By Brian Fairbrother
Director of Performance & Head Athletic Trainer, Hartford Wolf Pack
AHL PHATS Executive Committee President
Spring has arrived, and with it, the final push of the 2025–26 regular season. A handful of teams are preparing for a run at the Calder Cup, while the rest of us begin the process of winding down another demanding year. I want to thank all our PHATS/SPHEM members for their continued professionalism and commitment throughout the season.
This year’s AHL All‑Star Classic was hosted by the Rockford IceHogs at the BMO Center on February 10-11. The event delivered a strong showcase of league talent and a smooth weekend of operations, thanks in large part to the medical and equipment staffs supporting both conferences.
The league’s mentorship initiatives continued to grow this season, offering young professionals meaningful exposure to our environment during All‑Star weekend and throughout the year. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn remain a bright spot for the future of our profession.
Across the league, we also saw another successful slate of marquee events — outdoor showcases, community nights, and milestone celebrations recognizing long‑serving staff. These moments highlight the depth of dedication behind every team’s success.
As we approach the end of the season, it’s a natural time to reflect, recharge, and look ahead. I want to acknowledge the Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Team Physicians, and countless game‑night staff whose behind‑the‑scenes efforts make our league run. Your work matters, and it does not go unnoticed.
We look forward to reconnecting, sharing stories, and continuing to elevate our craft when we gather again in Marco Island.
By Brian Fairbrother
Director of Performance & Head Athletic Trainer, Hartford Wolf Pack
AHL PHATS Executive Committee President
As the American Hockey League approaches its 90th season, we are proud to announce the adoption of a new medical handbook for the 2025-26 season. This handbook is the result of a collaborative effort between the AHL PHATS Executive Committee, the AHL Team Physicians Society, the Joint Health and Safety Committee, and AHL league executives. It reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing medical standards and player safety, aligning closely with the NHL’s established guidelines.
This summer also saw the successful Annual PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Summit in Orlando, FL, which featured the largest gathering of AHL team physicians in the history of the event. The dedication and support from our physicians continue to be invaluable and deeply appreciated.
On the ice, congratulations are in order for the Abbotsford Canucks, who captured their first Calder Cup Championship since joining the league in 2021, defeating the Charlotte Checkers 4 games to 2.
Looking ahead, the AHL is excited to announce the 2026 All-Star Classic, presented by BMO, scheduled to take place in Rockford, Illinois on February 10-11, 2026.
In closing, we extend our best wishes to all members of PHATS/SPHEM for a safe, healthy, and successful upcoming season.
By Brian Fairbrother
Director of Performance & Head Athletic Trainer, Hartford Wolf Pack
AHL PHATS Executive Committee President
The 24-25 AHL Season is in the final stretch of the regular season, and teams are poised to make a run at the Calder Cup. This season found our league mandating cut resistant garments to the neck, wrist, and legs, and agreed with our AHL PHATS/SPHEM group to adopt a Health and Safety Committee to address league related issues moving forward. I would like to thank all our PHATS/SPHEM members for another successful year.
This year’s AHL All-Star weekend was hosted by the Coachella Valley Firebirds at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California on February 2-3, 2025. This year’s event saw the Eastern Conference edging the Western Conference in the skills competition, while the Central Division won the 3 on 3 All-Star Challenge. PHATS/SPHEM members Brett Bernstein, Justin Broy, Shawn Thorns, and Justin Sommer represented the Western Conference, and Shawn Fliszar, Max Finley, Josh Carter, and Dillon Filepas represented the Eastern Conference.
We also witnessed the retirement of longtime Athletic Trainer Kent Weisbeck, with 39 years of dedication to the Rochester Americans. On November 27, 2024, the organization held a ceremony to honor Kent for his trailblazing efforts to our profession. Members of the PHATS/SPHEM group were in attendance to recognize this outstanding accomplishment. We wish all the best to Kent in his future endeavors.
With the conclusion of every season comes the opportunity to reflect on the efforts of so many that contribute to a successful season on and off the ice. I would like to acknowledge all of the Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Team Physicians, and countless game night staff that contribute to the behind-the-scenes efforts to our players and organizations. We look forward to sharing the laughs again soon when we all connect in Orlando!
By Brian Fairbrother
Director of Performance & Head Athletic Trainer, Hartford Wolf Pack
AHL PHATS Executive Committee President
Turning the page to a new season ahead gives us time to reflect, recharge, and refocus our efforts toward the upcoming year. The summer always brings an opportunity to improve and grow. While this is expected with the rosters we work with, we encourage our members to strive for this as well. This year we have seen many changes throughout the league regarding members making the jump to the NHL, new roles with in the AHL, and a few that have ventured on to new opportunities outside the hockey locker room. One change that requires special recognition is the retirement of long time Rochester Americans Athletic Trainer, Kent Weisback. His 39-year commitment to his organization, players, and the profession will continue to be an inspiration. The Rochester Americans will be holding a special night to honor Kent at an upcoming home game this season.
