Featuring Jeff Camelio, Head Equipment Manager, Seattle Kraken
Jeff is in his 5th season as Head Equipment Manager with Seatle, after 15 seasons as an assistant in Nashville. His career began with the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays and later the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He reached 2,000 professional games worked last season.
SPHEM: How did you first get started working in hockey equipment, and what led you to pursue it as a career?
JC: I first started as a stick boy in Rochester in the early 1990s and loved being around the game and the people. I’ve been doing it now full time for 28 years.
SPHEM: You joined the Seattle Kraken for their inaugural season and stepped into the role of Head Equipment Manager after previously working as an Assistant in Nashville. What was that transition like for you?
JC: Getting the be part of the expansion process was a once in a lifetime experience. I had a great run in Nashville working with a great organization and colleagues, but the opportunity to build everything from the ground up was appealing. I found moving back into the head role after being an assistant for 15 years took some getting used to but to get this opportunity to continue to grow my career was exciting and challenging at times.
SPHEM: Joining an expansion team meant helping build the equipment operation from the ground up. What surprised you most about that experience?
JC: Having to worry about the construction and operations of two rinks (game and practice) during Covid when things were moving slowly was an interesting process. We also acquired all our players in one summer, so I had to get to know each guy’s needs and preferences all at once. We had no back stock of any equipment, it was difficult to acquire certain gear when factories in China were closed or they were struggling to make stuff in our colors that had not been previously produced.
SPHEM: What part of the equipment manager’s role do you think people would be most surprised to learn about?
JC: It’s not just sharpening skates or fixing gear. There is a lot of paperwork, budgeting, spreadsheets, and expenses to handle daily. Another thing people don’t often realize is the time commitment that goes into these roles. Hockey has now become a year-round sport. Just because games are not being played doesn’t necessarily mean the work stops.
SPHEM: Hockey equipment has evolved quite a bit over the years. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in gear since you started?
JC: The skate blades and how they get sharpened has drastically changed. Everything is removable and replaceable nowadays. Each guy has multiple sets of steel that we rotate in and out so there is no more rushing in between periods to sharpen skates. That means no more missed shifts for bad steel.
SPHEM: What year did you first attend the PHATS/SPHEM Conference? For someone attending the Hockey Summit for the first time, what would you encourage them to take advantage of?
JC: My first conference was in 1998. The best thing you can do at the PHATS/SPHEM conference is the put yourself out there and network – introduce yourself to members belonging to all levels and organizations. You never know when you could potentially meet your next coworker
SPHEM: The exhibit hall is always a big part of the conference. Over the years, have you discovered any products, tools, or ideas there that ended up becoming staples in your day-to-day work?
JC: SkateScribe is a company that I first met at a conference. Now they have become an integral part of our day-to-day workflows with their automated skate sharpening machines. So be sure to stop by and check out all the vendors, they may have something that may make your job easier and more efficient.
SPHEM: You currently serve as Treasurer on the SPHEM Executive Board. What motivated you to get involved in that role?
JC: Pete Rogers, my former boss with the Predators, encouraged me to get involved. When Pete was president, I got to witness firsthand the importance of members volunteering at all levels because without the help, the Hockey Summit would not be where it is today.
SPHEM: Is there a small part of your daily routine at the rink that you’ve always enjoyed, but most people probably wouldn’t think about?
JC: One of my favorite parts of the day is every morning multiple players will come down and sit in my office with a coffee and just chat. It’s a great way to build personal relationships and get to know guys on another level other than hockey. It is those types of conversations that lead to friendships that could last long after my career is done.
SPHEM: Is there someone who helped guide you early in your career as you were learning the ropes of the profession? What is the best piece of advice they gave you.
JC: Pete Rogers, the head equipment manager in Nashville, is the reason I am where I am today. He gave me my first start as a stick boy in Rochester. He hired me in Nashville and continued to allow me to grow and develop my skillset to the point where I was able to become a head equipment manager in the NHL with the Seattle Kraken.
SPHEM: Tell us a little about yourself outside of hockey — your family, hobbies, and what you enjoy doing when you’re not at the rink.
JC: I have a very understanding wife and daughter at home (Michelle and Carli), who have the patience to put up with our long hours and travel schedule. I am also fortunate enough to work with my son, Anthony, who is the Equipment Specialist for the Kraken. Outside of hockey, I enjoy golfing, paddle boarding, and keeping in touch with friends and family.
