PHATS/SPHEM News

Cervical Spine Injury Response in Hockey: A Staff Perspective From the SPHL

When was the last time you had a day off? Have you ever had the consistent feeling of not wanting to go to work? Do you find yourself not enjoying your job the longer the season goes? Do you find yourself questioning if you want to do your job any longer? These are tough questions to sit with and they are all common signs of burnout. This is also not exclusive to athletic trainers.

The NHL Truck Driver

By: George Babcock, Assistant Equipment Manager, Buffalo Sabres The NHL Truck Driver is a difficult job to land, with only 32 teams! It is an arduous job itself, with long hours and very strenuous work, as the amount of equipment teams carry now is vast. The pressure to be organized and punctual is immense. With […]

Work – Life Balance for Support Staff

When was the last time you had a day off? Have you ever had the consistent feeling of not wanting to go to work? Do you find yourself not enjoying your job the longer the season goes? Do you find yourself questioning if you want to do your job any longer? These are tough questions to sit with and they are all common signs of burnout. This is also not exclusive to athletic trainers.

My Experience in the NHL as an Athletic Training Student

My name is Morgan Devane, and I have been working with the Carolina Hurricanes this season as their athletic training student. I have been pursuing a career in athletic training since high school, obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Oregon State University and a Master of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Connecticut (UConn).

Four Nations Face Off

PHATS/SPHEM sat down with Kevin Morley, Head Athletic Trainer for the Nashville Predators serving as Athletic Trainer for Team USA, and Domenic Nicoletta, Head Athletic Therapist for the Ottawa Senators, serving as Head Athletic Therapist for Hockey Canada. They’ve given us a behind the scenes look at the first ever Four Nations Tournament. How much […]

Preparing for the Trade Deadline

By Chris McKeage, Assistant Equipment Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs Another NHL trade deadline has come and gone. This year, our schedule had us (the Toronto Maple Leafs) on a three-game trip to Las Vegas, Denver, and Utah. In preparation for the deadline on the road, we typically pack hockey bags with extra stock gear from […]

Integrating Holistic Resilience and Mindfulness to Enhance Hockey Performance: Lessons from Tactical Athlete Training

By Tony Carlton, Fayetteville Marksmen A hockey player in sudden-death overtime or a soldier on a mission has seconds to react under extreme pressure. Success doesn’t depend solely on skill but also on mental resilience, clarity, and composure under stress. I know this from personal experience. Before my work in hockey performance, strength and conditioning, […]

Strategies to Improve Sleep for Hockey Players

Sleep is one of the most vital functions for cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. Yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about a third of U.S. adults do not get enough of it. There are many psychological and physical reasons as to why we are not sleeping the recommended minimum of seven hours per night. Stress, sleep disorders, and chronic pain are a few often cited reasons for this, although there are many other factors. For NHL players, add in multiple time zone changes in each month; sleeping in different hotel rooms; and being away from their home environment.

Kevin Morley Volunteers in Guatemala with the Pred’s Foundation and Soles4Souls

By Kevin Morley, DAT, ATC Head Athletic Trainer, Nashville Predators Like most clubs, the Nashville Predators have a Community Relations/Foundation group dedicated to fundraising, philanthropy, and generally spreading joy throughout the community. The Preds Foundation hosts more events than any of us on the hockey staff could ever hope to attend, but I was able […]

Vestibular Therapist Perspective in Concussion Management

By Karen Rich Little, DPT My name is Karen Rich Little, and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified in vestibular rehabilitation with a focus in sport related concussion. I have been treating concussions since 2010 and I am entering my 7th season working with the Carolina Hurricanes Sports Medicine Staff, Dr. Josh Bloom, […]