/win to have both the doctors and the trainers under the same roof, sharing knowledge, techniques and procedures.
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Congratulations to the following members who are expected to work a milestone game this season:
2,500 GamesDoug Shearer Head Equipment Manager Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
2,000 GamesDoug Agnew Head Athletic Trainer Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) Michael Gapski Head Athletic Trainer Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Craig Leydig Asst. Equipment Manager Washington Capitals (NHL)
1,500 GamesGeorge Babcock Asst. Equipment Manager Buffalo Sabres (NHL)Paul Boyer Head Equipment Manager Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Richard Campbell Athletic Trainer Portland Winterhawks (WHL)Don DelNegro Head Athletic Trainer Boston Bruins (NHL)Michael Holden Head Equipment Manager Manchester Monarchs (AHL)Bruce Lifrieri Massage Therapist/Trainer New York Rangers (NHL)James McCrossin Head Athletic Trainer Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Brock Myles Head Equipment Manager Washington Capitals (NHL)
**Derek Settlemyre Head Equipment Manager Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
1,000 GamesRusty Aldridge Head Equipment Manager Bakersfield Condors (ECHL)DJ Amadio Asst. Athletic Trainer Nashville Predators (NHL)Dana Bryson Asst. Equipment Manager Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Darcy Ewanchuk Athletic Trainer/Equipment Manager Tri-City Americans (WHL)Joel Farnsworth Asst. Equipment Manager St. Louis Blues (NHL)Donnie Fuller Head Athletic Trainer Minnesota Wild (NHL)John Gervais Asst. Equipment Manager Ottawa Senators (NHL)Mike Hannegan Asst. Athletic Trainer Anaheim Ducks (NHL)Damien Hess Head Athletic Trainer Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)Russel Holden Equipment Manager Rockford IceHogs (AHL)Dennis MacDonald Athletic Trainer/Equipment Manager Plymouth Whalers (OHL)Ben Mumah Head Equipment Manager Ferris State University (NCAA)Corey Osmak Asst. Equipment Manager Calgary Flames (NHL)David Randolph Head Equipment Manager Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)Clint Reif Asst. Equipment Manager Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Jon Sanderson Asst. Athletic Trainer Vancouver Canucks (NHL)Bobby Walls Athletic Trainer/Equipment Manager Ontario Reign (ECHL)Matthew White Head Athletic Trainer Worcester Sharks (AHL)David Zeis Head Athletic Trainer Dallas Stars (NHL)
** Achieved Milestone during 2012-13 Season
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The new season is starting and I know we are all focused on our teams as opposed to education and recertification. That said, some big changes are coming for those of us certified by the Board of Certification in the United States. Everyone should be aware of these changes, as it will affect how you collect continuing education and what counts as a CEU. Maybe the biggest change coming is re-certification dates: All athletic trainers will have to submit CEUs on December 31, 2015. The changes are being made largely to help advance the profession as some of the changes bring athletic training closer in line with other medical professions.
The primary change is clearly the recertification date and the number of CEUs due on 12/31/15. All athletic trainers will be required to submit 50 CEUs. If you were certified prior to or at the end of this year, this includes you. If you were certified prior to this year, make sure your CEUs are up to date as you likely have at least 25 due at the end of the year. If your recertification date is in 2014, you will only have
25 CEUs due in 2015. This represents a prorated amount for the two-year period. I would highly recommend that everyone log onto the BOC website (www.bocatc.org/ats/maintain-certification) and review their account. This is the only way to ensure that your certification will remain current at the end of
this year!
The second big change comes with how CEUs are categorized and how many you can collect out of the 50. The primary change with the categories is a new Evidence Based Practice/ Clinical Application (EBP) category. Every athletic trainer will be required to report at least 10 and a
maximum of 50 CEUs from this category every two years. Providers, including PHATS, must submit applications to have their course approved as an EBP category. Category A CEUs come from BOC approved programs, with a max of 40. There are several Level II CEU categories, which include college course work (max 40), journal publication (max 33),
2014 Milestone AnnouncementThe PHATS/SPHEM Executive Committees are pleased to announce that beginning in 2014, games worked in Professional, Major Junior and Division 1 College Leagues may be combined towards your Milestone totals.
The PHATS/SPHEM Executive Committees are also pleased to announce that beginning in 2014 we will recognize the NCAA Athletic Trainers and Equipment Managers for their 500th game milestone for games worked in the NCAA. The NCAA season is not as long as the other leagues and the achievement of 500 games is very significant. This milestone award is in addition to the current 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500 & 3,000 Milestone Awards that are presented at our Annual Meeting Hall of Fame Dinner. Congratulations to those NCAA members who have reached 500 games in previous seasons.
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Photo courtesy of Shelly Castellano, SCPIX
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Summer is over, Fall has arrived, training camp has come and gone and we are off and running in regular season play. Players will have emergencies, suffer concussions, injure their hands/wrists, ask about recovery tools, ask you to research a rehab technique or a supplement and
look for help in getting better sleep. Where will they go for the help they need and how prepared are those with the answers or suggestions? They will go to their team Athletic Trainer/Therapist and we should all be more than prepared for everything coming our way, based on the education program we experienced in Las Vegas this past June! The education and business components of the meetings were a success, but more importantly it allowed us all to be in one house to catch up with each other in a social environment.
I want to thank Anita, Natalie, the Executive Committee and the Education Committee for the great job that was done in presenting everyone in attendance with an education into what our group stands for and provides to our athletes and
teams.
Congratulations to my good friend and now Hall of Famer, Dave “Soup” Surprenant! It was an honor to be involved in our HOF dinner that celebrated the career of a well deserving athletic trainer. I wish Dave all the best for an exciting Hall of Fame weekend in November. I also want to apologize to every member who I messed up on during the recognition of career milestones. It was not my fault, was it Anita???