All photos courtesy of Jeff Camelio
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
Featuring Brian “Red” Hamilton – Head Equipment Manager, Vancouver Canucks
SPHEM: What inspired you to pursue a career in equipment management, and how did you get your start?
RH: I was 13 when my dad, who was an executive for Minor Football in our hometown of Richmond, BC, asked me to help with the equipment for the BCJFL Richmond Raiders. A close family friend, Creighton O’Malley, the Equipment Manager for the BC Lions at the time, took me under his wing. My dad arranged for me to spend some time with Creighton and his staff to learn the ropes, and I ended up staying with the Lions instead. Creighton wanted me on his team, so I never ended up helping the Raiders.
SPHEM: You began your career with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. Can you tell us about your transition to the Canucks?
RH: Yes, I spent 13 years working with the BC Lions, and Jon Sanderson also worked at the BC Lions before he was hired by the Canucks. After the 2001 CFL season, I left the Lions to work in the “real world.” But a short time later, the Canucks needed a game-night staffer, and Jon passed my name along to Pat O’Neill. Next thing I knew, I was working game nights for the Canucks and The Queen was dropping the puck at GM Place. It was quick! I moved into a full-time role with the Canucks Equipment department at the start of the 2005/2006 season. I’ve always said that the only thing football and hockey have in common is laundry; football is all about working a whole week for one game, while hockey is about getting ready for whatever’s happening tomorrow.
SPHEM: This season, you’ve stepped into the role of Head Equipment Manager, succeeding the highly respected Pat O’Neill. What’s the best piece of advice Pat passed along as you began this new chapter?
RH: Be prepared. He was so prepared for any situation. Ordering, travel, or day-to-day, he could read the situation and anticipate what was coming, and because of that we were always prepared and not often caught off guard. It also allowed us time to deal with the unexpected because we weren’t running around.
SPHEM: Even though you’ve only recently taken on the Head Equipment Manager role, what advice would you give to an Assistant hoping to one day move into that position?
RH: Be a great assistant and understand how to support your Head Equipment Manager. That’s what I’m most proud of as an assistant. Be patient, stay positive, and enjoy doing what you love. Support your Head Equipment Manager and good things will happen.
SPHEM: So far, what has been the biggest surprise about serving as Head Equipment Manager?
RH: Thinking back to Pat and the advice he gave me, there haven’t been many surprises. He really prepared me for this. And it wasn’t just him; I’ve been lucky to learn from a lot of great people along the way. One of the biggest advantages of staying with the same organization is the familiarity – I know where everything is and I get to work with people who consistently support the equipment department. Working with Mac, Brodie, and Johhny have made the transition not only smooth but fun!
SPHEM: You recently joined us on the PHATS/SPHEM podcast and shared the remarkable story of how a Seattle Kraken fan helped you detect melanoma early—an experience that not only changed your life but also inspired the creation of several organizations and fundraisers to give back. Since then, has your outlook on life and career shifted? If so, how? And what advice would you share with others working in fast-paced, often stressful careers?
RH: This is a tough question to answer because I get emotional. If Nadia had not caught my attention that night in Seattle, I am now at the point, almost five years later, that my melanoma would’ve likely been fatal. I was recently diagnosed with melanoma again, which was once again caught early enough that it didn’t spread. I am living the benefits of early detection!
I’m not alone though. Other SPHEM members are going through so much worse right now, and I’m sure there’s many others facing health challenges that we don’t even know about. My outlook hasn’t changed too much, as I’ve always enjoyed being where my feet are. It sounds silly, but when I’m at work I enjoy every second, and when I’m with my family, I enjoy every second.
Jess and I also partnered with Melanoma Canada after my first diagnosis because we wanted to help raise awareness and funds for this deadly form of skin cancer. To be honest, we really didn’t know much about it before my diagnosis and have since learned that middle-aged men in BC have the highest rate of melanoma in Canada. As a result, we proudly launched the Jess & Red Hamilton Fund alongside Melanoma Canada and we have since helped raise over $200,000 which helped bring the Mole Mobile to British Columbia the last two summers (a mobile dermatology unit that travelled across BC for free, walk-in skin assessments) and helped launch the Sun Guardians program which provides kids sports leagues, camps, daycares, and rec centres with free UV protective clothing, sunscreen, shade structures and more.
