Scott Stanhibel, Head Athletic Trainer, New Jersey Devils
PHATS: What made you want a career in the athletic training profession and how did you get your start?
SS: I was lucky enough to have some training room exposure for some professional teams while I was in high school. I found it interesting and eventually decided that’s what I wanted to do. After I finished graduate school, I stumbled into hockey and really enjoyed it and have been incredibly fortunate to be able to stay in hockey for so many seasons.
PHATS: You began working with the New Jersey Devils organization in 2009 with the ECHL’s Trenton Devils, eventually moving on to the AHL’s Albany/Binghamton Devils, then joining the New Jersey Devils in 2020. For those just starting out, what advice would you give for staying and growing your career with one organization?
SS: I’m proud of the fact that I was able to start in the lowest level and then eventually work my way up to the highest level, all with the same organization. For me the biggest thing was to remain patient. Everyone wants to move up the ladder quickly, but I found that each league prepared me for the next. I just had to tell myself to be patient and when the opportunity came to move up, I would be ready.
PHATS: Are there any advancements you are seeing in the field of Athletic Training that you are really excited about?
SS: One thing that seems to be a pretty hot topic these days is sports science. I’m really interested to see what role it’s going to play years down the road. I think there are still some questions on how to utilize it with athletic training on a daily basis and its ability to predict and minimize injuries more effectively.
PHATS: What advancements would you still like to see?
SS: Sleep and recovery are two incredibly important things for the health and performance of any athlete. There are so many athletes across all sports and levels that struggle to sleep after games. I would love for us to find better ways to help players sleep better after competition.
PHATS: What is something you experience that most fans watching the game wouldn’t know?
SS: The game is so much different when you get to watch it from the bench. The game is so much more fun from the ice. Most fans would be surprised how much faster the game is, how different it sounds and definitely how much louder it is. It’s kind of like watching a movie on your phone compared to watching a movie in a theater, with an increased risk of being hit by a puck.
PHATS: Do you have a pre-game ritual?
SS: I don’t have any a pre-game rituals for myself. However, I tend to be involved in some of the players rituals. Whether they come into the training room before the game or something that might happen on the bench during warm-ups.
PHATS: What moment would you say was the highlight of your career so far?
SS: I have two moments that stand out to me. The first being in the playoffs two seasons ago. It was my first time in the NHL Playoffs and we beat the Rangers in Game 7 of the first round. Anytime you get to win a big game against a cross-town rival, it’s a pretty memorable moment. The other highlight would be beating the Flyers in the Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium last season. It was my first outdoor game and again, when you get to beat a rival team in a special game, it always a good feeling that you don’t forget.
PHATS: What is your favorite NHL city to visit on the road and why?
SS: There are two cities I always enjoy going to for games. I was born in Chicago, so every time we go there for a game, I always enjoy it. The other city was Phoenix and it’s disappointing we won’t be playing there this season. I did most of my growing up there. My parents and brother are still there and it’s always great getting to see them during the season. Plus, the weather is usually nice there so that helps break up the east coast winter weather.
PHATS: Who have been your mentors over the years and what is the best professional advice they have given you?
SS: There are so many people that have helped mentor me over the years, it would be too many to list individually. I’ve had different people help me at different times of my athletic training career, each offering advice based on what my needs were at the time. However, the one thing that tends to be echoed by everyone is that you need to continue to learn. You can’t stop growing as a professional. Things are always evolving, so it’s important to stay current with the newest trends and techniques.
PHATS: What are you most excited for as the 2024-2025 Season begins?
SS: We get to open the upcoming season in Prague as part of the NHL Global Series. I think that’s going to be a lot of fun so I’m really looking forward to being a part of that experience. However, I hope to be really excited at the end of the season.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself…
I grew up in the Phoenix area. I went to college at New Mexico State University and did my graduate work at North Carolina State University. I spent a few years working at a high school in the Phoenix area before finally getting into hockey. I will be entering my 17th season in professional hockey. I do enjoy playing golf when I can and am a big Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. This summer, my dad and I finished our ballpark tour, seeing a game in every MLB park. It was a really great experience and I’m glad I got to share that with him.
All photos courtesy of Scott Stanhibel
