Athletic Trainers - PHATS

PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY
ATHLETIC TRAINERS SOCIETY
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL
HOCKEY EQUIPMENT MANAGERS
Newsletter Fall 2010
There is an old saying, “How the West was Won”. Well, we believe we found a
real winner in the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, AZ!
We will be returning to this award winning hotel June 22-26th, 2011 for our
PHATS/SPHEM Annual Meeting. The third time is sure to be a charm.
The Hotel has completely renovated all of the guest rooms and suites since
our last stay in 2009. In addition, they have reinvented Tuscanys, their Italian
Restaurant which boasts a hip new vibe that appeals to all. Take advantage of
a sophisticated yet casual resort that offers ten eateries to choose from, several
pools and the lazy river, the Revive Spa and the Wildfire Golf Club. There is
so much to do here with the breathtaking Sonoran Desert as your backdrop.
If you are considering bringing your family to the annual meeting, keep in mind the Desert Ridge Marketplace across
the street from the hotel offering many shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of the hotel. Kierland,
just down the street, is another premier shopping and entertainment destination. See the sites by hiking Camelback
Mountain, visit Rawhide, a western town, go on a jeep tour thru the desert, catch a
Diamondbacks game or if you are feeling a little more adventurous, take a short
drive to Sedona or the Grand Canyon.
PHATS/SPHEM welcomes the NHL Team Physicians Society
Executive Committee to our 2011 meeting! The NHLTPS Executive
Committee will be meeting at the end of our conference and will
assist with the PHATS educational sessions on Sunday.
Athletic Trainers: To build on your CEUS, check out the course
offered on page 3 by EMS Sports!
2011 Annual Meeting Overview
(Tentative Agenda and is subject to change)
Tuesday, June 21
PHATS one day Pre-Course
Pro Sports EMS, Med Kit Provider Course
8:00-5:00pm
Presenter: Rick Garner
CEUS: 8
Wednesday, June 22
PHATS/SPHEM/FOMA Executive Committee Meetings
12:00-5:00pm
NHL PHATS/SPHEM Business Meetings
5:00-7:00pm
Friday, June 24
8:00-12:00 Exhibit Hall Set Up
NHL PHATS/SPHEM Gatorade Reception
Thursday, June 23
Opening General Session
PHATS/SPHEM/FOMA Educational Sessions
1:00-5:00pm Exhibit Hall Open
League Meetings
CPR Re-certification
PHATS/SPHEM/FOMA Educational Sessions
Hall of Fame Reception and Dinner
Exhibitor Set up late afternoon (continued next day too)
Saturday, June 25:
PHATS/SPHEM/FOMA Educational Sessions
Member/Vendor Welcome Reception
1:00-5:00pm Exhibit Hall Open
Phoenix Coyotes Practice Facility Tour
Free Night
Sunday, June 26:
9:00-12:00 PHATS/SPHEM/FOMA Educational Sessions
1:00-6:00pm PHATS/SPHEM/FOMA/Vendor Golf Outing
NHLTPS Executive Committee Meeting
Monday, June 27:
NHLTPS Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 28:
NHLTPS Executive Committee Meeting
2
st
st
st 2011
NHL
Trainers...
SAVE
THE
DATE!!
June
2121
NHL
Trainers...
SAVE
THE
DATE!!
June
PHATS
Members...
SAVE
THE DATE!!
June
21st 201
PHATS
Members...
SAVE
THE
DATE!!
June
212011
2011
The
Day
Before
PHATS
2011
in2011
Phoenix,
Arizona.
The
Day
Before
PHATS
2011
in
Phoenix,
Arizona.
The
Day
Before
PHATS
in Phoenix,
Arizona.
The
Day
Before
PHATS
2011
in
Phoenix,
Arizona.
PRO
SPORTS
EMS
will
be offering
the
MED
KIT
Provider
Course
to all
Certified
NHL
PRO
SPORTS
EMS
will
bewill
offering
the
MED
Provider
Course
to Certified
all to
Certified
NHL NH
PRO
SPORTSEMS
EMS
bethe
offering
theKIT
MED
KITCourse
Provider
all NHL
Certified
PRO
SPORTS
will
be offering
MED
KIT
Provider
to Course
all
Athletic
Trainers
/
Athletic
Therapists.
(CE
Forms
with
8
Credit
Hours
Provided)
Athletic
Trainers
/ Athletic
Therapists.
Forms
with
8with
Credit
Hours
Provided)
Athletic
/Therapists.
Athletic
Therapists.
(CE
Forms
8 Credit
Hours
Provided)
Athletic
Trainers
/Trainers
Athletic
(CE (CE
Forms
with
8 Credit
Hours
Provided)
Course
Topics
- Course
Topics
- Course
Topics
-- Course
Topics
-- -
Advanced
EMS
Care
andCare
Treatment
Protocols
for: Cardiac
Arrest,
Chest
Pain,Chest
Difficulty
Breathing,
Advanced
EMS
Care
Treatment
Protocols
Cardiac
Arrest,
Chest
Difficulty
Breathing,
Advanced
EMS
and Treatment
Protocols
for:
Cardiac
Arrest,
Pain,Breathing,
Difficulty
Breathing
Advanced
EMS
Care
andand
Treatment
Protocols
for:for:
Cardiac
Arrest,
Chest
Pain,Pain,
Difficulty
Allergic
Reaction,
Unconscious
Patients,
Diabetic
Emergency,
Seizures,
and
Narcotic
Overdose.