SPHEM: Traditions and rituals go hand-in-hand with sports. What’s your game day ritual, or your lucky charm?
RH: I get a text from my wife moments before the start of every game. It’s something she started doing years ago and now I look forward to it.
SPHEM: The hours, travel, and demands of the season can be intense. What keeps you motivated?
RH: The anticipation that you never know what the next question is. We never know who is going to walk into our room and what they are going to ask so we must be prepared for everything. Every day is different. Also, the people we meet are a big part of it. Going into cities and seeing great people makes the travel easier and exciting.
SPHEM: Who have been your mentors over the years, and what is the best advice they’ve shared with you?
RH: I worked for and with the following great people: Pat O’Neill, Darren Granger, Mike Burnstein, Jon Sanderson, Creighton O’Malley, Kato, Bill Reichelt, Larry Ashley, and John Forget. When I drove the truck I developed relationships with Mike Aldrich, Stan Wilson, Pete Rogers, Barry Stafford, the list goes on. They all took time to help me along the way. I look at that list and feel so fortunate. The relationships that I’ve made with current staff around the league and other leagues is a huge resource for me and all of us in the equipment department.
SPHEM: On the podcast, you also spoke about the importance of working in your hometown. Can you talk about the value of having a strong support system at home during the season?
RH: It’s all I know to be honest. I have my family here and I feel really lucky to work for my hometown team. My family is my number one. Jess is my rock, and my daughter Ashley is my biggest fan – and I’m her biggest fan. Jess’s kids, Bennett and Avyn make us a loving and busy family of five. Jess and I are also really fortunate to have a tight network of friends that we consider to be extended family who live nearby. We all help each other out, and they are amazing at helping Jess with the kids or the house when I am on the road.
SPHEM: Tell us a little about yourself—your family, hobbies, and life outside of hockey.
RH: My family is my life outside hockey. My hobbies are family oriented as well. I’m the Assistant Coach for Ashley’s U19 Rep Softball team, Jess is the Assistant Coach for Avyn’s U13 Rep Softball team, and Bennett is a baseball umpire. We spend 7 days a week at the ball field during the hockey off-season. I also value my local friendships so much, so we try to spend as much time as possible with our family friends (aka, extended family) during our free time. I’m also a huge NFL fan, and LOVE the Seahawks.
All photos courtesy of Red Hamilton
We would like to welcome everyone to the 2025-2026 Season! We hope everyone has had a successful training camp and wish you all a great start to the season.
We would like to thank everyone for making our 2025 Hockey Summit in Orlando a huge success. This event continues to get bigger every year, and this was our largest annual event to date. Our goal is to provide all attendees the best experience we can, including educational and networking opportunities. We continue to have amazing support and participation from our vendors and members. This past summer we were honored to have in attendance representation from PHATS, SPHEM, PHPO (formerly SCAPH), Team Physicians, Team Trauma Physicians, Team Paramedics, League Executives from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NHLPA Executives, and of course our valued sponsors and vendors.
Plans are well underway for our 2026 Hockey Summit back in Florida at the beautiful JW Marriott on Marco Island and we hope this will be an amazing event for all attendees and family members alike. Please mark your calendars for June 16-21st and remember to register early as we expect another “sold out” conference. We also recommend booking your hotel early as our room blocks fill quickly. The Executive Committees and education committees are working hard to deliver a diverse educational symposium, business meetings, exhibit hall and networking opportunities for all our groups and vendors. We are always looking for educational content, articles, news, tricks and tips from the field. Please reach out to the PHATS/SPHEM office or any members of the Executive Committees if you would like to help or have any interesting ideas.
Anita Ramsay, Natalie Grant and their staff continue to lead us, and we thank them for all their hard work and commitment to our groups. We are very fortunate to have them taking care of all the details for us to be able to put on a conference of this size.
We also could not have this conference without the continued support of our sponsors. We would like to thank the NHL and the NHLPA for their continued support and involvement with our meetings. We look forward to networking and building on our partnerships with all our sponsors and vendors.
