I’ve been the Team Doctor for the Langley Rams for 5 years now. I’ve had my moments, and it had its ups and downs. I remember my first season with the Langley Rams I was a one-man show. I attended every practice, every game, went on every road trip. I can’t be certain of all the hours, but I would guess that I put in over 500h that season. It was exhausting.
But I learned. I learned that “many hands make light work” I reached out to a few students and I had a bunch of interest. I remember sitting down with my first student (and still one of my favourite people) Lindsay L. She was all in to help! I found a few more students and all of a sudden, we had a full-on training staff! As the staff grew, I let them have more responsibility! Lindsay eventually took over as the Lead and I started stepping away from some practices and games (this allowed me to actually spend some time with my family!) Lindsay was amazing and players and coaches loved her! But as with all good things, it had to come to an end.
Luckily I had a few eager students who were ready to step up. Dan M. took over the next season and rocked it! Dan was so good, that we got contracted out by the Langley Trappers Hockey club
Over the past few seasons, we have built up a program for the Langley Rams. It includes baseline concussion testing, off-season conditioning, injury management and rehabilitation. We have also put together a pretty good on-field program for the team. We have at least 2 people at all practices and games and all staff have training in injury assessment, management and concussion assessment and management.
I want to send a huge shout out to some of the people who have helped me out over the past few years. To Lindsay L who has gone on to a successful career as a kinesiologist. To Jen D, who just finished her physiotherapy program at UBC. To Royal R who is currently working as a strength and conditioning coach, and to my all-star staff from the past couple of seasons who have all gotten into professional programs: Karina L attending Athletic Therapy College, Muriah C awaiting acceptance to Physiotherapy, Jordana R currently accepted into Physiotherapy, Mikeala S who is accepted into Chiropractic and of course my right-hand man, Dan M whom without him, none of this would be possible. One more shout out to Kiera D who has grown to accept more and more responsibility over the past few years. And of course, there are numerous other names through the years who have come and gone but I can safely say I have been excited to have a small part in seeing these people grow!
And of course, it doesn’t hurt to win a couple of championship rings along the way!