Doug Bennett, Head Athletic Trainer, Carolina Hurricanes
PHATS: What made you want a career in the athletic training profession and how did you get your start?
DB: I went to college as an undecided major and part of my requirements were to take surveys and questionnaires about things such as, what I liked, what I was good at, what I wanted in a profession, etc., and the advisor would send me to seminars or club meetings of different majors. Basically, I learned that I wanted to care for people, specifically healthcare, and I loved sports. So, I ended up in Athletic Training. As for hockey, I was working at a PT Clinic that had a contract with the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL and Chris Stewart was the AT. Chris got an opportunity to move up to the AHL (and subsequently NHL) and there was an opening, so I jumped at the chance to get into hockey.
PHATS: Early in your career you worked in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks. How did that experience help you before joining a professional hockey team?
DB: Working with elite, high level athletes was something that I immediately loved about my internship with the Seahawks. Their dedication to their craft and desire to get healthy was something I found to be motivating to me
PHATS: In 2017 you took over as Head Athletic Trainer in Carolina. Can you speak to that transition from Assistant to Head? What did you find most surprising about the new role?
DB: It was a good transition because of my familiarity with the organization and the people in it. Our group of Team Doctors were so supportive of me both as an Assistant and currently as a Head AT that it made it a lot simpler. There wasn’t all of the extra stuff of getting situated in a new city or learning new names and faces. The biggest change was now all of a sudden, the buck stopped at my desk and there’s an added or heightened stress that comes with that.
PHATS: There have been so many advances in the field of Athletic Training. What advancement has helped you the most?
DB: The amount of research that gets pumped out yearly is amazing. We are really lucky here in Raleigh that we are surrounded by strong academic Universities that produce a lot of research on everything from concussions to knee injuries. The advancements we’ve made in caring for our players is jumping by leaps and bounds. Personally, I took the Owens Recovery Science, Blood Flow Restriction course a few years back and have found that to be a huge asset in treating a variety of injuries.
PHATS: In an effort to keep the season going amongst a pandemic, training staffs have had to adjust their rolls and take on additional responsibilities. Can you speak to how your role as a Head AT has changed?
DB: I don’t think there is enough space in the newsletter to address all the things Athletic Training staffs have taken on to keep hockey going safely. We’re COVID administrators in addition to our normal duties. We organize, schedule and review testing. We apply and enforce NHL policies of social-distancing, mask wearing and make sure every department from Food and Beverage to Security is adhering to these policies because the success of the team depends on keeping COVID-19 out of our locker room.
PHATS: With the added responsibilities of Covid-19 safety protocols and the stress that brings to everyday work and home life, what are ways in which you are looking after your own wellness?
DB: Honestly, this has been the toughest part. We are quarantined at home and our outlets to relieve stress have been limited. Personally, I use an app called Headspace to relax and calm myself daily. My wife and kids are the best, so any free time I get, I’m spending with them and all is well again. Also, we’ve got a few text threads with other AT groups (Head AT’s, Central Division COVID Administrators, etc..) that we bounce ideas and issues off each other and that helps to keep the sanity.
PHATS: Sadly, we won’t be meeting in person once again this year but are looking forward to connecting virtually this July. Tell us about a favorite Conference memory you have.
DB: I think the first time I was in a Hot Stove session and Rammer (Jim Ramsay) started to ‘loosen up’ the conversation and we all had a good laugh was a fond memory. I, also, just love our little or big, however you look at it, hockey family. Its so nice to see other ATs, equipment guys and vendors in a more relaxed environment. It feels like a family. We’re not rushing around to get something for a player or coach and we’re able to appreciate our time together.
PHATS: Do you have a professional mentor or Athletic Trainer you admire?
DB: I was an intern for Rick Burkholder when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles (before he moved to the KC Chiefs) and he has always been a champion of mine and of Athletic Trainers in general. He showed me the value of building relationships with our athletes.
PHATS: What has been your most memorable moment working in Professional Hockey?
DB: My first NHL game. Growing up loving the sport, driving with my dad all over the place to watch hockey games, spending some time in the ECHL, working hard to get better, and then there I was working in the NHL, something I’ll never take for granted. It felt surreal.
PHATS: After what will arguably go down as a very trying season, what are you most looking forward to this summer and the upcoming 2021-2022 season?
DB: My Stanley Cup Party, haha. Every AT should be dreaming of one of those, especially after this season. And to be honest we all deserve one.
Tell us about yourself, your family and your hobbies.
I’m originally from Johnstown Pennsylvania. My family includes my wife Shelley and our 2 kids Sunny (4) and Carter (2). We love the weather here in Raleigh and the ease of access to the beautiful beaches of the Carolinas. We are members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and enjoy volunteering for the non-profit Family Promise, which helps support Families experiencing homelessness. Personally, I like to golf, listen to music (everything from Country to 80s to Rock’n’roll) and travel the world.
All photos courtesy of Doug Bennett