Lloydminster, AB ? There is a very important role in action behind the scene at every hockey game fans are not likely paying attention to. Every team has an Athletic Therapist to make sure players are healthy, warmed up and prepared physically for games. In junior hockey the role usually has a few more job duties and tasks piled on to traditional expectations. The Lloydminster Bobcats not only recruited several players this off season but also recruited staff in the overhaul of operations and recruitment included the hiring of athletic therapist
Hailee Dayman. Hailee came to Lloydminster from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League where she had spent the previous two seasons. On arrival she took on several roles within the organization getting ready for the 2019-20 season including administration, season tickets, equipment manager and preparation of the dressing room all the while getting her own business started in Lloydminster -Go To Athletic Therapy.
Move forward to September 27 when a Friday afternoon game was overshadowed by a frightful injury to Tyler Schendel for which the Drumheller Dragon player was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct. The positive in the incident was the quick and accurate response and action plan executed by the Bobcats? Athletic Therapist Dayman who assessed the situation and laid out a perfect game plan. With her knowledge and skills, she put an emergency action plan to work. During that time team work above and beyond the game of hockey was evident as Drumheller Dragons? athletic therapist Rebecca Kuresh, Drayton Valley Thunders? Alisha Ushko, and Canmore Eagles? athletic therapist Megan Hansen joined forces to make sure Schendel received the best care possible on ice until paramedics arrived. The four athletic therapists looked as if they had been working as a team for years the way they collaborated quickly, adequately and as one emergency response unit. ?Hailee did an outstanding job in the situation, we are very fortunate to have her in our organization. In a male division hockey league, these female therapists are unsung heroes who do not get enough credit. The display of competence, professionalism and most importantly the best possible outcome for the injured player could not be outdone in any league. We can?t say enough and do not take their work for granted.? says Head Coach/GM Nigel Dube.
Players from across North America join hockey teams for a season leaving their home and families to pursue their dream. Parents and family may wonder if they are in good hands and this example shows junior hockey teams make sure their players are in the best hands possible! The Bobcats organization would like to give a big thank you to our own Hailee Dayman and the rest of the Athletic Therapists who may not get the daily credit they deserve!