Here is to another great season of hockey and health to all the members and vendors of PHATS and SPHEM. Please remember to get involved in the group, make suggestions and bring things forward that are new and exciting. We are no longer just ice, tape and rest. We are professionals in the ever-changing world of sports medicine in the sport of ice hockey – Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers.
All the best for a great season!
Rammer Jim Ramsay, PHATS President Head Athletic Trainer New york Rangers
As we begin the 2013-2014 season, I would like to thank everyone for making our meetings in Vegas a success. Attendance was up and vendor support was fantastic.
A special thank you to Anita Ramsay and Natalie Grant for the job that they do putting on
a fantastic show. The Enhanced Education seminars were again great, I would encourage anyone who has any ideas for a seminar, please get in touch with either Dave Williams or myself.
Work has begun for next year’s show in Orlando. I would encourage our members to get involved in an associate education seminar, they have become very popular amongst our membership with members educating the members
with new ideas or techniques. Please get in touch with our committee led by Rick Bronwell and Rob Kennedy. Our group is only as strong as the members who continue to support one another.
With the site of this year’s meetings having a golf course, we will be bringing back a golf outing. Clay Roffer and myself will be running the event. We would encourage our members and vendors to support this always popular event.
With this being an Olympic year, I would like to congratulate my partner Jim Ramsay, our treasurer Darren Granger as well as Pierre Gervais on their appointments to Team Canada. Also, Tom Mulligan and Ray Thill from the Lightning along with Stan Wong for Team USA.
Best of luck to everyone and we will see you along the way.
Pete Rogers, SPHEM President Head Equipment Manager Nashville Predators
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Thank you to all of the PHATS members who voted in the PHATS Logo Contest. The chosen logo received the most votes and represents PHATS well. The logo encompasses the following:
• Theplayerandmedicalcrossrepresentourprofessionwithin the sport of hockey and the world of sports medicine.
• TheblueandredcoloredwordinginPHATSrepresentsthe blue line/red line/blue line of the ice rink.
• Andfinally,thecirclearoundtheplayerandcrossindicate that we are one component of a whole circle of care involved in getting the player on the ice. As well as the unity, protection and mobility that together with SPHEM we bring to the sport of ice hockey.
And now, introducing the new PHATS logo
We are excited to unveil the new logo on our website, publications and other media over the next couple of months.
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Having spent 38 years with 20 of those in the NHL, I decided I would give you my all-time team. I spent 14 years in Pittsburgh, 6 with the Islanders and the remainder in the minors. So here we go.
CENTERS:Mario lemieux; you don’t need to be a
rocket scientist to figure this one out. I had the pleasure to work with him for his first 3 years in the League. When he scored that first goal on his first shift in his first game, I think we all knew he would be something special.
Pierre Turgeon; Turge came to the Isles in the Pat Lafontaine trade and was on the way to taking the team to the Stanley Cup before he was hit from behind after scoring a goal.
Pierre larouche; My first game with Peppie, he says watch; this is what I get paid for. He then went onto beat Bobby Clark on the faceoff and breaks in on net and scored. A fun loving guy who loved to play in their end.
WINGS:Pat Flatley; we called Flats by another name at times, Coffee because he grinded it out in the corners. If he went in for it, he usually came out with it.
Jean Pronovost; A 50 goal scorer with the Pens who played both ends of the rink.
david bruce; Brucey had a journey man’s career when we hooked up in KC. He had decent numbers at the NHL level and was a hard working fun loving guy.
DEFENSE:Tim Horton; yes the guy who gave us such great coffee played too. Miles came to the Pens at the end of his career and some young trainer was taken in under his wing. He taught this 20-year-old what life was about. He was one of the strongest men I ever met. Sadly, he died in an accident while with the Sabres.
darius kasparaitis; Kas was the ultimate super pest with his hip check cutting guys down coming through the middle. He was a guy who couldn’t get enough of life in America when he first came over.
GOALIE:Glenn Healy; Heals was a true professional and his Scottish ancestry came out in everything he did, work hard, play hard. He was the main reason we reached the Conference Finals in 93.
Over my many years, I was fortunate like you have been to meet and be befriended by the best in the business. Enjoy your times and on behalf of the Alumni, have a safe and victorious season.
By John Doolan Alumni Co-Chairperson
and EMT training and non-approved course work (max 28). you will no longer be able to collect CEUs by acting as a BOC exam proctor or model, nor will you be able to collect CEUs from a home study course that does not have an exam attached at the end that measures competency gained from the course.
When you break the changes down, the differences boil down to reporting date, the number of CEUs due, and the introduction of the EBP category. you still must maintain and submit proof of emergency cardiac care competency and certification, and the number of CEUs due for a calendar year will remain the same.
This information is available on the BOC website at www.bocatc.org/ats/maintain-certification. Every athletic
trainer certified by the BOC should take the time to review this information again in addition to their own certification status and reporting dates. Remember that your NATA district representatives are always happy to answer questions and home study courses are available
through the BOC and NATA websites.
Good luck to everyone as the season gets under way!
Matt Bain, MS, ATC, PES Head Athletic Trainer, New york Islanders
Here’s a look at recent stories from around the web…
RichaRds bRotheRs get NhL caLLJumping from the AHL to the NHL is going to be a change for brothers Teddy and Josh Richards — both of whom took jobs as assistant equipment managers this summer — but it’s not going to be the biggest difference the two will face when the season opens this fall.For the first time in more than 10 years, the Richards brothers will be working for different teams.On July 1, Teddy Richards started in his new job as assistant equipment manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins, leaving a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team
where he had worked since 2002, first as an assistant and then as head equipment manager for the last seven years. Click here to continue reading the article on timesleader.com.
