Athletic Therapist Leah Toffelmire on the job with the Wellington Dukes. Always first to the rink and the last to leave, health professionals across the OJHL have been tested even further during the pandemic. (Photo by Jason Parks / The Picton Gazette)

Health professionals across the Ontario Junior Hockey League are the backbone of our league and its 22 teams. That’s been especially true during COVID-19.

We’re profiling our own frontline heroes, division by division, this month.

Today: The OJHL East and the therapists and teams who responded to our survey:

LEAH TOFFELMIRE, RMT, CAT(C) is a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Athletic Therapist who has worked with the Wellington Dukes for five seasons

Why do you choose to work in junior hockey in the OJHL? What’s the best part of your job?

The opportunity to work with the Dukes came up the summer after my graduation, and so I applied without really knowing what a perfect fit it would be for me. Within weeks, I fell in love with working junior hockey and began to realize what a special organization Wellington truly is.  The best part of my job is using my skills and knowledge to support the boys so they can play their best hockey now and potentially create opportunities to play at a higher level in the future.  I love being part of the team.  I thrive on the emotion of the sport, the highs and lows of wins and losses, and the energy surrounding the bench and the game.  

How has your work with your OJHL team changed with COVID-19?

My work with the Dukes has changed significantly with Covid-19. Now that I am the Covid Liaison as well as the AT,  I am responsible for being up to date with the latest Covid news locally and from the league, and making sure we are following all protocols to remain as safe as possible. I oversee daily prescreenings by email, and actual screenings of all players and staff upon their arrival, as well as ensuring the room and equipment are properly cleaned every day.  This adds a significant amount of time to my work with the team, but I have enjoyed the extra responsibility.  

For teams who played this fall, describe a typical game day with your team – during COVID-19 and before the pandemic. Extra precautions, equipment used etc. Challenges?

A typical game day finds me at the rink 3 hours before the game to help complete room prep and being available to help players with their pregame routines. I assist players with tight muscles that may need to be stretched or massaged, set them up with muscle activation exercises they may need, and provide taping and bracing for any players with new or old injuries.  During the game I watch for any obvious injuries that may need my attention. I try to watch both teams in case my help is needed out on the ice. I also watch my players as they come on and off the ice to make sure their body language doesn’t indicate a possible injury I may have missed. I take care of bumps and bruises on the bench as well as any equipment issues. If a player needs further evaluation, I take him to the trainer’s room where I can assess him properly and provide the appropriate follow-up.  After the game I will set up the ice tubs as needed. If a player was injured in the game I will treat him before he goes home to try and get a jump start on the rehab process. I like to be the last one to leave so that I am available if a player needs any treatment or has any questions. 

COVID-19 has changed things significantly.  There is a lot more time and attention going into cleaning and disinfecting our environment.  The disinfectant foggers provided by the league have been incredibly helpful and allow us to feel more confident that our room is just that much safer.  The rule changes in the game itself, the need to wear masks, the screenings, and new protocols have changed the average day-to-day for the team.  We have worked hard to communicate all of the rule changes and protocols to the players verbally and in writing, and we are always on the lookout to make sure the players are following things as closely as possible. It’s been challenging to incorporate so many changes so quickly in an already busy and fast-paced environment.  Things that you wouldn’t think twice about during a normal season (like spitting on the bench or managing towels and water bottles) suddenly become significant because of rule changes.  It’s sometimes been tough to change habits, but as an organization we have high expectations for our players and ourselves, and we try to always rise to the occasion. 

Other teams and sports you’ve work(ed) with?

My experience in the field of Athletic Therapy includes working at Fleming College with their varsity program for two years while also working for the Dukes. While at Fleming, we were responsible for home game coverage for all varsity sports, away game coverage for the rugby teams, as well as treating all the athletes in the clinic. At Fleming I worked with rugby, soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, curling, and logger sports teams and athletes. 

What’s your ‘day job’?

As well as working for the Dukes I work at Trenton Integrative Health Centre, a multidisciplinary medical clinic.  There I have my own base of massage and athletic therapy clients who I work with on a daily basis.  At the clinic I work alongside a range of professionals - Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, a Naturopath and a Pedorthist.  Working in such an environment allows me be part of a team approach and develop my skills.

Your qualifications?

I am a Certified Athletic Therapist with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association as well as a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. I have also completed my certification in Neurofunctional Acupuncture from McMaster University. 

OLIVER MOYER has been the trainer with the Lindsay Muskies for three years

Why do you choose to work in junior hockey in the OJHL? What’s the best part of your job

I grew up watching the Muskies with dad and uncles. My mum went to every single game as a teenager. When I moved back to Lindsay it was a no brainer to get a position with the team. 

Easily the best part of my job is the players. Every day, I get to watch them become better hockey players and better people. They’re hilarious, hardworking, great guys. Also getting to be at the rink every day and involved in the game of hockey is something I don’t take for granted.

How has your work with your OJHL team changed with COVID-19

Basically, my work has only changed in that there are added steps that have to be taken with everything I do. Whether it’s disinfecting everything constantly, making sure someone has their mask on, respecting the traffic flow plan of the arena… it’s all just an extra step or two to something that was already being done.

For teams who played this fall, describe a typical game day with your team – during COVID-19 and before the pandemic. Extra precautions, equipment used etc. Challenges?

As a trainer, game days have really only changed in that there is more pre-game to do. Pre-screeners have to be done by everyone who will be in attendance 2 hours before coming to the arena, which I have to evaluate. Then upon arrival everyone has to be physically screened, including the away team, referees, and staff. And because of our municipality restrictions limiting the amount of people we can have at the rink, I also have to be the trainer for the visiting team so that’s another 25 guys to make sure are taken care of. When you’re a trainer you’re already concerned with health, safety, and sanitation, so it’s much of the same just heightened. Masks are worn now even on the ice, physical distancing has to be practiced... those types of changes took the most adjusting to.  

What’s your ‘day job’?

Small engines mechanic.

Your qualifications?

HTCP Level I & II

First Aid Certified

CPR Level C Certified

AED Certified