Dustin Stuck, Head Athletic Trainer, Boston Bruins

PHATS: What got you started in the athletic training profession and how did you get your start in Professional Hockey?

DS: I knew I wanted to be involved in sports as a young kid. Growing up, I was fortunate to watch my dad as an Athletic Trainer. The training room almost became my second home. Observing his career firsthand helped grow my passion for the field. I was able to see how he brought energy and positivity to the training room and that made it a dream of mine to hold a similar position one day.

I attended PHATS in the summer 2017 and heard about a couple of job opportunities in the AHL. I attended the PHATS networking event and put my name out there. Fortunately, a couple weeks later I heard from Mark Grotzinger (Head AT, Providence Bruins at the time) and the Bruins about interviewing and then accepted the Providence Bruins Assistant Athletic Trainer position for the 2017-2018 season.

PHATS: Your dad Dan “Beaker” Stuck is a long-time member, former Athletic Trainer for the Hershey Bears and a fixture at our Annual Conference. Tell us about your first memories of seeing him at work.

DS: When I was about 10 or 11 years old, my dad brought me in as a waterboy to work game nights at the old Hershey Park Arena. He would run home to pick me up after morning skates for him to be back in time for his pre-game hot tub routine. He taught me a lot as a young kid. He would have me make ice bags, help clean up small cuts, and have me assist the equipment managers in folding towels and laundry. He also wasn’t afraid of pulling a few pranks on me.

Unfortunately, I fell victim to the bucket of steam prank. Of all the things he taught me, the one thing that stood out to me was how detail oriented he was (specifically with his taping) and yet so fun and easy going at the same time.

PHATS: Tell us about your transition to the NHL from the AHL.

DS: After four years with the Providence Bruins, I was offered the opportunity to work under Don DelNegro in Boston as the assistant athletic trainer for the 2021-2022 season. It was not the easiest transition because of the COVID restrictions and protocols. As athletic trainers, we are used to wearing multiple hats and being the COVID officer during my first NHL season wasn’t the easiest task. Although it was challenging, I learned a lot and gained the trust of players, coaches and management. COVID aside, the NHL brings a different element of energy, passion and pressure. Everything is heightened and having a front row seat to the best players in the world has been an amazing experience so far.

PHATS: You took over as Head Athletic Trainer for Don DelNegro, who retired after 29 seasons in the NHL. What’s the best piece of advice he gave you?

DS:  Working under Don DelNegro was an honor as he shared so much wisdom and knowledge with me. I would consider DD a good friend and mentor. He brought such a calming presence to the room and always found a way to make you laugh. When I came to the organization in 2017, he instantly supported me and showed me the ropes on how he manages the training room.

When moving up to the NHL in 2021, he taught me a day-in-the-life of being an AT in the NHL and the preparation needed to succeed. One thing DD taught me that I continue to try and do is being two steps ahead. As AT’s, multiple things can pop up at the same time and watching DD problem solve by thinking two steps ahead is something I will continue to learn and improve on. After spending my whole life around the AHL, DD made the transition to the NHL so much easier, and I will forever be grateful for his friendship and mentorship.

PHATS: How has being involved with PHATS and the annual meeting helped you professionally?

DS: Attending PHATS has helped me build relationships with trainers around the league as well as all the vendors who support us. Personally, the biggest takeaway from the PHATS meetings has been the evolution of emergency response with Rick Garner of Pro Sports EMS and the hands-on approach to learning the latest EAP protocols. PHATS does a wonderful job in giving us hockey-specific education to continue with the newest research.

PHATS: What has been the biggest change in the AT profession since the days of watching your dad to now, running your own NHL Training room?

DS: There are a lot of things that have changed over the years. The biggest change I see is the treatment style which correlates directly with the additional staff and resources available. I remember my dad doing a lot of his work solo. The staff included 2 coaches, an Athletic Trainer and an Equipment Manager. The staff has evolved greatly over the years. We now see a lot more hands-on treatment. With the additional staff, it gives us more time to evaluate players with advanced testing and screening protocols which allows us to provide players with specific treatment and rehab based on their personal needs. Rehab and treatments have become more versatile with practices like dry needling, ART, PRI, and advanced modalities, etc. There are a lot more resources out there to help us provide the best quality care for players.

PHATS: What is your favorite NHL city to visit on the road and why?

DS: There are a lot of cool and unique cities to visit. One of my favorite NHL cities to visit is Tampa, Florida. The hotel is great and right next to the rink. There are a good variety of restaurants, and everything is within walking distance. Lastly, you cannot beat the weather, especially in the middle of the winter.

PHATS: What professional goals are you working towards now?

DS: In this profession everyone’s dream is to win a Stanley Cup, which of course is the ultimate goal. I’d also like to have the opportunity to work at least 1,000 NHL games. From the personal side of things, I want to continue to grow as an AT and sharpen all aspects of my skill set. The one skill set that I put far above others and want to continue to be an expert in, is emergency preparedness and response.

PHATS: What do you and your family look forward to in the off-season?

DS: Quality time with my wife and daughter is always my top priority. We love to travel back to our hometown in Pennsylvania to visit family and friends, spend evenings at the beach, take a few vacations, and spend as much time outside as possible.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My wife, Rachel, and daughter, Emory, are my world. We absolutely love living in New England; being so close to the beach and mountains. One of our favorite places we have ever visited is Banff, Alberta. I grew up playing soccer, hockey, and baseball and ended up playing college baseball for three years before transitioning to club hockey in my senior year. I received my bachelor’s degree at Alvernia University located in Reading, PA and my master’s degree at Penn State University.

All photos courtesy of Dustin Stuck