PHATS / SPHEM

Honouring the contribution and dedicated years of service of the National Hockey League Athletic Trainers and Equipment Managers to the game of hockey.

In 1969 professional hockey athletic trainers began meeting informally to exchange ideas on business matters, medical knowledge and common problems that take place in their unique work environment. By 1973, both the NHL and NHLPA had officially recognized the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Association. Over the next 20 years, the organization continued to expand its ranks to include both athletic trainers and equipment managers from the NHL, AHL, IHL, ECHL and CHL. In 1996, members voted to divide the organization into two equal societies which would continue to strive to meet common goals, as well as focus on the specific needs of athletic trainers and equipment managers. . Currently, the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society (PHATS) and the Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM) boast over 800 members, who represent more than 100 Professional, NCAA and Canadian Hockey League teams from across North America and Europe including the NHL, AHL, ECHL, SPHL, WPHL, NCAA, OHL, WHL, QMJHL, USHL and Junior Hockey Leagues.

One of the many objectives of the PHATS/SPHEM Annual Meetings is to increase awareness of members' dedication, professionalism and contributions to the sport. During the annual PHATS/SPHEM Hall of Fame Dinner, one member of PHATS/SPHEM is honoured by their peers for their contribution and service by being inducted into the PHATS/SPHEM Wall of Honour, located adjacent to the Hyundai NHL Zone within the Hockey Hall of Fame.

PHATS/SPHEM - Induction Requirements

• Ten years service in the NHL as Head Trainer or Equipment Manager
• Fifteen years total service in professional hockey
• Member of PHATS or SPHEM
• Service to the community
• Personal accomplishments in hockey
• Past or present Board Member of PHATS or SPHEM
• PHATS or SPHEM Committee Member
• Contributions to hockey

The collective goal of making the game of hockey as safe as possible for the players has enabled PHATS and SPHEM to develop a variety of worthwhile programs that have made a positive impact both inside and outside the sport of hockey. Some of these noteworthy contributions include:

• Lending their knowledge and expertise to NHL initiatives and committees
• Educating their counterparts in hockey's minor leagues through annual educational symposiums
• Granting scholarships to equipment management and athletic training students
• Supporting and advancing their national affiliate associations
• NHL Standardization Program for visiting teams, referees, locker rooms and ice conditions
• Injury Analysis Committee and Panel
• Injury and equipment report protocols
• Concussion protocols
• Frank & Vi Rowe Ambassadors Award
• PHATS/SPHEM Alumni Hardship Fund

Members of PHATS, who have compiled NHL injury statistics with team physicians for several years, have helped raise the issue of minimizing injuries. This momentum has played a role in the formation in 2000 of a new NHL committee aimed at reducing and preventing injuries to the players.

SPHEM members are also involved with the NHL on assisting with equipment tracking to identify potential injury risk and develop more effective equipment.

Throughout the 2000-01 season the NHL Injury Analysis Committee developed recommendations on possible ways to reduce injuries either by altering the players' equipment, the game's style of play or the rules of the game. This work continues today as PHATS/SPHEM members are represented on all major NHL Committees including the Joint Health and Safety Committee alongside NHL & NHLPA Executives, Club Management and Club Physicians.

In recognition of members of the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society (PHATS) and the Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM) who have been honoured for their contribution and service. Selected solely by PHATS & SPHEM.