MichaeL FaRbeR: NhL goaLie cop WoRkiNg to haLt scoRiNg dRoughtOn a Sunday in early September, Kay Whitmore helped his family in Sudbury, Ont., jar 13 bushels of tomatoes, drove four hours to his house
near Toronto, ate dinner, changed clothes and then continued to the NHL’s downtown offices, where he started work shortly before 9 p.m. Whitmore has an office on the 10th floor but conducts much of his business one floor up, in a storeroom near the elevators. Some 50 boxes, many empty, others filled with goalie pads or chest protectors, clutter the room. With the tools of his singular profession, box cutter, calipers, tape measure, paper clips, Sharpies, loose-leaf binder and a stand constructed on four-inch tubing that looks like something a pediatrician might use to check a toddler’s height, Whitmore measures every piece of equipment for every professional goaltender in North America. His title is Senior Manager of Hockey Operations. Informally he is the goalie cop and he walks his beat alone. Click here to continue reading the article on si.com.
if you’ve seen an article that would be of interest or benefit to our membership please forward to natalie Grant at [email protected]. Thank you!
SPHEM: What got you started in the equipment profession?
PG: When I was about 16 I started working for a Junior team and that is what got me started.
SPHEM: How did you get your start in Professional Hockey?
PG: In 1982 I was working for the Sherbrooke Beavers in the QMJHL and the junior team moved to another city and the AHL, Sherbrooke Jets, came into town.
SPHEM: What motivates you and energizes you about being a Pro Hockey Equipment Manager?
PG: The hype of being part of a great organization, the first class traveling, etc.
SPHEM: What is your biggest challenge of the job?
PG: Keeping everyone happy.
SPHEM: Congratulations on being selected once again to work with Team Canada at this winter’s Olympics in Sochi, Russia. What are you most looking forward to while there?
PG: The intensity of the games and the determination of athletes.
SPHEM: you have been involved in International Hockey for some time with Team Canada. What do you love about working with Team Canada and why is it important to get involved with International Hockey?
PG: Well, I did several tournaments with Hockey Canada and I never thought that I would until Wayne Gretzsky called me for the games in Salt Lake City in 2002. People that work for Hockey Canada are all great people. A lot of fun too.
SPHEM: What is the biggest difference between working with an NHL team and Team Canada?
PG: The very short period of time to adapt with the best players in the world.
SPHEM: Do you think the Equipment Manager’s roll has changed a lot over the years, and if so, how?
PG: I think so. Everything has changed a lot in hockey. We need to be way more professional and educated than the old days.
SPHEM: you have served on the Executive Board of SPHEM. Why is this important to you and why do you encourage other members to get involved in SPHEM?
PG: I did as the Eastern Rep and I’m glad that I had the chance of putting a little effort to help the society.
SPHEM: What advice can you give to an equipment manager aspiring to one-day work in the NHL?
PG: If you keep working hard, stay clean and respect the players and management, chances will always be there.
SPHEM: What is your most memorable professional moment as an Equipment Manager?
PG: 1993 Stanley Cup
SPHEM: What do you want your peers to know about you that they don’t already know?
PG: Hmmm! I’m a pretty open book... Maybe that I’m very proud of our group and our society.
SPHEM: Who have been your mentors over the years and how have they inspired you?
PG: The late Eddy Palchak, players loved him and he taught me a lot of things.
About Pierre...
I’m married to my beautiful wife, Sophie and have 4 children that I love so much, Anne-Michèle, 23, Louis, 19, Gabriel, 3 and Alexandre, 2. I love the outdoors, golf and a good glass of red (maybe 2 J).
Pierre Gervais, Head Equipment Manager Montreal Canadiens
Photo courtesy of Shelly Castellano, SCPIX
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PHATS: What got you started in the athletic training profession?
TM: Growing up I was always a fanatic when it came to sports. I played hockey and baseball through high school. When it was time to determine a college major, I wanted something in
the medical field, so I put the two together and decided to pursue a career in Sports Medicine. When it came to playing those 2 sports, I quickly realized that I wasn’t on a path to play professionally, so I decided that I had better focus on the grades and hopefully stay in sports by taking care of the athletes instead of being one. I majored in Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac with a minor in Athletic Training, and worked as a student athletic trainer with their hockey team for three years. It was during this time that I knew I had made the right decision and was on track to pursue something that I had a passion for.
PHATS: How did you get your start in Professional Hockey?
TM: I was extremely fortunate to have had an opportunity to serve as a student intern with the Boston Bruins during the 1997-98 season. Working with Don DelNegro and Tim Trahant during that season set me on the path to where I am today. I tried each day to learn something new, absorb their knowledge and experience, and also to prove that I was capable of working in this setting. Following that season, I started work as a Physical Therapist in a local sports medicine clinic, but then late in the summer received a call from Donny asking if I would be interested in the Athletic Training position with their affiliate in Providence. I jumped at the opportunity to continue to pursue my passion in Pro Hockey. As cliché as it sounds, I was truly in the right place at the right time.
PHATS: What motivates and energizes you about being an Athletic Trainer in Pro-Hockey?
TM: I think at the end of the day, each and every one of us has a competitive side that wants to be part of a championship team. I believe each of us do our job to the best of our ability in order to try to help our team achieve
that ultimate goal. In saying that, our priority is the health and welfare of each of our players for the benefit of the team and the benefit of the individual player. My daily motivation comes from knowing the impact we can have on a player’s career and more importantly, his life. These players rely on us to protect them, help heal them, and rehab them. I strive every day to provide each of them with the best medical care that they deserve. To me there is no question we work with the greatest athletes in the greatest sport in the world. That in itself is enough to motivate me every day.
PHATS: What is your biggest challenge of the job?
