Hello, it’s hard to believe we are entering the last weeks of the 24-25 season. This year has been another fantastic year for ice hockey, capped off by the 4-Nations tournament which gained worldwide attention. Hopefully the upcoming playoffs will feature exciting moments for all levels of our game.

As the season winds down, we at PHATS/SPHEM are hard at work preparing for the upcoming meeting this June, again in Orlando, Florida.  This year we return to the Marriott World Center, a repeat from our meeting in 2018. We know from the past this venue provides an excellent experience for business and relaxation.

As you know, we have rebranded our meetings to the PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Summit.  Once again, this year we are thrilled to welcome our colleagues and friends from all levels of the hockey community from PHATS, SPHEM, SCAPH, Team Physicians, Emergency Trauma Physicians, Paramedics, League Executives from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NHLPA and of course our valued vendors and sponsors.  We continue to provide an excellent lineup of presentations and informative opportunities for all in attendance.  Thank you to the Education Committees of PHATS, SPHEM, and the NHLTPS/AHLTPS for their work in making the summit beneficial to their professions.

We are happy to announce that a PHATS/SPHEM podcast has been created.  You can now listen to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Prime.  From the SPHEM side, it is hosted by Rick Bronwell, Head Equipment Manager, Philadelphia Flyers and on the PHATS side, hosted by Tom Mulligan, Head Athletic Trainer, Tampa Bay Lightning.  We look forward to talking all aspects of professional hockey and what it takes to work in this profession.  Any questions or suggestions for topics can be sent to podcast@phatssphem.com  We hope you take time for a listen.

Currently, we have chosen to wait on honoring a member for the Hockey Hall of Fame.  We continue to hold this honor in extremely high regard and will continue to uphold the qualifications it deserves.   Even though we have chosen to pass on the HHOF Award, our Awards Night will still be full of many individuals that have not only worked tirelessly for the game of hockey but have also dedicated most of their careers to helping PHATS/SPHEM. Mark Vosteen with CCM will be honored with the Frank & Vi Rowe Award for his support of athletic trainers, equipment managers, players and teams in the sport of hockey throughout the years. 

Also being honored this year with the PHATS/SPHEM Summit Award is Rollin Mallernee II.  The Summit Award recognizes those who have achieved excellence in leadership, success, contribution and impact on our societies.  Rollin Mallernee II, General Counsel Emeritus, had served as PHATS/SPHEM General Counsel since 1996, when PHATS & SPHEM established their joint venture agreement to collectively become known as PHATS/SPHEM. He played a crucial role in the establishment and administration of our societies.  

A tremendous thank you to all our longtime and new sponsors of the Hockey Summit.  The growth of this meeting has been incredible, and frankly impossible without your support.  A special mention to the NHL and the NHLPA for their continued support.  We truly believe supporting this meeting helps provide a structure for future members to flourish in their careers.

Lastly, none of this really gets pulled together without the years of work and knowledge from Anita Ramsay and Natalie Grant.  When you’re in Florida, please take the time to greet them and thank them for their efforts.

Good luck to those of you preparing for the playoffs. Don’t forget to register early for the summit, it is sure to be a sold out show once again. 

Tom and Dave