Allergic
Reaction,
Unconscious
Patients,
Diabetic
Emergency,
Seizures,
and
Narcotic
Overdose.
Allergic
Reaction,
Unconscious
Patients,
Diabetic
Emergency,
Seizures,
and
Narcotic
Overdose.
Allergic
Reaction,
Unconscious
Patients,
Diabetic
Emergency,
Seizures,
and
Narcotic
Overdose.
Medication
Overview:
Albuterol,
Aspirin,
Benadryl,
Epi
Pen,
Glucagon,
Nitro,
Narcan,
and
Oral Glucose.
Medication
Overview:
Albuterol,
Aspirin,
Benadryl,
Epi Pen,
Nitro,
Narcan,
and
Glucose.
Medication
Overview:
Albuterol,
Aspirin,
Benadryl,
EpiGlucagon,
Pen, Nitro,
Glucagon,
Nitro,
Narcan,
and
Oral Glucose.
Medication
Overview:
Albuterol,
Aspirin,
Benadryl,
Epi
Pen,
Glucagon,
Narcan,
and
OralOral
Glucose.
Medical
Equipment
Overview:
Atomizer,
Glucometer,
Non Re-Breather
Mask,
Pulse
Oximeter,
and
SVN. and SV
Medical
Equipment
Overview:
Atomizer,
Glucometer,
Re-Breather
Mask,
Pulse
Oximeter,
and
Medical
Equipment
Overview:
Atomizer,
Glucometer,
Non Re-Breather
Mask,
Pulse and
Oximeter,
Medical
Equipment
Overview:
Atomizer,
Glucometer,
NonNon
Re-Breather
Mask,
Pulse
Oximeter,
SVN.SVN.
EMS
Documentation,
Medical
Legal,
Contacting
Medical
Control,
and
Transfer
of Pt
Care.
EMS
Documentation,
Medical
Legal,
Contacting
Medical
Control,
and
Transfer
ofCare.
Pt Care.
EMS Documentation,
Medical
Legal,
Contacting
Medical
Control,
and Transfer
of Pt Care
EMS
Documentation,
Medical
Legal,
Contacting
Medical
Control,
and
Transfer
of Pt
Each
ATCATC
willwill
receive
with
thethe
course
MED
KIT
customized
for for
their
team
including
all all
Each
with
course
a MED
customized
their
team
including
Each
ATCreceive
willwith
receive
with
the
a KIT
MED
KIT customized
for
their
team
including
al
Each
ATC
will
receive
the
course
aa course
MED
KIT
customized
for
their
team
including
all
Advanced
EMS
Treatment
Protocols,
and
Medical
Equipment.
(
Prescription
Meds
Not
Included
)
Advanced
EMS
Treatment
Protocols,
and
Medical
Equipment.
(
Prescription
Meds
Not
Included
)
EMS Treatment
Protocols,
andEquipment.
Medical Equipment.
(Prescription
Meds Not
AdvancedAdvanced
EMS Treatment
Protocols,
and Medical
(Prescription
Meds Not Included
) Include
Date:
June
21st,
2011.
Date:
June
21st,
2011
Date:
June
21st,
2011.
Date:
June
21st,
2011.
Date:
June
21st,
2011.
(Box
Lunch
Provided
with
Guest
Speaker)
Time:
9am
toto
5pm
Time:
12pm
to8pm
8pm
(Box
Lunch
Provided
with
Guest
Speaker)
Time:
9am
to
5pm
(Box
Lunch
Provided
with
Guest
Speaker)
Time:
12pm
to(Box
8pm
Lunch
Provided
with
Guest
Speaker)
Time:
12pm
Location:
Desert
Ridge
Marriott
Phoenix,
Arizona.
Location:
Desert
Ridge
Marriott
Phoenix,
Arizona
Location:
Desert
Ridge
Marriott
Phoenix,
Arizona.
Location:
Desert
Ridge
Marriott
Phoenix,
Arizona.
Location:
Desert
Ridge
Marriott
Phoenix,
Arizona.
Cost:
$450.00
Cost:
$450.00
Cost:
$450.00
Cost:
$450.00
Cost:
$450.00
Course
Registration/Sign
UpUp
Information
to to
follow…
Course
Registration/Sign
Information
follow…
Course
Registration/Sign
Up Information
to follow…
Course
Registration/Sign
Up
Information
to
follow…
PHATS Vendor Sessions
Book a 20-25 minute vendor session for $1000 and you have a captive audience of approximately 125 professional hockey
athletic trainers. Educate the members on your product and the benefit to them. Act quick, the four sessions fill up fast!
Contact Anita Ramsay at admin@phats-sphem.com for more information.
SPHEM Enhanced Education
Our professional hockey equipment managers want to know more about your product and be educated on the making of
the product and the benefits the product provides to their million dollar athletes. Buy an Enhanced Education session
and speak to the SPHEM members for 15 minutes on up to 45 minutes, based on the package you choose. Educate them
and show them why it is your product makes a difference. If you are interested, please contact Pete Rogers at progers@
nashvillepredators.com.
Catering Sponsorship
PHATS/SPHEM appreciates and knows what a team effort it takes from our Vendors and Members to put on such a
beneficial annual meeting each and every year. We are asking for your support once again in 2011. Should your company
sponsor a catered function, your company name will be posted on our website, registration brochure, on site meeting
brochure as well as signage at the event. Depending on the function, you have the ability to speak at that function as
well, for example, a lunch sponsorship. Several price points are optional to fit any budget from coffee breaks, exhibit hall
breaks, lunches, welcome reception, and a boxed breakfast for the golf outing. Please contact Anita Ramsay at admin@
phats-sphem.com for more information.
