At the annual meeting of the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society and the Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (PHATS/SPHEM) held in late June of this year, the alumni presented their first award. The recognition is for a minor league member’s dedication and excellence in their field.
The first recipient was Dan “Beaker” Stuck of the Hershey Bears. Beaker has been a long time member of PHATS dating back to 1981 when he became the Bears’ assistant trainer. Except for a one-year position working with the Philadelphia Flyers, he has been a mainstay of the organization.
In his 33-year career, he has worked over 2,500 games and been part of five Calder Cups. With the hire of Troy Mann, he will have worked with 18 different coaches as they and the numerous players he has cared for hone their skills for the next level.