TM: I would have to say that I am no different than most of us in this profession with a family, in that the biggest challenge of the job is the constant balancing act of life at the rink and life at home. Unlike a traditional 9 – 5 job, there is no such thing as walking out of your office and leaving work behind until the next day. you never know at what time that next phone call will come. We are very fortunate in this profession to have two families, a family at the rink and a family at home. I have a passion for both and strive to put 100% effort into both every day. The difficult part is that you can’t be in two places at once. I am extremely lucky to have a wife and 3 kids that understand that and support what I do. To be honest, the times that I am around and the kids have multiple sports events or school activities, I scratch my head and wonder how in the world my wife gets it done when we are off somewhere else in North America. As difficult as it to miss so many milestones and events in their lives, this job has allowed us as a family to share some incredible experiences and also to have met and become friends with so many incredible people in the game of hockey.
PHATS: Congratulations on being selected to work with Team USA at this winter’s Olympics in Sochi, Russia. What are you most looking forward to while there?
TM: First of all, let me say what an honor and a privilege it is to be asked to serve as Athletic Trainer for Team USA at the Sochi Olympics. I am extremely thankful to Jim Johansson and the entire management group of Team USA for asking me to serve in this role. I don’t know that there is one thing that I am most looking forward to, but
Tom Mulligan, Head Athletic Trainer Tampa Bay Lightning
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Photo courtesy of Shelly Castellano, SCPIX
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rather the entire Olympic experience. As a kid growing up in Massachusetts one of my first hockey memories was watching the 1980 US Team in Lake Placid, and to now know that I will be part of an Olympic team is a dream come true. I am also extremely fortunate to be able to share this whole experience with Ray Thill, our Head Equipment Manager here in Tampa and with whom I have had the pleasure of working with for the past 12 years.
PHATS: you have been involved in International Hockey at both the 2008 & 2012 IIHF World Championships with Team USA. What do you love about working with Team USA and why is it important to get involved with International Hockey?
TM: There are many reasons why I cherish the opportunities to work with Team USA. One of which is the pride you feel knowing you are representing your country on a worldwide stage. To stand on the bench and listen to the Star Spangled Banner has a whole new meaning to it when you are representing your country. I would also say that being able to work with so many different players and staff from around the league is a unique experience. Even though you may only spend a couple of weeks with these guys, you form a special bond. It’s always great to see them throughout the season and share a quick hello. Finally, I am certain that the opportunities to work with Team USA have allowed me to travel the world to places I know I would have never seen otherwise. I would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to work for their National program to take advantage of that regardless of what level it is.
PHATS: What is the biggest difference between working with an NHL team and Team USA?
TM: I would say that other than the actual time spent with each team, the biggest difference is familiarity of each player. On our own teams, we know just about everything about each of our players, including their families. With the national team, you have to rely on each player’s Athletic Trainer to provide you with their history, and any quirks they may have. you don’t have a lot of time to get to know them, but you have to make it a point to really focus on their important health issues. It’s kind of like cramming for that big college exam. It is also important to have good communication with every player’s Athletic Trainer throughout a tournament to keep them informed of the players’ health.
PHATS: Do you think the Athletic Trainer’s role has changed a lot over the years, and if so, how?
TM: Without a doubt the role of the Athletic Trainer has changed over the years. There is so much more detailed paperwork and record keeping now than there was 10-15 years ago that most days I feel as though I am more of an administrator than a clinician. Also, the amount of personal attention that each player is provided has increased
significantly over the years. Nowadays we not only focus on the clinical aspects of our profession, but there are also so many legal implications to what we do on a daily basis. At its very core, we are still here to provide the best medical care to our athletes and staff, but how we go about it has evolved. The medical field in itself has changed tremendously over the years and with that, so does the role of the Athletic Trainer.
PHATS: you have been a PHATS Board Member for many years as well as a regular contributor to the Newsletter. Why is this important to you and why do you encourage members to get more involved in PHATS?
TM: To me it’s an honor to serve on the PHATS Board and represent our membership. We have been guided over the years by some outstanding colleagues that have paved the way for us and I feel that it is extremely important to continue their legacy and build on the many hours of hard
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work that these people have put in. This is OUR society and we are the only ones who can band together to have our voices heard. Although we continue to have more and more work handed to us from the league level, we are now recognized as an important part of this game. We have representation on every major committee relating to player safety and healthcare, and with a continued commitment from our group I believe that our voices will be heard.
PHATS: What advice can you give to athletic trainer’s aspiring to one-day work in the NHL?
TM: Respect for the game, respect for the players, and respect for those that have come before you. There are so many talented athletic trainers in our profession that you need something to set you apart. Always have a positive attitude and constantly strive to improve your skills and knowledge. One thing I have come to realize is that we don’t know everything and don’t be afraid to admit that, but work hard to learn more each day.
PHATS: What is your most memorable professional moment as an athletic trainer?
TM: Easily the most memorable moment for me as an athletic trainer was June 7, 2004 winning the Stanley Cup. Looking up in the stands and seeing my parents, brother, and my wife while holding the Cup above my head is something I will never forget. I only wish to be able to do it again to be able to share it with my children. I know it is unrealistic, but I hope that everyone in our profession gets to share that same feeling. It was great to see long time ATC’s like Don DelNegro and Mike Gapski finally get that opportunity after all of the years they have sacrificed in this job. There are so many other great ATC’s that deserve to have that honor and I will pull for them each year as long as we are not going head to head in the playoffs!!!
PHATS: What do you want your peers to know about you that they don’t already know?
TM: Although it’s improved tremendously over the years, I have a bit of an OCD problem. Everything has to be in its place and organized. I can’t stand being unorganized. It was real bad in my college years. On my desk in my dorm everything had to be in the proper spot before I left the room. My roommate, with whom I am still very close to, used to have a blast rearranging my desk while I was at class and then laughing his tail off to see how rattled I would get when I got back. Having 3 kids at home and realizing
that it is nearly impossible to keep everything neat has desensitized me now though.
PHATS: Who have been your mentors over the years and how have they inspired you?