This summer we saw a rematch between the Hershey Bears and Coachella Valley Firebirds for the 2024 Calder Cup Finals, where the Bears were crowned back-to-back champions with a 4-2 series win. We had another successful PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Summit in Orlando, Florida. This year’s program proves we as a group are growing and developing in all the ways that matter most.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 AHL season brings the addition of mandatory cut resistant neck guards for all players and officials. This mandate is an upgrade to the program that required socks and wrist guards to be worn last season. As a group we continue to prioritize player safety and appreciate the league’s support in the communication of these efforts. We also look forward to the 2025 All Star Game hosted by the Coachella Valley Firebirds at the Acrisure Arena February 2-3rd, 2025.
In closing, I hope to wish all of our members across PHATS/ SPHEM a very successful and healthy upcoming season. We look forward to seeing you all in the hallways, across the bench, and on the road to reconnect as we continue to support each other along the way.
By Brian Fairbrother
Head Athletic Trainer, Hartford Wolf Pack
AHL PHATS Executive Committee President
Spring is here and so is the final stretch of the 2023-24 season. In the coming weeks many of us will be closing shop, but a select few look to begin the second season in chase of the Calder Cup. I would like to thank all our PHATS/SPHEM members for another successful year.
This year’s AHL All-Star Game was hosted by the San Jose Barracuda at their home Tech CU Arena on February 4-5th. Shawn Fliszar, ATC and Dillon Filepas from the 2023 Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears joined Jake Reardon, ATC, Emi Takahashi, ATC, Scott Boggs, and Josh Woodard from the San Jose Barracuda’s staff to provide medical and equipment services for the event. As with each All-Star weekend, the American Hockey League announced the Hall of Fame induction of Dennis Bonvie, Gordie Clark, Gerry Ehman, and Roy Sommer, while selecting San Jose Sharks Alumni Dan Boyle and Wayne Thomas as Honorary Captains.
Last season, the AHL launched an initiative to provide young professionals from diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to work with, and be mentored by, various staffs in the locker rooms and on the benches at the AHL All-Star Classic. This year’s mentees included NHL Coaches Association members Robert Cathcart III, Laura DiCarlo, Alicia MacDonald,and Jose Matamoros, as well as Ivanna Anderson-Villela for operations.
The Charlotte Checkers and the Rochester Americans competed in the 12th outdoor game in AHL history, with the Queen City Outdoor Classic at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC. Both teams arrived in baseball uniforms, Rochester donning the Red Wings and Charlotte with custom Knights jerseys. The standing-room only crowd of 11,031 fans were greeted with ideal conditions of clear skies and a game-time temperature of 42 degrees, a military flyover and post-game fireworks after the Checkers scored three times in the third period for a 5-2 victory.
With the conclusion of every season comes the opportunity to regroup, recharge, and strive to make improvements to our craft. We look forward to sharing the laughs again soon when we all connect in Orlando!
QCOC
AHL Hockey
Jacob Kupferman
By Brian Fairbrother
Head Athletic Trainer, Hartford Wolf Pack
AHL PHATS Executive Committee President
As we welcome the start of the 2023-24 season, we would like to acknowledge many of our members for a successful summer. The Hershey Bears captured their 12th Calder Cup Championship with a game 7 overtime win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds, who had an impressive inaugural season.
We were again welcomed by the JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort for another outstanding program put together by PHATS/SPHEM. The opportunity to reconnect, relax, and reinvent ourselves is something we look forward to each year.
As a group, we have been hard at work with the American Hockey League to improve medical standards to support the safety of our players. We have recently helped our physicians develop the AHL PHATS Team Physician Society, and subsequently our first AHL Joint Health and Safety Committee to evaluate and progress best practice. These efforts have encouraged restructuring of constitutional bylaws to provide a safer place for our players to develop and chase their NHL dreams.
The 88th AHL season will be highlighted by the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic, scheduled for Sunday, February 4, and Monday, February 5 at Tech CU Arena in San Jose, California hosted by the San Jose Barracuda.
In closing, we would like to wish all of our members within PHATS/SPHEM a safe, healthy, and successful season.
By Brent Woodside,
Head Athletic Trainer, Colorado Eagles
PHATS AHL Executive Committee President
As we move towards the end of the regular season, many teams are preparing end of season checklists and some for extending the season a little longer.
The AHL held their All-Star game at Place Bell Arena in Laval, QC, Canada on February 5th and 6th. The Pacific Division took the title for the 2023 event. The event was hosted by the Laval Rockets staff of AT’s Glen Kinney and Daniel Chammas and SPHEM representatives, Simon Payette and Jean Huynh who took care of the East All-Stars. The Toronto staff, Jordan Aube and Karyn Fanstone represented the PHATS segment with Will Burns and Steph Klein on the SPHEM side to help the West All-Star athletes prepare and perform. The AHL also launched a mentorship initiative at the All-Star Classic. Athletic Trainers Sydney Kinder and Noemie Chariter-Lefrancois assisted the above staffs.
