Throughout the 2022-23 off-season, the Ontario Hockey League will be spotlighting a member from each team’s front office staff as we look to highlight those working “Behind the Scenes” of the day-to-day operations.
Making sure the players are at their best on and off the ice, Jennifer Love shares her journey as the Sarnia Sting’s Head Athletic Therapist.
JL: My name is Jennifer Love I am the Head Athletic Therapist for the Sarnia Sting. I am going into my third season with the team. I went to school at Sheridan College to obtain my Athletic Therapy degree.
What are your responsibilities as the Sarnia Sting’s Head Athletic Therapist?
JL: My responsibilities as the Sarnia Sting Head Athletic Therapist will vary throughout the day from designing and executing treatments and rehabilitation plans for injuries and illness for the athletes, maintaining athletes record and filling insurance documents, supporting game day set up, and developing quick on-ice emergency care when someone gets hurt or injured.
How does the job differ from practice compared to game days?
JL: The job differs from practice compared to game day by on practice there is more of a focus on rehabilitation and maintenance of the athletes. However, from an emergency standpoint my EAP (emergency action plan) has to change and I have to be more alert and ready to jump into action as there is less hands to help during practice such as doctors/paramedics on standby. Whereas on game days the focus turns to setting up and preparing for the game, and on game days we have doctors and paramedics on site ready to assist me during the game if something happens.
What led you to your current role with the Sting?
JL: My drive to make it to the NHL and with the Sting I was able to start that path of working my way towards reaching the NHL as an Athletic Therapist someday.
As an Athletic Therapist, do you have any tips that you regularly stress towards the players?
JL: From a medical standpoint, my tips would be hydration and sleep are extremely important to the players performance both on and off the ice. Without proper sleep and hydration their bodies will start to struggle with the high demands placed on them. As well injuries are apart of the game and recovery and treatment are as important for a successful career.
What has been the most fulfilling part about working for the Sting?
JL: Watching some of the players recover from injuries and reach potentials they never thought they could achieve.
What has been your favourite memory spent with the team since joining in 2021?
JL: Watching the players come together and reach the Western Conference Final for the first time in Sting history and seeing all the fans rally behind them.
