More About Injuries and Training
by Bob Wage on Dec 15, 2008 2:51 PM EST
Email
PrintAre the Carolina Hurricanes being penny-wise and pound foolish regarding their conditioning, training, and injury rehabilitation? It seems like every single year the team is near the top in the league regarding man-games lost. Once again this season, the Canes have skated 30 players so far, which is tied for the most in the NHL.
When Justin Williams was injured during an off-ice workout before training camp this year, General Manager Jim Rutherford made the observation that the team might be over-training. He stated that he did not think that all the injuries were just a matter of bad luck. But could Rutherford's own system, or way of managing the system be a contributing factor?
For instance, Carolina is the only team in the league which combines the job functions of Strength and Conditioning Coach with Head Athletic Therapist/Trainer. At least, Pete Friesen is the only person in the NHL with the dual title.
While Friesen might be fully qualified to perform both job functions, is it really the best course of action? You could compare this situation with a company combining it's quality and manufacturing departments. People would be checking and scrutinizing their own work, which leaves out the opportunity for objective feedback and increases the chance for mistakes.
Most teams list the Strength and Conditioning Coach under the coaching staff, while the Head Athletic Trainer is under hockey operations or support. Some do not make a distinction where they list the positions, but there are at least two people, (sometimes three or more) fulfilling those roles. Many teams also have massage therapists on duty, while the Hurricanes do not.
While Friesen does have an assistant, (Jason Bailey), once again he is the only person in the NHL officially listed with the dual title. Taking into consideration the high number of injuries the team continually suffers from, perhaps Friesen could use an extra hand, if not another voice or opinion?
Here is a listing of a few of the other team's personnel.
Anaheim
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Sean Skahan
- Head Athletic Trainer - Tim Clark
Atlanta
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Ray Bear
- Head Athletic Trainer - Tommy Alva
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Stephen Roberts
Boston
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - John Whitesides
- Head Athletic Trainer - Don DelNegro
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Derek Repucci
Buffalo
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Doug McKenny
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach - Kevin Collins
- Athletic Trainer - Tim Macre
Calgary
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Rich Hesketh
- Athletic Trainer - Morris Boyer
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Gerry Kurylowish
- Athletic Therapist - Mark DePasquale
Carolina
- Head Athletic Therapist/Strength and Conditioning Coach - Pete Friesen
- Associate Athletic Therapist - Jason Bailey
Chicago
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Paul Goodman
- Head Athletic Trainer - Mike Gapski
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Jeff Thomas
Colorado
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Paul Goldberg
- Head Athletic Trainer - Matthew Sokolowski
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Scott Woodard
Columbus
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Barry Brennan
- Head Athletic Trainer - Michael Vogt
Dallas
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - JJ McQueen
- Head Athletic Trainer - Dave Zies
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Craig Lowry
Edmonton
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Chad moraeu
- Head Athletic Trainer - Ken Lowe
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Scott Hoyer
Florida
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Andy O'Brien
- Head Athletic Trainer - Dave Zenobi
- Assistant Athletic Trainer - Steve Dischiavi
Washington
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Mark Nemish
- Head Athletic Trainer - Greg Smith
- Assistant Trainer - Ben Reisz
Vancouver
- Strength and conditioning Coach - Roger Takahashi
- Medical Trainer - Mike Burnstein
- Medical Trainer - Jon Sanderson
- Assistant Medical Trainer - Marty Dudgeon
3 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Someone else around here brought up the fact that JR always seems to trade for or acquire players who have a history of being injured as a way to acquire talent cheaply. I think this could be something to look at as well……
by wylde4canesHatesJR on Dec 15, 2008 3:01 PM EST reply actions
trading for players that are injury proned could be part of it.
Pete Friesen does seem like he is good in his role, but he might be over exteded.
I know the Friesen get some respect around the league, but it is hard to make a judgement on a part of the staff that is rarely heard of.
With all of the medical talent in the Raleigh Durham CH area it seems that help on that end should be more than easy to aquire. If it is money JR is trying to save (which is stupid) then he can still have an intern (or five or ten or a hundred) that would be more than willing to work just for the experiance
by Charlie on Dec 15, 2008 4:45 PM EST reply actions
I’m not sure that looking at the number of staff is the way to approach the question. Unless Friesen is “over-extended” to the point where he’s leaving the players to train on their own, and they’re getting hurt that way.
I guess I’d rather ask “What exactly is the training regimen in place?” How does what the Canes players are asked to do differ from what other teams do?
I suspect the answer is “all of the above,” rather than just “too much training” or “too many brittle players.” Maybe Friesen has a plan in place that puts too much pressure on player’s bodies. Maybe the combination of Long Season + Year-Round Training = More Injuries. (You’re seeing this in other sports as well, where more play plus more training on young bodies is resulting in more physical breakdowns. See tennis in particular.)
Just my $.02
by Archivalist on Dec 17, 2008 12:34 PM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Wild’s Marek Zidlicky drinks Lou’s Kool-Aid, waives no-trade for Devils
- Tuesday’s Three Stars: 4-spots for Kovalchuk, Spezza; who throws a strawberry on the ice?
- Henrik Lundqvist survives Zdeno Chara shot to back of head for save of year candidate (VIDEO)
- Red Wings set NHL record with 21 straight home wins; Steve Ott: ‘That’s a phenomenal feat’
- Puck Previews: Red Wings go for wins record; Brian Boyle hates Bruins; Ruutu out 3 weeks
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Wings set NHL record with 21 straight wins at home
- WHL Roundup: A look at Tuesday's games
- Gallagher has hat trick and SO winner, leads Giants over Americans 5-4
- Thunderbirds end seven-game home losing streak with 4-3 SO win over Rockets
- Nabokov makes 37 saves, Parenteau scores winner as Islanders beat Jets 3-1
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