As part of the the All-Star Weekend, the AHL also inducted, Dave Andrews, Keith Aucoin, Nolan Baumgartner, Dave Creighton and Bill Torrey into the Hall of Fame as part of their festivities.
The AHL also helped to host the Outdoor Classic on March 4th in Cleveland at First Energy Stadium the home of the Cleveland Browns. It pitted the Cleveland Monsters versus the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. While it was a late start to the game due to weather concerns, the fans were treated to a hometown come-back win by the Monsters by a score of 3-2 in OT.
We look forward to seeing our friends soon in Phoenix, AZ.
By Brent Woodside,
Head Athletic Trainer, Colorado Eagles
PHATS AHL Executive Committee President
We are now almost one season removed from the pandemic protocols and a better understanding of work/life balance and care for loved ones.
We would like to congratulate the Chicago Wolves and their staff on winning the Calder Cup since it’s hiatus from the last two seasons. While the extended season brings more work, it tends to make some of the best memories as well. This past summer also marks the first time in two years we were able to gather as a group and catch up with each other during the PHATS/SPHEM Annual Meetings in Marco Island, FL.
As the AHL begins the 2022-23 Season we welcome a new team to the league in the Coachella Valley Firebirds, located in Thousand Palms, CA. This brings the American Hockey League to 32 total teams and it ensures that every NHL team has their own affiliate in order to develop both players and staff members.
In closing, I would like to personally extend my thanks to all the athletic trainers, equipment managers, strength coaches, massage therapists and team physicians who put in countless hours and effort into making the American Hockey League what it has become and what we all want it to be. I hope to see all of you somewhere down the line.
By Tom Bourdon,
Head Athletic Trainer, Cleveland Monsters
PHATS AHL Executive Committee President
As the 86th American Hockey League nears its conclusion, we would like to thank all of the athletic trainers, equipment managers, strength coaches and team physicians for their continued dedication and hard work to keep all players, coaches, team personnel and building workers safe and healthy as the pandemic continues.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and with an abundance of caution for player and staff safety the AHL postponed the All-star game again this year. The Laval Rocket were initially chosen to host the All-Star Classic during the 2020-21 season, but the event has been postponed twice. The 2023 AHL All-Star Classic will take place February 5-6, 2023, at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec.
On February 25th the AHL Board of Governors had their winter meetings and during the meetings the BOG unanimously voted to approve and recognize the formation of the American Hockey League Team Physician Society. The AHL PHATS members would like to personally thank all BOG members but specifically are appreciative of Mr. Jim Brooks, Mr. Wendell Young and Mr. Brian Helmer for their direct support of this initiative. We would also be remiss if we did not personally thank Mr. Scott Howson, Ms. Hayley Moore and Mr. Chris Nikolis in the league offices for their support.
We would like to congratulate all PHATS/SPHEM members who reached milestones this year. In the AHL Dustin Halstead equipment manager for the Cleveland Monsters reached the 1,000-game plateau on December 8, 2021 when Cleveland played Syracuse. We would also like to congratulate some former colleagues who have moved up to the NHL on their milestone. Scott Stanibel former Binghamton Senators Athletic Trainer reached the 1,000-game mark and former Milwaukee Admiral longtime Head Athletic Trainer Doug Agnew reached the 2,500-games worked.
We are all looking forward to the return of the Calder Cup Playoffs after a 2-year hiatus. We would like to wish good luck to all teams that qualify for the playoffs.
Hopefully we will see all of you in Marco Island for the annual meetings in June
Stay well and stay safe.
By Tom Bourdon,
Head Athletic Trainer, Cleveland Monsters
PHATS AHL Executive Committee President
As the American Hockey League begins the 2021 – 2022 season there have been a few changes as the Vancouver Canucks have relocated their minor league affiliate to Abbottsford, British Columbia, and the New Jersey Devils have relocated their affiliate to Utica. Also, after last season when not all teams played in the shortened AHL season, a few teams will finally begin play in their new cities. Florida is now affiliated with the Charlotte Checkers and St. Louis has its minor league affiliate with the Springfield Thunderbirds.
As we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic and life has begun to return to some a semblance of normal, we look forward to returning to a full season of hockey with all 31 teams participating this year. We also look forward to the return of the Calder Cup playoff, it has been 2 seasons since a Calder Cup Champion has been crowned.
With the pandemic still on going, we continue to face numerous challenges to our day-to-day operations within the hockey world and we would personally like to thank all the athletic trainers, team physicians and equipment managers for their continued hard work and dedication to keeping our players and staffs as safe as possible during these challenging times.