TM: When people think of a mentor, they tend to think of someone who guided them on their career path. In that regard, there is no question that Don DelNegro is that person. Don took me in as a student intern with the Bruins and then trusted in me to pursue my passion in working with the Bruins affiliate in Providence as a young 24 year old. Not only was I able to learn about athletic training from Donny, but also how to conduct yourself as a professional in this environment. I would also have to say that there have been so many colleagues that I have either worked with or learned from over the years to help guide me along the way. People like Jim Ramsay, Ray Barile, Ray Tufts, Ken Lowe, Dave Surprenant, Chris Kingsley, Tim Macre, Stan Wong and Jim Pickard. Finally, I have been extremely fortunate to work with two incredible Assistants while here in Tampa. Jason Serbus for several years and now Mike Poirier, have truly made my job easier. I had never considered them assistants, but rather partners in what we are trying to accomplish in our training room.
About Tom…
I grew up in New Bedford, MA. Graduated from Quinnipiac College with a degree in Physical Therapy. Did an internship with the Boston Bruins in 1997-98. Worked for the Providence Bruins from 1998-2002, winning a Calder Cup in 1999. Entering my 12th season here in Tampa. Won the Stanley Cup in 2004. I’m married to my wife Kellie, We have two Son’s Tyler (10), and Zachary (8) and Daughter, Abby (6).
My main hobby would be following my kids around to their activities, little league baseball, youth hockey, school activities, dance and gymnastics. Another hobby would be tinkering with projects around the house. My wife calls them “Tom projects”, what should take a half hour turns into a 3 hour project!!
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Greetings to all and we hope everyone had a great summer!
As we start a new year, we want to say good luck and stay healthy. First, we want to welcome all the new faces in our League. We strive to be the best in the minors. We want to give a high five to the boys in Reading. They had a great playoffs ending with a Championship. Congratulations to Bob Case of the Cincinnati Cyclones for his selection as the Reebok ECHL Trainer of the year and to Adam Dexter of the Orlando Solar Bears for his selection as the Reebok ECHL Equipment Manager of the year.
The ECHL will drop the puck on October 18th to kick off its 26th season! This year the League will have 22 teams vying for the Kelly Cup, down from 23 teams last season with the unfortunate loss of the Trenton Titans. The League currently has 13 teams in the Eastern Conference and 9 teams in the Western Conference. Congratulations to the Reading Royals and the Stockton Thunder on their great season and playoff runs, but it was the Reading Royals
who came through: hoisting the Kelly Cup and winning the finals in 5 games.
The ECHL has announced that there will not be an All-Star game this year but it will return during the 2014-15 season to Orlando, FL. The Toledo Walleye and the ECHL announced the very first outdoor game to be played in the ECHL at Fifth Third Field in December of the 2014-15 season.
Special thanks to Pete Rogers, President of SPHEM, for taking time out of his day in Las Vegas to stop by the ECHL League meetings and speak with all of the team general managers and presidents. Pete emphasized to them how important it is for the organizations’ equipment managers and athletic trainers to attend the annual meetings. I know there is a good majority of us that pull money out of our own pockets to attend the annual meeting. Hopefully Pete’s speaking with them will help change their minds about how they look at our society and
As we begin play in the AHL for the 2013-14 season, there are a number of changes around the league and some exciting news. First, the changes – there are new faces on several teams this year for both athletic trainers and equipment managers. Here is a list of the new faces by team: Abbotsford Heat – Vincent Fedorowich (AT) and Nolan Bowker (EQ); Albany Devils – Scott Stanhibel (AT), Andrew Schmidt and Elliot Newton (EQ); Binghamton Senators – Jeff Andrews (AT); Chicago Wolves – Shawn Forney (EQ); Hamilton Bulldogs – Jon Geller (AT), Eric Levesque and Frank St. Pierre (EQ); Iowa Wild – Nathan Belliveau (EQ); Milwaukee Admirals – Frank Jury (EQ); Norfolk Admirals – Quentin Higgins and Ian Burns (AT); Oklahoma City Barons – Josh Bennett (AT); Portland Pirates – Deven Alves (AT); Rochester Americans – Thomas Anderson (EQ); Rockford Ice Hogs – DJ Kogut (EQ); Texas Stars – Jason Wallace (AT) and Jorge Lopez (EQ); Toronto Marlies – Luc Leblanc (AT); Utica Comets – Dustin Flynn (AT) and John Forget (EQ); Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – Paul DeFazio and Jared Mycyk (EQ).
There have also been a few team changes for this season. Houston has moved to Iowa to become the Iowa Wild. The Peoria Rivermen are no longer in the AHL. The
Utica Comets have joined the league in their place. The Portland Pirates will be playing their entire home schedule in Lewiston, ME due to construction and lease issues with the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland.
As if all of those changes weren’t enough, there is plenty to be excited about this season. The Rochester Americans have been selected to participate in the Spengler Cup tournament during the week between Christmas and New years in Davos, Switzerland. This marks the second time that Rochester has participated in this tournament, having placed third back in 1996. The AHL is also changing the format for its All Star game this year, which will be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland. A team of AHL All Stars will play against Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League. The two day event will include a skills competition and game.
That is all for now. Best of luck to everyone this season as we wind our way through the maze that is the regular season in search of a Calder Cup playoff berth in the spring. And, a big thank you to Anita, Natalie, and the staff for making our organizations what they are. They do a fantastic job!
By Damien Hess, Head Athletic Trainer, Hartford Wolf Pack
By Bobby Walls, Equipment Manager/ Head Athletic Trainer, Ontario ReignJohn Sellars, Head Equipment Manager, Florida Everblades
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By Andrew Dvorak, Head Equipment Manager, Missouri Mavericks
The Central Hockey League begins the 22nd season October 18, 2013. The league saw some expansion this year with the addition of St. Charles Chill and Brampton Beast. This marks the first time that there has been a Canadian team in the Central Hockey League.
Brampton will be playing at the Powerade Centre in Brampton, ONT. St. Charles will play at The Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. This year the league will see 330 games played between the ten teams in the league.