Joe Murphy, former Head Equipment Manager, New York Rangers
Today I had the pleasure of talking to an old friend, Joe
the “Babe” Murphy. He is a long time New Yorker and has
retired and lives in the Bronx. His career started in 1978
and ended in 1997.
My fondest memories are of when my team came to town,
Murph always brought me fresh bagels from the shop
across the street from the Garden. His fondest memories,
besides winning the cup, are the people he came to know
and being around the players and officials on a daily basis.
During his career, he won the Stanley Cup with the
Rangers in 1994. We all remember that year as the promise
that Mark Messier made to the Ranger fans that they would
bring the cup back to New York . Joe was also with team
USA in 1987 and worked an NHL All Star game in 1994.
Joe has always been a true professional and gentleman and
am glad to hear he is doing well and keeping in touch with
other members of the Alumni Association. I look forward
to my next conversation with Joe and talking about the time
that players really hit each other and hope to spend some
time with him next year when we travel to New York. P.S.:
He wanted to know if anyone knows where and how to
contact Big Brad. Let us know......
His greatest memory is that he was born and raised a New
Yorker and was hired by the Rangers and started in the
show. He still follows the game and can’t believe how small
the sweaters have become and wonders if any one hit’s
anyone anymore. We both go back to the old Chuck Norris
division together.
Take care, happy and safe travels.
Mark Brennan, Alumni Chair HOF
4
By: Brad Chavis, Norfolk Admirals
“We are out of shape; we need to work harder in the gym.”
How many times have you heard that in your career?
Well, it is no secret that to improve performance you have
to work hard. However it is important to note that hard
training breaks you down and makes you weaker, it’s the
rest that makes you stronger. Physiological improvements
in sports can only occur during the rest periods following
hard training or competition. During recovery periods the
body’s systems compensate for the stress that the athlete has
applied. As a result the athlete is now making performance
gains. If sufficient rest is not included in a training program
then regeneration cannot occur and performance can plateau
or possibly decline. This is referred to as overtraining
syndrome. Overtraining Syndrome is a name given to a
collection of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms
that have persisted for a length of time. Overtraining can
best be defined as the state where the athlete has been
repeatedly stressed by training to the point where rest is no
longer adequate to allow for recovery.
There is no gold standard test for overtraining syndrome,
but there are many purposed ways to objectively monitor for
overtraining. The best way is to watch and note decreased
positive feelings for sports and increased negative feelings,
such as depression, anger, fatigue, and irritability. These
often appear after a few days of intensive overtraining.
Studies have found an increased rating of perceived exertion
during exercise after only three days of overload. One other
recommendation is to have your athletes keep a training log
and note any downward trends.
Research on overtraining syndrome shows getting adequate
rest is the primary treatment plan. There is new evidence
indicating that low levels of exercise, or active recovery,
during the rest period may speed the process. Staying
hydrated, getting a sports massage, and monitoring caloric
intake can also help. After an adequate rest period is given
it is important to gradually increase the athletes training
regimen. A plan using proper periodisation including built
in rest periods is suggested.
There appears to be two forms of the syndrome. The
sympathetic form is more common in sprint type sports and
the parasympathetic form is more common in endurance
sports. In the sympathetic form, the resting heart rate is
elevated and in the parasympathetic form the resting heart
rate is decreased. The results from various measurements
taken during exercise physiologic testing differ between the
two forms, but decreased overall performance and increased
perceived fatigue are similar. The result is fatigue takes over
and prematurely terminates the workout.
In a time where being “bigger, stronger, and faster” is the
norms, make sure that you stress the importance of proper
rest and nutrition to your athletes and staff members. It is
one way you can make the difference in your team’s health
and performance.
For more information on overtraining syndrome:
* INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE
ENHANCEMENT Are We Training Smart, or Just Hard?
Jason Bushie, Charles Lobe ATT Volume 12, Issue 2,
March
Common Warning Signs and Symptoms of Overtraining Syndrome
Washed-out feeling, tired, drained, lack of energy
Mild leg soreness, general aches and pains
Pain in muscles and joints
Sudden drop in performance
Insomnia
Headaches
Decreased immunity (increased number of colds, and sore throats)
Decrease in training capacity / intensity
Moodiness and irritability
Depression
Loss of enthusiasm for the sport
Decreased appetite
Increased incidence of injuries.
A compulsive need to exercise
*http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/overtraining/a/
aa062499a.htm
* http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/general/
overtraining.php
*Tissue trauma: the underlying cause of overtraining
syndrome?
Smith LL. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
2004 Feb ; 18(1): 185-193
5
I knew in my heart that it was time but I never realized the
transition into retirement would be so difficult. In the fall of
2006, I was starting a new chapter in my life. We all know that
we are the “go to” guys and a little thing like the phone not
ringing took quite awhile for me to get adjusted to. Being a
care provider never ends though. I am still constantly looking
after and making appointments for friends and neighbors with
various ailments. I enjoy helping these folks and it keeps my
athletic training skills sharp. I had the opportunity to work
three weeks for the Britney Spears Concert Tour which was
promoted by the Kings parent company AEG. That was fun!
They had me all lined up for the Michael Jackson Tour in
London, but we all know what happened there.
