Are 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