As Macon’s new hockey team prepares for the upcoming season, the man responsible for the player’s health says the excitement brings back memories from when he was a kid.
13WMAZ’s Paula Rotondo joined him as he reminisced and looked ahead.
More than 10 years ago, Aaron Herndon watched for his hometown hockey team, the , to bring home a win.
“We came to literally every home game, and I just I missed it so much when it was gone,” Herndon says.
Years later, he does a little more than watch. Herndon actually takes care of the players as the Macon Mayhem’s head athletic trainer.
From ice baths, to taping, and even massage, the players’ health is in his hands.
Herndon is a Tattnall Square Academy graduate, who participated in a fair share of sports including hockey.
“I remember the captain for the Whoopee was Joe Suk and he was actually my hockey coach when I played,” he says.
After several injuries, he decided to switch sides. “I wanted to be around sports, and to me I never really cared for coaching as much as I did for taking care of athletes.”
Herndon graduated from college, and got a job with Ortho Georgia where he was selected to work for the Mayhem.
“It’s cool to actually be up close with the players and interacting with them every single day.”
He says it seems as though he’s worked on nearly everyone, and the players say they’re grateful for his work.
Michael Montorse says, “To have Aaron here, a hometown guy, that’s huge, and to see the passion that he brings only makes guys want to compete harder.”
Another player, Curtis Megginson agrees saying, “He knows the little injuries that happen, he knows how to take care of the bodies, so it’s great having somebody like that.”
The Mayhem hits the ice for an exhibition game tomorrow night against the Fayetteville FireAntz. Their season opener is next Friday, the 23rd against the Knoxville Ice Bears.
Follow 13WMAZ’s Paula Rotondo on Twitter @Paula_Rotondo
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.13wmaz.com/story/news/local/macon/2015/10/15/macon-mayhem-trainer-grew-up-watching-macon-whoopee/74012066/