We would also like to thank our Social Media Coordinator, Megan Hemenway, who continues to try to drive our brands and provide exposure to what we all do on a day-to-day basis. If anyone has any great behind the scenes photos, videos, or stories that you would be willing to share on our social media sites, please do not hesitate to reach out to Megan at socialmedia@phatssphem.com. Also please let your clubs know to tag our social media sites in any postings they have which may include our membership. We also ask that you continue to support and promote our PHATS/SPHEM podcast with your colleagues. If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to contact us at podcast@phatssphem.com
Lastly, in PHATS news, we are proud to announce the launch of our PHATS Student Internship Clearinghouse. A lot of time and effort was put in by our Internship Committee to get this off the ground and running. We look forward to providing opportunities for aspiring Athletic Trainers/Athletic Therapists to gain valuable experience at the Professional Hockey level under the guidance of our amazing PHATS members. You can find more information on our website under the PHATS Internships tab.
Best of luck to all our members and supporters this season. May everyone stay healthy and safe. We look forward to seeing all of you in Marco Island in June.
Tom and Dave
Hello, it’s hard to believe we are entering the last weeks of the 24-25 season. This year has been another fantastic year for ice hockey, capped off by the 4-Nations tournament which gained worldwide attention. Hopefully the upcoming playoffs will feature exciting moments for all levels of our game.
As the season winds down, we at PHATS/SPHEM are hard at work preparing for the upcoming meeting this June, again in Orlando, Florida. This year we return to the Marriott World Center, a repeat from our meeting in 2018. We know from the past this venue provides an excellent experience for business and relaxation.
As you know, we have rebranded our meetings to the PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Summit. Once again, this year we are thrilled to welcome our colleagues and friends from all levels of the hockey community from PHATS, SPHEM, SCAPH, Team Physicians, Emergency Trauma Physicians, Paramedics, League Executives from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NHLPA and of course our valued vendors and sponsors. We continue to provide an excellent lineup of presentations and informative opportunities for all in attendance. Thank you to the Education Committees of PHATS, SPHEM, and the NHLTPS/AHLTPS for their work in making the summit beneficial to their professions.
We are happy to announce that a PHATS/SPHEM podcast has been created. You can now listen to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Prime. From the SPHEM side, it is hosted by Rick Bronwell, Head Equipment Manager, Philadelphia Flyers and on the PHATS side, hosted by Tom Mulligan, Head Athletic Trainer, Tampa Bay Lightning. We look forward to talking all aspects of professional hockey and what it takes to work in this profession. Any questions or suggestions for topics can be sent to podcast@phatssphem.com We hope you take time for a listen.
Currently, we have chosen to wait on honoring a member for the Hockey Hall of Fame. We continue to hold this honor in extremely high regard and will continue to uphold the qualifications it deserves. Even though we have chosen to pass on the HHOF Award, our Awards Night will still be full of many individuals that have not only worked tirelessly for the game of hockey but have also dedicated most of their careers to helping PHATS/SPHEM. Mark Vosteen with CCM will be honored with the Frank & Vi Rowe Award for his support of athletic trainers, equipment managers, players and teams in the sport of hockey throughout the years.
Also being honored this year with the PHATS/SPHEM Summit Award is Rollin Mallernee II. The Summit Award recognizes those who have achieved excellence in leadership, success, contribution and impact on our societies. Rollin Mallernee II, General Counsel Emeritus, had served as PHATS/SPHEM General Counsel since 1996, when PHATS & SPHEM established their joint venture agreement to collectively become known as PHATS/SPHEM. He played a crucial role in the establishment and administration of our societies.
A tremendous thank you to all our longtime and new sponsors of the Hockey Summit. The growth of this meeting has been incredible, and frankly impossible without your support. A special mention to the NHL and the NHLPA for their continued support. We truly believe supporting this meeting helps provide a structure for future members to flourish in their careers.
Lastly, none of this really gets pulled together without the years of work and knowledge from Anita Ramsay and Natalie Grant. When you’re in Florida, please take the time to greet them and thank them for their efforts.
Good luck to those of you preparing for the playoffs. Don’t forget to register early for the summit, it is sure to be a sold out show once again.
Tom and Dave
Jon Taglianetti – Head Equipment Manager, Pittsburgh Penguins
SPHEM: What made you want a career in the equipment management profession and how did you get your start?
JT: I started doing this in High School when Steve Latin called and asked if my brothers and I would want to help on game days. After school, we would come down and work the visitors’ room. We grew up around the Penguins from my dad playing so we always loved the rink.
