Article reposted from Las Vegas Sun
Author: Jesse Granger
The Vegas Golden Knights have hired former Cirque du Soleil Director of Performance Medicine Jay Mellette as their head athletic trainer and director of sports performance, the team announced today.
Millette joins the hockey team after 12 years at Cirque du Soleil, where he oversaw the care, prevention and rehabilitation services for more than 1,300 athletes and staff for shows in Las Vegas. Prior to his stint with Cirque, Millette was an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force.
In his new position with the Golden Knights, Mellette will oversee the daily administration of the sports performance staff, while also being responsible for ensuring players receive appropriate, comprehensive and effective services.
“Jay possesses a truly unique sports performance and leadership background,” Golden Knights General Manager George McPhee said in a news release. “His impressive tenure at Cirque du Soleil along with his experience in the armed forces will impact our organization in a meaningful way. Trainers and sports performance staff play a vital role in the success of any professional team and we are excited to have Jay help direct our efforts in this area.”