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UMD HOCKEY ADDS TWO RESIDENT ATHLETIC TRAINERS AS PART OF NEW MEDICAL MODEL

Article reposted from Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs
Author: Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs

The University of Minnesota Duluth has expanded – and enhanced – its sports medicine support for the Bulldog men’s and women’s hockey programs by adding two resident athletic trainers for the 2017-18 season. Resident athletic trainers are similar to resident physicians who seek training in a specific area of medicine.  With the addition of two residents, the two UMD hockey teams will now be provided health care by three certified athletic trainers.  Dr. Susan Hoppe, EdD, ATC, a member of the UMD athletic staff for the past 14 years, will be overseeing the Hockey Sport Performance team. Joining her will be Kevin Lennon, ATC, a former graduate assistant athletic trainer at Sacramento State University, and Jordan Ellis, ATC, CSCS, who recently completed his Master’s degree in athletic training from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Lennon will work and travel with the women’s team while Ellis will do likewise with the Bulldog men.

“There are several benefits to the student-athletes including additional personnel to assist them with prevention and treatment of injuries as well as guide them through rehabilitation of injuries including use of the hydrotherapy pools,” said Hoppe, who took over as UMD men’s hockey athletic trainer in 2004-05.  “Student-athletes will also always have someone to attend diagnostic appointments with them.  This increased level of care continues to show UMD’s level of commitment to our student-athletes.”

But ramping up the level of care is not the only positive Hoppe envisions from this new sports medicine model.

“I also think this is opportunity to give back to the field of athletic training,” added Hoppe. “These certified athletic trainers have a strong desire to increase their skills in relation to the sport of hockey.  I have always enjoyed teaching and I see this new model as a win-win for resident athletic trainers to elevate their skills and for the student-athletes to benefit as well.”