SPHEM: You started your career in Pittsburgh in 2005 as a Locker Room Assistant. What do you attribute to your longevity with one organization?
JT: Like I said, I always loved being around the rink and loved the game of hockey. I was very lucky with Steve Latin and Dana Heinze having me around and showing me how to be a good Equipment Manager. Also have to thank Ray Shero and Jim Rutherford for giving me a chance.
SPHEM: What skills do you think a young equipment manager would need in today’s fast paced world of professional hockey?
JT: A Strong Work Ethic.
SPHEM: Can you share a memorable DIY you once used to get a player back on the ice in a hurry?
JT: Alex Nedeljkovic stepped on his pad lace in the middle of the game. We didn’t have enough time during the icing to relace the pad so I used two zip ties to get him through the period.
SPHEM: What moment would you say was the highlight of your career so far?
JT: Winning the Stanley Cup in 2016. Seeing your name on the cup after such a long season makes it all worth it.
SPHEM: What do you enjoy doing during your downtime in Pittsburgh?
JT: Being a dad. I have a 2 year old son Luca and 3 month old daughter Camryn. I’m also on the golf course when I can be.
SPHEM: Who have been your mentors over the years and what is the best professional advice they have given you?
JT: First Steve Latin. He opened the door for me so obviously very thankful for him. I spent over a decade with Dana Heinze. Taught me almost everything I know. Spent a few years with Teddy Richards and was able to learn a bunch of new things as well. “We supply everything except guts.”
SPHEM: We will be in Orlando at our 2025 Hockey Summit before we know it. What was your favorite Summit memory?
JT: I really enjoy spending time with everyone. Telling stories and seeing guys away from the rink.
SPHEM: How has being involved with SPHEM and the annual meeting helped you professionally?
JT: Putting faces to names. Often you are communicating over the phone or email, never really face to face. Also spending time with everyone at the exhibit hall brings up conversations on how everyone does things different ways. I always seem to come out of there with something new for the upcoming season.
SPHEM: What do you and your family look forward to in the off-season?
JT: Quality time. The family sacrifices a lot during the hockey season. I think I can say an equipment manager’s spouse takes on a lot. Being home and being a family is for sure the top priority.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in Winnipeg while my dad, Peter, was playing for the Winnipeg Jets. We ended up settling in Pittsburgh when he was traded to the Penguins in 1991. Pittsburgh is where I call home. Hockey was always part of our lives growing up but my twin brother, Andrew, and I played football growing up. We both ended up at the University of Pittsburgh. I married my wife Kayla in 2023, and we have a son Luca (2) and Daughter Camryn (3 months).
Dennis Soetaert – Head Equipment Manager, Dallas Stars
SPHEM: What made you want a career in the equipment management profession and how did you get your start?
DS: I always enjoyed being at the rink growing up, whether it was playing, helping with the Kansas City Blades filling water bottles, and even working at a community rink. I enjoy being around a locker room and the fun atmosphere that comes along with it.
SPHEM: You have been with the Dallas Stars organization since 2006. For those just starting out, what characteristic would you say has contributed most to the longevity of your career?
DS: I think just being as prepared as you can be for each day. You have to be organized, be able to adapt to changes on the fly, and most importantly be available to the players and their needs. Come in with a good positive attitude every day!
SPHEM: Do you have a pre-game ritual?
DS: I do not have a pre-game ritual, I usually will just have a coffee or energy drink and make sure we are set to go.
SPHEM: What is something you experience that most fans watching the game wouldn’t know?
DS: I believe most fans know a lot of what we experience from social media these days, but maybe the fans don’t know about all the late nights and early mornings we have throughout the season.
SPHEM: What moment would you say was the highlight of your career so far?
DS: I have a two moments that have been pretty special to me. Winning the Calder Cup my first pro year with the Houston Aeros. Winning anything is always special. The other would be getting through 65 days in the bubble. Making the Stanley Cup finals was special even though we lost, just looking back and what we went through is hopefully a once in a lifetime thing.
SPHEM: Are there any advancements you are seeing in the Equipment field that you are really excited about?
DS: The biggest advancement right now is the automated sharpening. We do not have it yet but we have been doing our research and close to deciding on which one we are going to go with.
