Wow!!Out of the blue I received a phone call from someone in Melbourne asking if I could do some sports coverage. This was back in 2013. Little did I know it was for the number one and number two team in the world for Ice Hockey!!! After consideration?? I quickly realised the opportunity and of course said yes.
I have been doing sports physio for many years looking after both individual athletes and teams, from professionals to beginners but had never anything to do with Ice Hockey. So I was very excited and up for the challenge.
Last year was very successful, Canada won the series, there was not too many injuries to report but l now knew l liked this sport. So when asked again to assist for the 2014season l didn’t hesitate.
It was match day & I arrived at ALLPHONES Arena a couple of hours before start time. Once I got to the change rooms I had a line of players eager for some physio care. The doctor, a 1st aider and this year a masseuse joined the medical team we all introduced ourselves, and l realised l was the only medic with Ice Hockey experience. So l explained a little about what to expect, set up my treatment table and we got straight to work.
As the physiotherapist I was by far the busiest prior to the match, seeing too all current injuries, treating appropriately with manual techniques, strapping when necessary with either sports or Kinesio tape and assisted stretching. Among the injuries treated were general tightness, neck and lower back problems, an ankle sprain, hamstring strains, Quad contusions, rotator cuff injuries but the most common by far were groin issues. This year the USA team needed more help, which was a change from last year when I saw more of the Canadian team.
While treating the guys I got to know the players personally as they started to open up and talk about anything and everything which is great! As this was my second year I already knew a few of the players and managerial staff and you get to know who is Mr popular, who the star player is, whose the trouble maker, the fight starter and the nice guy.
Once all players were seen I got some ice bags ready, grabbed my bum bag with equipment that maybe needed and headed down to ringside for the action. Although it was a fast paced game there was no major injuries aside from an AC injury for the Canadian goalie, everything else were mainly just bumps and bruises from too many scuffles. So I got plenty of time to get into the game! Take some great photo shots and see the USA team take out the series for 2014.
It was a thrill again to be part of not one but two professional teams, the atmosphere in the stadium was amazing and despite the game ending and all the celebrations starting its such a buzz when some of the players actually go out of there way, come over to you and thankyou personally for all your help.