We would like to congratulate the Allen Americans on winning the Presidents Cup 2012-2013. We would also like to congratulate Jason Wallace (ATC) on his move to the American Hockey League Texas Stars, also Vincent Fedorowich (ATC) on his move to the American Hockey League Abbotsford Heat. We would like to congratulate
Romeo Vivit (EM) Rapid City Rush on winning his 3rd Gunner Garrett Award for best Equipment Manager. Congratulations to Vince Fedorowich (ATC) Arizona SunDogs for winning Athletic Trainer of The year.
We would like to welcome the following people to the league, Bill Murray (ATC) Missouri Mavericks, Osama Kasasb(ATC) Allen Americans, P.J. Pinkerton(ATC) Arizona SunDogs, Brennan Cody(EM) Arizona SunDogs, Tara Smith(ATC) Brampton Beast, Shawn Smith Brampton Beast, Trevor Heinzerling(EM) Denver Cutthroats, Mark Roof(EM) St. Charles Chill, Josh Newton(ATC) Wichita Thunder. Good luck to everyone this season and safe travels.
the annual meeting. For the people in our League who are not members, we need to push for them to become a member and attend the annual meeting. The more equipment managers and athletic trainers that we can get on board with PHATS/SPHEM, the easier it will be to help convince our team management of how important it is that we attend the annual meeting.
Much appreciation goes out to Anita Ramsay, Natalie Grant, PHATS/SPHEM and all the others involved in putting together this year’s meetings in Las Vegas. It was yet another great year and very organized, thank you very much for all of your hard work!
Best of luck to all for a successful season, doing the job that we love in the game that we love. Hope to see some old friends and meet some new ones this season. Game on!
If anyone has any suggestions or questions on how we can make things better please feel free to speak with any League reps or myself. Good luck to everyone this season and safe travels on the road!
I would like to begin with welcoming Tim Lindblade the new Equipment Manager with the Spokane Chiefs and Josh Guenther the new Athletic Therapist with the Brandon Wheat Kings. This past season’s WHL Championship team, (I’m thrilled to say) was the Portland Winterhawks. Unfortunately, we went on to lose to the Halifax Mooseheads in the Memorial Cup – congratulations to Chris MacDonald and Diane Ouimet on the win. I’d also like to thank Saskatoon and their staff, Steve Hildebrand and Graham “Spike” Watt for hosting the Memorial Cup.
Well, it’s time to change things up, so I thought we would
add something new to the WHL League Updates. From here on in, we want to try and feature someone from the Western Hockey League.
For the first of many profiles to come, whom better to feature in the first article but Innes “Inch” Mackie of the Tri-City Americans.
For longevity, Innes may be the longest serving Trainer/Equipment
By Mark “Peaches” Brennan, Portland Winterhawks, Head Equipment Manager & Alumni Co-chair
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The SPHL is marking its tenth season during the 2013-14 campaign. With the addition of the Peoria Rivermen and Bloomington Thunder, the league will field 10 teams in 8 different states. The Augusta Riverhawks will sit out this season in efforts to work out ice issues at the James Brown Arena in Augusta, GA. The SPHL also announced during the offseason that Mark Faucette, who spent 20 years as a referee in the NHL, was named the league’s new Director of Officiating.
The Pensacola IceFlyers, defending SPHL champion, will begin its title defense at home against the Columbus Cottonmouths opening night on October 25th. Also on tap for that same night, league newcomers Peoria and Bloomington will square off in Bloomington, IL, while the Louisiana IceGators take on rival Mississippi Surge in
Biloxi, and the Huntsville Havoc travels to the Fayetteville, NC FireAntz. Teams will play a total of 56 games this season.
Of the 10 current teams taking the ice this season, PHATS/SPHEM will be represented by 14 members. SPHEM members are Colten Wilson (Bloomington), Michael “Pedro” Slayton (Columbus), Frank Jury (Fayetteville), Billy Welker (Huntsville), Chad Ray (Louisiana), Brian Schmidt (Mississippi RiverKings), Mark “Bonez” Bradtmueller (Pensacola), and Andrew Cohen (Peoria). PHATS members include Matthew Aiello (Bloomington), Ashley Landi (Columbus), Matthew Louis (Huntsville), Cole Libby (Louisiana), Rick Hanlon (Mississippi RiverKings), and Jen Lorenzo (Pensacola).
By Chad Ray, Head Equipment Manager, Louisiana IceGators
Manager in the Western Hockey League or any League for that matter. It was back in the fall of 1983 that I first met Innes Mackie. I had just started with the New Westminster Bruins and Innes was with the Portland Winterhawks. Therefore, I have known Innes longer than I have been married and as a matter of interest, I met my wife Judy following a game with the Portland Winterhawks, in Portland, during our best of nine series with them back in 1985.
Innes began his carrier in the Western Hockey League first as a player with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 1971 and 1972. Following his player days, he became the Trainer of the Oil Kings in 1975/1976. Then in 1976 he moved to Portland and began a carrier with the Portland Winterhawks and stayed with them until the fall of 2008. From then until now, he has been the Equipment Manager of the Tri-City Americans.
During his tenure in the Western Hockey League he has hosted one Memorial Cup in 1986 and participated in three other cups, 1982, 1983 and 1998 and won the Memorial Cup twice. He has accumulated over 2,700 regular season games and continues to add to that total with every game he works.
His most memorable experience is seeing young men graduate from Junior, go onto the National Hockey League and see them be just as successful there as they were in
Junior. If he was able to help them even in some small way accomplish the goal of making it to the pros and winning at that level, he takes personal pride in feeling he may have helped them in some small way.
If he could change anything, it would be having more time to spend with his family. As anyone who does this for a living knows, the schedule isn’t family friendly most of the time and you have to make the most of the time you do get. If he had any advice for anyone thinking of becoming a Trainer/Equipment Manager it is be prepared for the time commitment, the travel, long hours, being on call 24 hours a day and working 7 days a week. Even with the off-season, be expected to be on call and available.