How do I stay busy? Marilyn and I go to the gym 5 days a
week. We also walk and roller blade at the beach and we enjoy
working around the yard. I am still riding my Harley but
should probably give it up soon. I still have the fishing bug and
usually make 4-5 long range fishing trips to Mexico during the
winter. I also have a friend with an 85 ft. yacht with a 20 ft.
skiff and 4 kayaks on the wheelhouse and we go all over Baja.
I have also been trying bone fishing in Hawaii where Marilyn
and I have spent some time at our friends place on the water
near Diamond Head. Mostly all my “connections” are through
hockey. I have been lucky that we have been healthy enough to
take advantage of every fun opportunity. Two years ago I took
a 25 day train trip all around Europe and I stayed in a different
hotel every night probably because after 41 consecutive years
in pro hockey, I guess I have been accustomed to the fast pace.
Last year, it was a 30 day train trip from Shanghai to Norway
with our daughter Aimee. During the winter, I was a little
bored so I signed up as a “hand carry” courier and made some
deliveries to Asia. I surprised my daughter when I arrived in
Shanghai where she was teaching. All fun stuff.
I have been quite active with the Kings Alumni. Working
through Luc Robitaille’s office, the Alumni participates charity
hockey, softball games, golf tournaments as well as other fund
raising event’s. Sometimes there are two or three alumni events
per week. The office also has us visit with the fans in the suites
at Kings games.
Another big adjustment is getting used to the fact that every
day is a holiday. I remember in the past, looking at the Kings
schedule and saying that two weeks from next Thursday we
might have a day off. And of course, that is only if we were to
win three in a row and no one was hurt. Now for me, there is
so much freedom.
Over the years, I have been very fortunate to see a full
circle change in our job’s as athletic trainers and equipment
managers. In the early years we put the skates in a trunk with
moth balls (I have pictures) at the end of April and took them
out for training camp. It was not unusual to have 4 months off.
One summer in the 70’s when my kids were little and before
Marilyn laid out the ultimatum, I made 63 trips in my boat,
rod and reel commercial fishing in the waters around Rhode
Island and Martha’s Vineyard. That’s the way it was back then,
we took our inventory, printed it up and sent out the off season
conditioning programs and the “gone fishin” sign was on all the
training room doors in hockey. Now it’s a 12 month journey in
the locker room.
From July -Oct. we are at our cottage in Cape Breton, Nova
Scotia where the pace really slows down. It is such a change
continued on page 14
6
deficiencies with regards to these two areas. Thanks to our
working emergency medicine committee for their continued
support and effort on all of our behalves.
Hope this letter finds you all well as
we start 2010/11.
Many thanks go out to our
Executive, Education and Hall of
Fame committee’s that were so
instrumental in a fantastic Summer
meeting, Symposium and Vendor
Sessions. We had a great turnout and are always thankful
for the feedback from the membership. Our time at the
Marriott in Fort Lauderdale was very well spent. From the
meetings, education courses, welcome parties and time with
our exhibitors, there was something for everyone.
Our sponsors have been very loyal to our group. I encourage
all of you to voice concerns and offer praise to those that
make an impact on our daily jobs and the teams that we care
for. Please note the changes from Gatorade and contact me
or Jim Garofalo is you have any questions or concerns with
placement and/or product. PowerBar continues to work
towards a seamless product placement for all teams.
As has been the norm for the past 6 years, I am ever thankful
for Anita Ramsay and the job she does for all of us.
As we move ahead this season, we continue to hone in on
the work that is being done and still needs to be done with
the AHMS. The newly released standardization form is
essentially the byproduct of the survey that we completed at
the end of summer. We can all make an impact by digging
in and working hard to ensure that each portion of the
electronic medical recording is at its best.
Let us continue to communicate with each other and pass
along encouragement, ideas, tips of the trade or a friendly
handshake as we all hit the road. Together, we can continue
to make strides for our teams and for each other.
Best of luck and good health to all,
Ray Tufts
PHATS President
Head Athletic Trainer
San Jose Sharks
As a reminder, please ensure that the visitor carts are
supplied and that the Red PHATS Bag has been checked
for your visiting team. It is important to bring to light any
educating all of our members on the how’s and why’s of their
products and services. If you have any ideas of what you would
find interesting to learn from our vendors, please contact Pete
Rogers (Nashville Predators) or your league rep so we can seek
out a vendor to properly educate us on it.
Our meetings last June in Ft.
Lauderdale were another success. It
is my understanding that all leagues
were once again very productive in
conducting their business in their
breakout meetings. The exhibit hall
was also another obvious success
for both the vendors as well as the
Equipment Managers. Thank you all for participating. We
look forward to your continued support.
Congratulations go out to Troy Parchman and the entire
Blackhawk staff for winning the 2010 Stanley Cup. Enjoy
your year as Champions! Congratulations also go out to
Cass Marques, New York Rangers, for being selected as the
SPHEM representative to work this year’s All Star game in
Carolina. Cass will join Skip Cunningham, Wally Tatomir
and Bobby Gorman to help get both teams on the ice for this
always spectacular weekend of fun.
Planning has already started for this year’s meeting back in
Phoenix. If you have any suggestions or ideas to make this
event better, please feel free to contact myself or your respective
league rep and forward those comments to us. The success of
our meetings comes from all members. If you have a concern
or wish to bring up new business, I again encourage you to
contact your league rep to make sure it is discussed.
Best of luck and travel safely.
Paul Boyer
SPHEM President
Head Equipment Manager
Detroit Red Wings
This will be the third year of our Enhanced Education
Program. We are once again asking our vendors to assist us in
7
Brad Thompson, Head Equipment Manager, Grand Rapids Griffins
SPHEM: You have been Head
Equipment Manager with the
Grand Rapids Griffins for how
many years now?
