Hello everyone—it’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of the 2025–2026 hockey season. This has been another outstanding year for our game, highlighted by the Olympic Games in Milan, which showcased hockey at its very best. As we look ahead, we hope the upcoming playoffs bring excitement and memorable moments at every level of the sport.

As the season winds down, PHATS/SPHEM is hard at work preparing for our annual meeting this June in Marco Island, Florida. We are pleased to return to the JW Marriott, a venue familiar to many from our 2022 meeting. Based on past experience, we know it offers an exceptional balance for professional engagement and relaxation for members, exhibitors, and families alike.

Once again, we are thrilled to welcome colleagues and friends from across the hockey community, including representatives from PHATS, SPHEM, PHPO, team physicians, emergency trauma physicians, paramedics, and league executives from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NHLPA, and PHPA—along with our valued vendors and sponsors. We are proud to offer an outstanding lineup of educational presentations and professional development opportunities. Sincere thanks go to the Education Committees of PHATS, SPHEM, PHPO, and the NHLTPS/AHLTPS for their dedication and hard work in making this summit so valuable to all involved.

We are extremely pleased to honor Steve Latin, aka “Seve,” as this year’s PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. Seve spent 26 years in the National Hockey League, working 6 years with the Detroit Red Wings, 2 years with the Hartford Whalers, as an assistant equipment manager, then 18 seasons as head equipment manager with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991-1992.   Steve also represented USA Hockey on multiple occasions including the World Championship, Canada Cup, and the 2002 Olympic Games.   Finally, finishing his career working 9 seasons as the equipment manager for the Charlotte Checkers.

We are also proud to announce that the 2026 Frank and Vi Rowe Award will be presented to Wally Collins of Collins Sports Medicine. A longtime supporter of PHATS/SPHEM, Wally has positively impacted countless members on the medical side of our profession. His dedication to athletic trainers and teams at all levels of hockey has been extraordinary, and we look forward to celebrating his contributions together in Marco Island.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to both our longtime and new Hockey Summit sponsors. The remarkable growth of this meeting would not be possible without your continued support. Special appreciation is extended to the NHL and the NHLPA for their ongoing commitment to our societies. We truly believe this meeting provides a foundation that enables future members to thrive in their careers.

Finally, none of this would come together without the years of expertise and dedication from Anita Ramsay and Natalie Grant. Please be sure to thank them personally when you see them in Florida for all they do behind the scenes.

Best of luck to everyone preparing for the playoffs—we wish you a healthy and successful finish to the season.

Tom and Dave