Personally, Innes and I have known each other over some 30 years. I met him at the start of my carrier and glad to know he is still around at the end of my carrier. I am extremely fortunate to be back in the League and just as fortunate to say that Innes has been a friend for all of 30 years and I have the greatest respect for him as a person and for his longevity. We all look forward to many more years working with him and wish him the greatest success.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have anything to add to the WHL update. We are open for suggestions and will take any advice with an open mind.
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So another season is upon us, I would like to wish everyone good luck and safe travels. I would also like to congratulate once again all of last season’s champions, great work by all involved. 2013-14 brings the change to college hockey that I have mentioned in the previous articles. The big 10 Hockey Conference and the NCHC Conference are now active, with the Atlantic Hockey, ECAC, Hockey East and the WCHA. I am sure all of us would like to thank Anita, Natalie and all
the members of the Executive Board for another great PHATS/SPHEM convention. And, finally, good luck to all of our PHATS/SPHEM members that will represent their countries in the Olympics and the other International competitions. Once again, good luck to all this season. Stick down, head up and shoot to score.
By Mark Pane, Head Equipment Manager, University of Nebraska Omaha Athletics
Hopefully this finds everyone well and enjoying another great season. On behalf of all the Athletic Trainers and Equipment Managers in the Canadian Hockey League I would like to thank SPHEM and PHATS for another year of excellent and informative sessions at the annual meeting in Las Vegas.
This year due to everyone’s commitment we had great numbers experiencing the Enhanced Education Sessions.
On behalf of all of us in the Ontario Hockey League we would like to welcome the following: Athletic Trainer, Mississauga SteelHeads – Binne Brower, North Bay
Battalion – James Borrelli, Equipment Manager, Niagara Ice Dogs – Kevin Emo.
A special thanks to all of the licensed suppliers in the Canadian Hockey League and their continued support.
Lastly we certainly also need to acknowledge all the hard work from those Athletic Trainers and Equipment Managers working this year with the Canada vs. Russia Subway Series, Top Prospect Game, and of course any Hockey Canada Events.
By Bryan A. Boyes, Head Equipment Manager, Oshawa Generals
Well another season is upon us all, it’s hard to believe we are almost 20 games in already! First off, congrats to Chris MacDonald and Diane Ouimet of the Halifax Mooseheads who recently received their 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup
Champion rings (that’s three in row for the Q for anyone keeping track ha ha).
Just like players and coaches at this level, the support staff members also strive to make the jump to the next level and we would like to send congrats to Eric Levesque and Francis St-Pierre formerly of the Rimouski Oceanic who made the jump to the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL), as well as an alum of our group, Nathan Belliveau who made the jump from the Las Vegas Wranglers (ECHL) to the Iowa Wild (AHL), we are proud of the three of you and you will always be a part of our family! Speaking of family,
By David Kelly, Head Equipment Manager, Saint John Sea Dogs and Brian St-Louis, Athletic Trainer/Equipment Manager, Baie Comeau Drakkar
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Greetings from the United States Hockey League! We are embarking on our 35th overall season as a junior league. In August of 2002 our league became USA Hockey’s only Tier 1 league and have gone on to send hundreds of players to the NCAA and beyond. In last year’s NHL draft 32 players from the USHL were selected, the most in league history. Currently there are more than 200 USHL alumni under NHL contract. In addition some rules now used in the NHL have gotten their start in the USHL. Last year the league adopted a rule that players are not allowed to deliberately remove their helmets during an altercation. A form of this has been adopted by the NHL. Hybrid
icing was started in the USHL and also has been fully adopted by the NHL. We are proud of what we have accomplished in a short period of time and are excited about the future. We also want to wish a happy anniversary to the Green Bay Gamblers celebrating 20 years, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and the Sioux Falls Stampede celebrating 15 years, and the Indiana Ice celebrating 10 years in the league. Finally congratulations again to the Dubuque Fighting Saints for winning the Clark Cup!
By Jason Smits, Head Equipment Manager, Muskegon Lumberjacks
welcome to the our new members: J.P Laciak / Saint John Sea Dogs, Tyler Paturel / Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Clement Gauthier / Val D’Or Foreurs, Julie Morin and J-F Larochelle / Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and Geoffrey Mayrand / Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and welcome back to the league Ettienne Fallu / Victoriaville Tigres and Mark Kiervin and Mathieu Roussel / Rimouski Oceanic.
Thanks again for the invite to the show in Las Vegas this
past summer, we sure appreciate everyone’s hospitality! Also want to take this time to thank all of the CHL suppliers and reps who help us out on a daily basis, you never get the credit you deserve but none of us could do this without you! And special thanks to our friend Natalie Grant for all of her hard work putting this newsletter together too!
Safe travels everyone, see you somewhere down the road!
Traditional Massage therapy to most of the population is perceived as someone lying face down in a dimly lit room, with scented oils, soft music with ambient noises of birds chirping and waves crashing... Quite the relaxing setting and serves its purpose for some; however, this article will focus on the use of Sports and Medical massage therapy in an NHL locker room.
On any given day of the hockey season; whether it’s a game day or practice day, preparing players to compete at a high level is essential. The demands on a pro hockey player are quite demanding; both physically and neurologically. From shift to shift, a complex array of coordinated skating patterns along with extremely sophisticated puck-handling is compounded with muscular fatigue taking its toll. Therefore, all of the Athlete’s systems: neuromuscular, skeletal, and vascular must be optimized to respond to these rigorous demands.
As a sports massage therapist, there are a multitude of scenarios to consider; on game day, there are mainly two: enhance physiological and mental performance prior to competition, then to encourage recovery and restoration afterwards. All with very specific sequencing of sorts massage techniques. Treating acute and chronic injuries are reserved for practice and off days to allow adaptation.