BT: It will be a great night and after I will take the puck, throw
some tape around it and party w/ my homeys.
BT: 3 years as the assistant and
10 years as the head equipment
manager
BT: Best: Our GM (Bob McNamara) is a great guy who
anyone could work for and respects people.
Worse: Flights with Delta/flying commercial. We pay $2,000
and hope that our gear makes it.
SPHEM: What is the best part about working in the AHL?
Worst part?
SPHEM: Your career as an
equipment manager has been
with one team, the Grand Rapids
Griffins. What is it that has kept you with this organization all
of these years?
SPHEM: What would you like to bring to the AHL to make
it a better place to work?
BT: Charter flights, like Detroit.
SPHEM: What do you want your PHATS/SPHEM peers to
know about you that they don’t already know?
BT: Communication between players, coaches, GM. All are
top notch. We are kept in the loop.
BT: I have a concealed pistol permit. I serve food on holidays
during my free time to the homeless people. I am a prankster. I
love to play X-BOX.
SPHEM: How has the league/job/organization changed over
the years?
BT: Faster skaters. Reebok owns the equipment side.
Organization is more computer friendly w/ Face book and
Twitter.
SPHEM: Who have been your mentors over the years? Any
guys you really admire?
BT: Paul Boyer, W., Grandpa Shippy, all my SPHEM brothers
that have passion for what we do.
SPHEM: What skills would you recommend to someone who
wants to break into this field?
SPHEM: What are your future goal/aspirations?
BT: To have a personality that adapts to 20 different people.
Good with a sewing machine and having steady hands.
BT: Win a Calder cup. Get a call up to Detroit. And choke
out J.R. in a UFC match.
SPHEM: You will achieve your 1000th game milestone this
season. What does that feel like?
EDITORS
A Big Thank You to our Contributing Newsletter Editors:
Mike Schroeder, Head Athletic Trainer, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)
Brian Grogesky, Head Athletic Trainer, Reading Royals, (ECHL)
George Bullock, Head Athletic Trainer, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs (CHL)
Jeff “Smoke” Adams, Head Equipment Manager, Columbus Cotton Mouths (SPHL)
Ray Thill, Head Equipment Manager, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Tom Mulligan, Head Athletic Trainer, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
8
why you’re doing it.
Kevin Morley, Head Athletic Trainer, Albany Devils
PHATS: Do you have any recommendations for athletic
trainers in the other minor leagues prepare better for their
jobs and career advancements?
PHATS: How long have you
been an athletic trainer and what
teams/leagues have you worked
in?
KM: I think professionalism is key. As Athletic Trainers/
Therapists we need to keep in mind the gravity of some of
the situations we deal with, or could potentially deal with, on
a daily basis. I think that when we get comfortable is when
we are least prepared. One of my mentors told me 10+ years
ago that I should approach every game/practice/event as if
the first athlete you see on the field/ice could have a cardiac
event, or a compound femoral fracture, or a cervical spine
injury. Just because it’s “practice” for them doesn’t mean it’s
“just practice” for us.
KM: After graduating college
and getting certified, I worked
as a graduate assistant at the
University of Florida while I was
completing my masters degree.
After grad school I was hired at
Miami University in Oxford, OH working with their hockey
team. I spent six years at Miami, leaving to join the Devils
AHL affiliate in Lowell, MA in 2007. I was in Lowell for
three years, and have recently made the move to Albany, NY.
With regard to career advancements, I think we’re in a great
phase of educational opportunities in the Sports Medicine
community right now. I get emails weekly about continuing
education seminars & workshops coming through my area.
I know it’s tough with our schedule, but there are tons of
opportunities in the summer as well. I recommend finding
something that’s interesting to you (i.e. Manual Medicine,
Graston Technique, Active Release, etc.) and start learning
more about it. You can’t do everything, but if there are skills
or techniques that are interesting, and you can add to your
therapeutic tool box, then I think it can be a huge help for
future advancement.
PHATS: What is the biggest difference in working in the
NCAA vs. the AHL?
KM: I think the two obvious answers are the number
of games, and the overall speed of the game. A regular
season in college hockey is only about 34 games, and teams
generally play two games per week, frequently in the same
place, and against the same team. Moving into the AHL,
and getting familiar with the schedule and travel have been
major adjustments. That being said, we were very fortunate
in Lowell to be located within an hour or two of almost the
entire division. Moving to Albany, and having teams like
Norfolk and Charlotte in the division will be a change for us,
but I think we’ll work it out just fine.
PHATS: You have become active in PHATS and the
biannual Newsletters. Why get involved and what has
PHATS done for you personally?
PHATS: What is your biggest satisfaction of the job?
KM: I was asked by some other PHATS members to do
the newsletter updates for the AHL….probably because I
was one of the newer guys in the league and they knew I
would say yes! Kidding aside, I think it’s important to take
any opportunity you have to be a voice for your organization
whenever possible. Personally, working with the PHATS/
SPHEM staff has given me the opportunity to connect with
the administrative side of our organization, as well as reach
out to my AHL colleagues and talk about league-wide events,
questions, concerns, and accolades. It seems that the writing
of the Newsletter Updates has typically been a one-year
term, so this year it was passed on to Mike Schroeder from
KM: It sounds pretty cliché, but I enjoy seeing a player who
you’ve worked with from injury through the return-to-play
progression get back on the ice. Additionally, I like the
educational component of our jobs. I don’t think you need
to have an advanced anatomy class with every player who
sustains an injury, but I do think there is a place for discussion
of basic anatomy, physiology & biomechanical principles as
part of the rehabilitation process. Some players don’t want
to know; they say “tell me what to do and I’ll do it.” Others
are more interested in what’s happening with their body and
appreciate even a brief explanation of what you’re doing and
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9
formerly at the University of Florida were huge influences on
me educationally. At Miami I was definitely mentored by Drs.
Steve Dailey, Ron Hess & Doug Ross who were some of our
team physicians.
Bridgeport, but I enjoyed working on that project and would
welcome getting involved again in the future.
PHATS: What do you want your NHL peers to know about
you that they don’t already know?
On the hockey front, Rich Stinziano in New Jersey has been
great to work with. He was in Lowell for a year before I was,
so he understands the differences between the leagues and the
resources available to us. Additionally, Garrett Timms has been
a great resource for me both at Miami and since joining the pro
hockey ranks. He actually preceded me at Miami University, so
I’ve known him since my first day in the hockey world.
KM: I guess I would say people should know that although
still semi-new to the professional hockey world, I’m not
really “new” to the profession. I spent two years in graduate
school and six years in NCAA hockey before joining the
Devils organization in 2007. I’ve been lucky enough to do a
few tournaments with USA Hockey, both domestically and
internationally, and have some other experience with nontraditional Sports Medicine activities. I definitely haven’t
logged the road miles, or games worked that most of my peers
can claim, but working in college athletics, with small staffs and
dozens of teams will pose its own challenges as well.
In more of a non-traditional athletic training role, I’ve had the
opportunity to work for Dr. Susan McGowen at the ESPN X
Games and Red Bull Risk Management for quite a few years.
Working with her, and large staffs of certified athletic trainers
in lots of different venues, sports, countries, and conditions has
really been a great challenge. She’s been a mentor and a friend
for a long time.
Aside from that I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how
important my family is to me. My wife and I had our first
child in the spring and have really enjoyed watching her grow
these last few months. It’s tough to look ahead at a long season
and time away from them, but in the end we know that this is
the best move for us right now, and we’re really enjoying the
adventure.
PHATS: What are you future goals and aspirations?
KM: Well I’d be lying if I said I didn’t aspire to work in the
NHL. That being said, I’m a big believer that everything
happens for a reason, and we should focus on today and the
task at hand, rather than what will hopefully happen in the
future. It’s important to strive for progression in our field, but I
try not to lose focus of what’s on my plate right now. The way I
see it, if I’m not successful with what’s before me now, then I’m
probably wasting my time dreaming of life at the next level.
PHATS: Who have been your mentors over the years that
have inspired you?
KM: There have been quite a few along the way. Drs. Herb
Amato from James Madison University and Tom Kaminski,
Alumni list and family tree. We hope to have a newsletter
out this fall and continue to keep in touch with all the current
members.
On behalf of myself and all the Alumni, hope you had a safe
and wonderful off season. Now that the season has begun,
good luck and safe travels. We are all watching and following
our old teams and rivalries. Some for better or worse.
Stay tuned for the next Newsletter and an update on what
is going on with the Alumni Association. If you know of
anyone who would be ideal for the Where Are They Now
article, please contact Peaches or Anita at admin@phatssphem.com
Anyways, the summer was too quick as was the night in
Florida. I had the honor of being there for the induction
on my behalf of SPHEM/PHATS for the Hall of Fame. I
cannot express my gratitude enough for this great event and
will treasure it for the rest of my days.
Thanks,
Mark Brennan
Peaches
As for the Alumni, thanks Anita for including our
information in the media guide. Hopefully, we will get some
calls here and be able to increase the membership of the
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Mike Schroeder, Athletic Trainer, Bridgeport Sound Tigers
As the American Hockey League begins its historic
75th Anniversary Season, we would like to extend our
congratulations to Dan “Beaker” Stuck, Caitlin Foltz,
Justin Kullman, and the rest of the Hershey Bears’ players
and staff on winning their second consecutive Calder Cup
title last June. This year’s AHL All-Star Game and Skills
Competition will also be held in Hershey and will take place
on January 30th and 31st. Best of luck goes to the Hershey
staff and community for a safe and exciting event at the
Giant Center.
Oilers, whose prospects most recently
played as the Springfield Falcons.
Over the past few seasons the AHL
has been collecting head injury data from its member teams. The league hopes to use the analysis of this information
to prevent future injuries while also considering possible
injuries prevented by league-mandated player visors. Over
the summer, Jody Green, Head Athletic Trainer for the
Houston Aeros, created a user-friendly head injury form
in PDF format to make this process easier to complete and
e-mail to the league. We request that all AHL members
please continue to be diligent in completing the head injury
forms and e-mailing them back to Lauren Peterson at the
AHL offices. Additionally, please continue to utilize the
AHMS injury database for record-keeping and applicable
injury-related information as we continue to improve the
system in communication with the Sutton Med staff.
This season brings change of location, affiliation, division
alignment, and nomenclature to the AHL. In the Eastern
Conference, the New Jersey Devils have moved their AHL
affiliate back to Albany after playing the previous four
seasons in Lowell, MA. The Charlotte Checkers, formerly
members of the ECHL, have joined the AHL as top affiliate
for the Carolina Hurricanes and will play in the eight-team
East Division. Columbus has relocated their AHL team
to Springfield (Falcons) from Syracuse, where the Crunch
will now showcase the future of the Anaheim Ducks. In
Hartford, the green and blue return as the Wolf Pack will be
re-branded as the “Connecticut Whale” on November 27th
while keeping their affiliation with the New York Rangers.
The Western Conference has added a team as the Oklahoma
City Barons join the league as top affiliate for the Edmonton
Finally, our continued thanks goes to Anita Ramsay and her
colleagues at the PHATS/SPHEM office for all of their
hard work throughout the year and successful planning and
execution of our annual summer meetings.
Best of luck in the chase for the 2010-2011 Calder Cup and
to all members of the PHATS/SPHEM family!
Jeff “Smoke” Adams Equipment Manager,, Columbus Cotton Mouths
Equipment Manager Mike Olson, and the
Columbus Cottonmouths’ tandem of Athletic
Trainer Hannah Peterson and Equipment
Manager Jeff “Smoke” Adams. New Havoc
Equipment Manager Jorge Lopez comes
to Huntsville by way of the CHL’s Laredo
Bucks (where he was an assistant to former Havoc Equipment
Manager Matt Brayfield). The Louisiana Ice Gators have
new owners, a new home arena (The Cajundome) and a new
Equipment Manager, Michael Lefczik, replacing Frank Jury
(who accepted the same position with the Fayetteville Fireantz).
Last, but certainly not least, legendary Athletic Trainer,
Equipment Manager and Author Brian Patafie returns to
Augusta to be the Athletic Trainer/Equipment Manager of the
fledgling Augusta Riverhawks, having previously served in the
same capacity with the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx.
Hello again from the SPHL!
This summer was a relatively quiet one for the Southern
Professional Hockey League. The only major announcement is
the addition of the Augusta Riverhawks franchise, bringing the
league’s total number of teams back up to eight. After a 2-year
stint in Knoxville, the President’s Cup found a new home at
the end of the 2010 Playoffs. The Huntsville Havoc won their
first SPHL title in convincing fashion, sweeping the Mississippi
Surge in the final round. Congratulations to Havoc Athletic
Trainer Bobbi Harman and Equipment Manager Paul Farias.
The Surge also deserves recognition for winning the William B.
Coffey Trophy as the league’s regular-season champion. Their
training staff consists of Athletic Trainer Eric Hufnagel and
Equipment Manager Matt Broyles.
Mississippi is one of only three SPHL teams to return the
same training staff from last season. The other two are the
Pensacola Ice Flyers, with Athletic Trainer Lacey Toth and
Good luck to all on the upcoming season!
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George Bullock, Jr, MS, ATC, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Hockey Club
The Central Hockey League will begin its 19th season on
October 15, 2010 with 594 regular season games scheduled.
The 2009-2010 season concluded with the Rapid City Rush
winning their franchise first Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup in just
their second season with a thrilling Game Six double overtime
win over the expansion Allen Americans. Congratulations to
the Rush staff of Osama Kassab (AT) and Romeo Vivit (EQ)
as well as the Americans’ Brent “Woody” Woodside (AT) and
Patrick “Loaf ” Stevens (EQ) for their diligent work, as well as,
their successful post-season accomplishments.
Evansville Icemen have hired Jason
Schweinsberg equipment manager and Jon
Skeels athletic trainer
Not since the merger of the WPHL and the CHL, have there
been bigger changes in minor professional hockey in the past
decade. Announced on June 1, 2010, the CHL will welcome
five teams from the IHL who will join 13 returning CHL
teams for this season, all playing under the CHL moniker.
The five new teams are the three-time defending Turner
Cup Champion Fort Wayne Komets, the Bloomington
PrairieThunder, the Dayton Gems, the Quad City Mallards
and the Evansville (IN) IceMen who played last season as the
Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Odessa named Blake Bredemeyer their new athletic trainer.
Laredo named Chris Plumhoff as their new
equipment manager, replacing Matt Brayfield
who has been promoted to the Syracuse Crunch.
Mississippi RiverKings hired Jared Mycyk as their equipment
manager who replaces Adam Dexter who has been promoted
to the Adirondack Phantoms.
Quad City named Vince Fedorowich as their athletic trainer.
Rio Grande Valley hired minor league journey-man Rusty
Aldridge as their equipment manager and promoted Rico
Vasquez to the position of head athletic trainer.
Wichita Thunder name Dennis Brogna their new athletic
trainer.
This seasons All-Star Game will be hosted by the Rapid City
Rush Hockey Club and will be held on January 12, 2011 in
Rapid City, SD at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena.
In a format reminiscent of old-time hockey, this year’s midseason classic will feature the 2009-2010 CHL Champion
Rush playing a CHL All-Star squad comprised from the other
17 teams.
The summer of 2010 provided many changes to team staff
positions, as well as, league alignment. The CHL will compete
with 18 teams this season divided into two conferences (no
divisions). The names of the conferences were unveiled during
the summer paying tribute to two influential people in the
hockey world in N. Thomas Berry (Berry Conference - South)
and Joseph Turner (Turner Conference - North). The team
that captures the Turner Conference will win the newly
created Turner Trophy and the team that captures the Berry
Conference will claim the N. Thomas Berry Trophy.
The CHL celebrated numerous affiliations with both the
American Hockey League and the National Hockey League
during the 2009-2010 season and look to continue and build
on those relationships during the upcoming season. Last
season saw the expansion Allen Americans link up with the
Texas Stars and the Dallas Stars. The Tulsa Oilers begin
a working agreement with Lake Erie and the Colorado
Avalanche. The Rapid City Rush remain with the Rochester
Americans. While the Odessa Jackalopes resume their
involvement with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and the
New York Islanders. Fort Wayne recently affiliated with the
Columbus Blue Jackets and the Springfield Falcons.
Some new faces will be seen in all four corners of the Central
League.
Allen Americans have signed Jason Wallace as their athletic
trainer, replacing Brent “Woody” Woodside who was recently
retained to by the Lake Erie Monsters.
Arizona Sundogs have hired Bryan Conner as their equipment
manager, replacing Denver Wilson who was promoted to the
Houston Aeros.
Bloomington named Greg Seig their new equipment manager.
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Brian Grogesky, Head Athletic Trainer, Reading Royals
Another season of ECHL hard hitting hockey has started.
The process of setting up locker rooms, training rooms, and
ordering supplies has begun again for most and has started
for the first time for other staff members. We would like
to congratulate the Cincinnati Cyclones and their staff for
winning the E.A. Bud Gingher cup for being champions of
the Eastern Conference and most importantly the Kelly Cup
for the second time in three years. Congratulations to the
Idaho Steelheads for winning the Bruce Taylor trophy for
being Champions of the Western Conference.
New to this seasons line up of teams is the
Greenville Road Warriors, formerly known as
the Johnstown Chiefs, Good luck to all. With
the addition and leaving of teams we would
like to say welcome to the new staff member.
A special congratulations to Ben Laing of the Stockton
Thunder for winning the Reebok Equipment Manager of
the Year Award and to Bobby Walls of the Ontario Reign for
winning the Reebok Athletic Trainer of the Year Award.
Kalamazoo Wings: Tara Gilliland, ATC
Alaska Aces: Alan Diamond ATC
Florida Everblades: Time White, ATC / Steve Passineau,
Equipment manager
Greenville Road Warriors: Ryan Martin ATC
We would also like to say farewell to all of the members that
we have grown to know and work with over the past few
years. We wish you the best of luck if you moving up, or just
moving on.
Along with the Champions of last season and special awards,
We would like to say congratulations to the Bakersfield
Condors for hosting this seasons ECHL All Star Game.
By Ryan Smyth, Los Angeles Kings
As I recently celebrated my 1,000th
game when our Kings hosted the
Predators at Staples Center, it was great
that three of my former trainers – Ken
Lowe, Barrie Stafford and Sparky –
were able to come to Los Angeles
and participate in the event. Their
appearance was inspiring to me and it
made it that much more fun.
Also their visit was a surprise to me.
My wife, Stacey, helped arrange it and
it was the perfect touch to a perfect
night as each of those men have played
a significant role in my career and in
my life.
like Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy, Mark Messier and Mario
Lemieux, and I was honored and just in awe. Years later I
would get drafted by the Oilers and Barrie just made me feel
comfortable right away.
I, of course, had those guys when I was in Edmonton. But
when it comes to Barrie, our relationship goes back a lot of
years.
In 1984, the Canada Cup squad was training in my
hometown of Banff. I was 9 years old and Barrie invited me
to be a stick boy. At a young age I was suddenly around guys
Kenny on the medical side has been a huge part of getting
continued on page 14
13
seen a lot there over the years and they were involved in a lot
of great moments. But for as much as they know what it
takes to win, and they could have egos the size of Alberta,
it is amazing how they are grounded and how well they are
respected. They give off a lot of positive energy.
me. taken care of over the years. I have had a lot of injuries
and he was always right there and getting me with the
doctors, helping arrange the surgeries. He is a real pro.
Sparky is that guy who is always around the room. He
chirps you like a brother. You also see the way he treats
players when they come into the locker room and he makes
them feel welcome, especially for a young player. I have also
been real impressed with the way he took Joey Moss under
his wing, serving as a real mentor, father-figure type.
In all, the number of hours these guys – and all the trainers
– put in is amazing and it is second to none. I am fortunate
to have spent so much time around guys like Ken, Sparky
and Barrie, and I am grateful they took part in my 1,000th
game.
These guys are also institutions in Edmonton. They have
from L.A. When in Cape Breton, I have had to practice
doing nothing which for me is not easy. In August we go
to Providence for the Rhode Island Reds Reunion. Johnny
Bower comes down from Toronto every year with a bus
load of old players. I remember all of those players when I
was first around the rink at age 10 years old and helping out
as an assistant stickkboy for the Reds and the visitors.
Among them a 1,010 pounder. The fish go straight to Japan
for sushi. There is tremendous pressure put on the rod and
reel and imagine the stress put on the shoulders. So, after
a lifetime of slinging hockey bags all winter and hauling
fish all summer, I needed a tune up so I had three shoulder
surgeries and one elbow surgeries in the past two years so I
can keep fishing and swimming daily at the gym.
We recently visited Newfoundland before returning to LA
for the winter. Newfoundland is just beautiful and we went
down every back road and visited just about every fishing
village.
In closing , I would like all of you to know how much I
cherish the relationship I have had with you and what a
privilege it has been for me to work with you over the years.
There are 30 jobs and I had one of them! Over the course
of my lifetime I had so much fun working at a job that was
not work, only fun and was a privilege to walk into the rink
every day. For that, I will always be thankful.
We also went on the worlds second longest zip wire. It
was pretty scary, crossing 8 times across a deep river gorge.
While in Cape Breton, I have been doing some Atlantic
Blue fin tuna fishing with the commercial fishermen and
I have been lucky enough to catch some real nice fish.
PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY
ATHLETIC TRAINERS SOCIETY
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL
HOCKEY EQUIPMENT MANAGERS
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