SPHEM: What advancements would you still like to see?
DS: I think just seeing the advancements in the automated sharpening has been interesting. I’m looking forward to see what is coming out next in our business.
SPHEM: What is your favorite NHL city to visit on the road and why?
DS: There are a lot of good cities in the NHL. I think I work in one of the favorites, but for me Nashville and Montreal are two of mine. Nashville is just a fun city to enjoy at night, and Montreal is a special place for my family as my father won a Stanley Cup while with the Canadians. I like to walk around that building to take in the history.
SPHEM: Who have been your mentors over the years and what is the best professional advice they have given you?
DS: There are a few people who have helped me get to where I am today. Rick Bronwell gave me my first pro job in Houston and taught me a lot while with the Kansas City Blades. Mike Aldrich was in Kansas City as well at the time and helped me out. I owe a lot to Steve “Sudsy” Sumner. We spent 17 years working together and I’m lucky enough to still have him around the rink and I lean on him for advice still.
SPHEM: What are you most excited for as the 2024-2025 Season begins?
DS: I am just excited to get everything going. All the prep work that we put in the summertime to be ready, the anticipation of a new season and the possibilities of what we can accomplish is exciting.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in White Plains NY, but grew up in Kansas City, MO. My dad played in the NHL and after his playing career he was a coach/GM/scout while my mom had the most important job of taking care of myself and sister Cheryl and brother Brian.
In the summer I enjoy getting out and playing some golf, fine tuning my Pittmaster skills, and catching up with family.
All photos courtesy of Dennis Soetaert.
Welcome to the 2024-25 Season! We hope everyone has had a successful training camp and wish you all a great start to the season.
We would like to thank everyone for making our 2024 Hockey Summit in Orlando a huge success. This event continues to get bigger every year and this was our largest annual event to date. Our goal is to provide all attendees the best experience we can, including educational and networking opportunities. We continue to have amazing support and attendance from our vendors and members. This past summer we were honored to have in attendance representation from PHATS, SPHEM, SCAPH, Team Physicians, Team Trauma Physicians, Team Paramedics, League Executives from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NHLPA Executives, and of course our valued vendors and sponsors.
Together with our friends and valued partners from the Strength and Conditioning Association of Professional Hockey (SCAPH), the National Hockey League Team Physicians Society (NHLTPS) and the American Hockey League Team Physicians Society (AHLTPS), plans are well underway for our 2025 Hockey Summit back in Florida at the Orlando World Center Marriott and hope this will be an amazing event for all attendees and family members alike. Please mark your calendars for June 17-22nd and remember to register early as we expect another “sold out” Summit. We also recommend booking your hotel early as our room blocks quickly go. The Executive Committees and Education Committees are working hard to deliver a diverse educational symposium, business meetings, exhibit hall and networking opportunities for all our groups and vendors. We are always looking for educational content, articles, news, and tricks & tips from the field. Please reach out to the PHATS/SPHEM office or any members of the Executive Committees if you would like to help or have any interesting ideas.
Anita Ramsay, Natalie Grant and their staff continue to lead us and we thank them for all their hard work and commitment to our groups. We are very fortunate to have them taking care of all the details for us to be able to put on a conference of this size.
We also could not have this conference without the continued support of our sponsors. We would like to thank the NHL and the NHLPA for their continued support and involvement of our meetings. We look forward to networking and building on our partnerships with all of our sponsors and vendors.
On the SPHEM side, I would like to thank Darren Granger for his past six years as our President. The foundation that he and all previous presidents have created, has given us great opportunity to continue the growth of our membership. I look forward to continuing this growth with the assistance of both our Executive Committees.
We would also like to thank our Social Media Coordinator, Megan Hemenway, who continues to try to drive our brands and provide exposure to what we all do on a day-to-day basis. If anyone has any great behind the scenes photos, videos, or stories that you would be willing to share on our social media sites, please do not hesitate to reach out to Megan at socialmedia@phatssphem.com. Also please let your clubs know to tag our social media sites in any postings they have which may include our membership.
Very soon, we will be announcing who will be our 2025 PHATS/SPHEM Hall of Fame inductee. The Hall of Fame reception and dinner will take place on June 21st. Please check our website for updates as we look forward to honoring our inductee for the highest honor for our groups.