Simply stated, peripheral vascular resistance is the limiting factor and needs to be enhanced. The muti-systemic overload tends to hinder the body’s ability to replenish exhausted muscles cells with fresh oxygenated blood. Moreover, it taxes the lymphatic system to efficiently recycle and discard accumulated waste by-products. Ultimately, your left with tight oxygen-depleted muscles and Scar-tissue formation; another factor where muscular
compartments adhere to one another further restricting relative motion thereby contributing to the feeling of overall stiffness and fatigue.
So the question lies in how can we, as manual therapists, prepare our athletes for this inevitable chain of events, and promote optimal performance and recovery throughout the season? Quite a tall order... Thankfully, I am a member of a
highly trained and competent medical staff that I share this collaborative endeavor with.
On a game day, the primary focus of sports massage, prior to competition, is stimulation. The nervous system of the body is divided into two main groups: central and peripheral ; the spinal cord; which is encased in the vertebral column centrally, and it’s 31 pairs nerve roots exiting through each vertebral foramina peripherally, correspond to the motor and sensory control of the muscular system.
Hence, the utilization of light to medium pressure effleurage and friction/kneading strokes, at higher tempos are sequentially performed to promote efficient muscular contractibility and
vascularization. In essence, enhancing “communication” from one system to the other. Finally, some light segmental stretching along with moderate isometric holds, further directs stimulation between the “brain and muscle”. As I mentioned earlier, the physical demands are clear; therefore the focus is stimulation and optimization of all biological systems to meet that demand. Applying deep and/or stripping techniques prior to competition are highly inhibiting to the neuromuscular system and can be counterproductive in that it will leave a player feeling sluggish and less motivated...
Afterwards, there can be an array of situations beyond my scope of practice: Broken bones, sprains, contusions
By Christian Rivas LMT ART CFSManual Therapist – Tampa Bay Lightning
Photo courtesy of Tom Mulligan, Tampa Bay Lightning
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etc... Which my colleagues in the medical department are busy attending to.. As for exhausted and lactic acid filled muscles, my focus is recovery and regulation... A slower, concentrated approach with deeper kneading and effleurage strokes are employed to recycle waste by-products and inhibit muscular over-tone are applied. The release of neutrophils, which are members of the white blood cell family, rush to the area of overworked muscles and assist in the “clean up” process; otherwise know phagocytosis. My role as a therapist is to promote and assist this natural occurrence; sequence is key.
On days off, and after practices, are optimal opportunities to perform stronger soft-tissue and skeletal manipulations. This allows the athlete to recover and adapt to perform at a higher level during their next competition.
I have been a therapist for twelve years, now entering my
fourth in the NHL. Throughout my career, I have traveled to many different cities to explore and study many different modalities including Russian sports massage, taught by Oleg Boumier and Ross Turchaninov, PhD, from the Owellness center in LA. In my opinion, they are pioneers in the field of advanced Russian Sports massage and rehabilitation protocols. I have also focused my education on Active Release Techniques, Osteopathy, and facial stretch therapy, to name a few, simply because I have come to realize there is no “all encompassing” way to approach all the complexities of the human body; particularly of a high level athlete.
As a therapist in the NHL, or any professional venue, proper protocol selection and sequencing are of utmost importance to insure a desired outcome of performance and recovery.
New technology has become the norm in our everyday lives. From TV’s, computers, GPS, smartphones etc., we have seen the future come alive before our eyes. While technology has made our lives easier in many ways, it has also made us more reliant upon it.
One way new technology has made its way into the sports world is in the advance of ice hockey skates. For many years, Bauer Hockey has led the way in new skate technology. This is most apparent in the new Bauer APx2 skate. Based off the APx model, Bauer took skate design a step further and added the quick change blade and removed the need for traditional eyelets. Bauer replaced the traditional eyelet system with an injected stability lacing system. (fig. 1)
With new technology, comes new repair scenarios. In this case, we had the top 2 lace notches break away from the boot. (fig. 2) In the past, the repair would simply be a piece of leather and a couple new eyelets.
As you can see in fig. 2, this repair would require a different approach.
Using a small piece of Kydex and the hardware from a Nash Tendon Guard repair kit, we came to a simple solution. (fig. 3)
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
By Rob Kennedy, Assistant Equipment Manager, Tampa Bay Lightning
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First, we removed the broken piece from the boot and drilled a couple holes to anchor what would become our new eyelets. (fig. 4) We then formed a small piece of Kydex with eyelets to fit in place of the old lacing system. Using the hardware from the Nash Tendon Guard repair kit, we anchored our Kydex in place. (fig. 5)
As you can see, the finished product provides a strong solution in a quick and timely manner. (fig. 6)
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
PHATS/SPHEM is pleased to offer the opportunity to advertise in our Fall & Spring newsletter.
our newsletter is sent to all PHATS/SPHEM Members, Annual Meeting Exhibitors, directory Suppliers, league Executives, General Managers, nHl Facility operations Managers and PHATS/SPHEM Alumni bi-annually, in the Spring and Fall. Current and past issues are also posted on phats-sphem.com.
uPdATEd PACkAGES FoR SPRinG 2014
Full Page Advertisement: ...........................................................$500 (limit 2 per newsletter)vendor Spotlight Article: ...........................................................$500 (limit 1 per newsletter)1/2 page Advertisement: ............................................................$250 (limit 5 per newsletter)logo & Website link: ...............................................................$100Ads, articles and logos have hyperlink capability.
Please e-mail natalie Grant at [email protected] to place your advertisement or should you have any questions. deadline for Spring 2014 submission is March 20th, 2014.
**The PDF for the Spring 2014 Newsletter will be emailed in April.**
best Regards,
PHATS/SPHEM
EDITORS
A Big Thank You to our Contributing Newsletter Editors:
