As John explains it, his 38-year career in hockey started by being on the right street corner at the right time.  At the age of 18, Ken Carson, the trainer of the Pittsburgh Penguins took a chance and hired him as his assistant in 1970.  His only asset being the love of the game.

After three seasons he returned to school at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, enrolled in their athletic training program, and interned with the Kitchener Rangers. Following that year, he spent the next two working for the Lansing Lancers of the IHL and Erie Blades of the N.A.H.L, made famous in the movie Slap Shot which was written during his time in Erie.  John can confirm the film’s scenes with experiences he saw and had that year.

The 1976 season resulted in his return to Pittsburgh as his mentor Ken Carson became the first trainer in Toronto Bluejays history.  John spent the next eleven seasons with the Pens before not having his contract renewed after the 1987-88 season.

During his summers in Pittsburgh, John attended the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a degree in Business Administration.

The next three years, he worked as a bracing and casting salesperson with 3M in their Health division.

In 1990 he joined the New York Islanders as their equipment manager for six seasons.

John likes to say, most people work themselves up the ladder, I took another route and worked my way down.

For the next fifteen seasons he plied his trade in the IHL, AHL, ECHL and UHL.  His last season was 2011-2012.

During his career, he worked a total of 2860 games with 1556 at the NHL level.

During his NHL time he worked the 1996 ASG in Boston and served on the PHATS Executive Committee as Secretary-Treasurer.

John was one of the Co-Founders of the PHATS/SPHEM Alumni Association and continues as the Co-Chairman of the group.

He is also the creator of “The Family Tree” which documents the training and equipment staff of every NHL team through the years.