Best of luck to all our members and supporters this season. May everyone stay healthy and safe. We look forward to seeing all of you in Orlando in June.
Tom and Dave
The weather is getting warmer, clocks have sprung ahead, and the trade deadline has passed which means we are in the home stretch of the season with the playoffs just around the corner.
We are very excited to see everyone once again this June back in Florida at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, the first time that we will be back on Disney grounds in over 20 years. We know our members, vendors, guests, and families will enjoy all that Disney has to offer both at the resort and throughout Disney property!
We continue to be impressed with the growth of these meetings with the outstanding educational sessions, exhibit hall, and receptions. The collaboration of our annual meetings with so many different groups has allowed us the opportunity to rename our event the PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Summit. Once again, this summer we will welcome colleagues and friends from a cross section of our hockey community; PHATS, SPHEM, SCAPH, Team Physicians, Emergency Trauma Physicians, Paramedics, League Executives from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NHLPA Executives, and of course our valued vendors and sponsors. We have an excellent lineup of speakers and education seminars in store. Thank you to the education committees of PHATS, SPHEM, and the TPS for their work in making our meetings informative.
We are extremely pleased to honor Doug Shearer, aka “Sluggo”, as this year’s PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. Sluggo spent 34 years in the National Hockey League, working 23 seasons with the Washington Capitals and 11 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. During his career he was a very respected member of the PHATS/SPHEM Executive Board – twice serving as SPHEM President. Sluggo also represented USA Hockey on multiple occasions including the World Championships and the 2002 Olympic Games.
Our Frank and Vi Rowe award recipient for 2024 is Ralph Beavis of Nash Sports. Ralph was a longtime supporter of PHATS/SPHEM and a good friend to both of our groups. Unfortunately, in 2018, Ralph passed away suddenly.
We are very proud to honor Ralph’s legacy with this award. His dedication to our teams and equipment managers at all levels will always be remembered and cherished. His wife, Tracey, daughter, Alyssa and son, Troy have done an incredible job carrying on his work and we are honored to celebrate Ralph and the Beavis family in Orlando.
Thank you to all our sponsors who allow us to put on a first-class event. Special mention to the NHL and the NHLPA for their continued support. Their support of our meetings speaks volumes to the value both groups provide to the game of hockey.
Special thank you to Anita Ramsay and Natalie Grant for all their hard work throughout the year and leading into the planning of the meetings. We could not hold this event without their leadership.
We strongly encourage you to check your emails now and register early. Anita and Natalie are ready to reserve your spot for members and vendors. We plan to have another sold out exhibition hall so make sure to sign up early.
Good luck to those of you gearing up for a long playoff run and we look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando.
Tom and Darren
By Ian Cox
Assistant Equipment Manager
Ottawa Senators
This past November we were fortunate to be one of the four teams included in what has a become a pretty regular event for the NHL, the Global Series. This year, it was a newer format as four teams participated in the same location, which this year, was Stockholm, Sweden.
The four teams were ourselves (Ottawa), Toronto, Detroit and Minnesota. Taking place at the Avicii Arena, it was very unique with all the teams in the same building at once practicing and/or playing daily. This being the second time we have gone, we noticed a bigger buzz around the city as there were more events, appearances, etc., for the fans in different places. With almost a week of games, there was definitely a bigger buzz around town versus our last visit. There were a lot more fan experiences around town as well which added to the excitement.
As far as going to a new country, and somewhat unfamiliar facilities, it went seamlessly. We began working with the league in the summer for what our locker room requirements were, such as power requirements and transformers, as they use a different voltage. Also, our partners at Blademaster helped us with European plug machines and glove dryers. The arena itself had two ice surfaces so we could still practice onsite and only needed to move locker rooms once!
The league did a great job from the moment we landed; it was almost like another road game. Two trucks waiting for us, normal standardized locker room inventory, lots of extra help and we had two unbelievable hosts with us for the week, Anton and Tommy who work in the Swedish Elite League and were amazing. I know the other teams can echo the same about their experiences as well.
The games aside it was great to spend time in a new country with our teammates and fellow staff to bond. It was also nice to get to spend time with some of our friends from the other teams on the road together. Hopefully these events continue to grow along with the game internationally so more and more of us get the opportunity to have these experiences. They are memories that will last a lifetime.
Photos courtesy of Ian Cox
