SPIRIT THIS WEEK: THERAPISTS WORK LONG HOURS TO GET PLAYERS BACK ON THE ICE

​​STOUFFVILLE, ON: Stouffville Spirit Head Athletic Therapist Tiffany Phan-Chu attends to captain David Paglia with teammate Evan Breckles at the Stouffville Arena on Nov. 9, 2024. (Andy Corneau / OJHL Images)

Way before the popcorn pops and the fans arrive at a Spirit game and long after the last supporter leaves the rink, work is being done under the stands at the Stouffville Arena.

Same goes for the thrice-weekly practices at the Ninth Line rink.

Spirit athletic therapists Tiffany Phan-Chu and Tatum Shantz are busy “helping athletes with their injuries and getting them back on the ice,” as Stouffville native Tatum puts it.

Tiffany, who was born and raised in Edmonton, AB,  graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Health Science, along with a concurrent Athletic Therapy Certificate, from York University and became a Certified Athletic Therapist that same year.

While attending university in Edmonton, she was team trainer for a U15 AA boys’ hockey team.

“That led me to volunteer with various Hockey Alberta development programs,” she said. “These two organizations were the foundation of my athletic therapy career, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities they provided.
At York, she worked with the women’s soccer and ice hockey teams. 

Tatum Shantz on the job at the Stouffville Arena. (OJHL Images photo)

“Unfortunately, my time with women’s hockey was cut short by the pandemic while we were in PEI for Nationals— their first-ever appearance in program history!” she said.

Tiffany became the Spirit’s head athletic therapist in 2022.

“I truly love every moment of it,” she said. “Well, almost every moment; some days the answer may vary depending on which of the boys asks me a silly question first… hah!” 

“When clients ask why I spend my weekends and endure the long hours with a team of 20-plus teenage boys, my answer is simple: I love my job. You could ask me what my weekend plans are, and I’d reply, ‘Oh, I’ve got hockey,’ rather than ‘Oh, I’m working this weekend.’ To me, working with this team is not a job, but a passion.”

There’s a bond.

“I often joke that I have over 20 younger brothers to banter with, and the team camaraderie is what makes this organization so special,” she said. “It certainly helps that there’s great cohesion, both among the boys and the staff—everyone genuinely gets along so well.”

There’s a routine.

“On game days, I start by treating any athletes who need attention—whether it’s deep tissue work, stretching, taping, or simply acting as a sounding board to help the boys mentally prepare,” she said. “During the game, my duties are generally limited, but there are days when I’m on the ice more frequently; it’s usually not a good sign if I’m busy during a game! Thankfully, I haven’t encountered any true emergencies in my career, though I’ve had a few close calls.”

“After the game, I check in with the players to address any minor injuries before heading out. On average, I spend about 5.5 hours at the rink for home games.”

In the off-season, Tiffany works rugby, primarily with the Barrie Rugby Club, and with Team Ontario Lacrosse. 

“Occasionally, Team Ontario events overlap with the start of our hockey season, so our wonderful Assistant Athletic Therapist, Tatum, takes the lead during those times,” she said. 

By day, Tiffany works in a private clinic in Aurora.

Tatum didn’t need directions to the Stouffville Arena.

“Sports have always been a central part of my life,” she said. “Growing up, I played hockey and softball, competing in local leagues and spending countless hours at the Stouffville and Clippers arenas. My siblings and I even took on the role of timekeepers, deepening our connection to the local sports scene. 

“Some of my favorite childhood memories include watching the Stouffville Spirit games with my family.”

A serious knee injury suffered while playing high school rugby launched her on a career path. 

“During my rehabilitation, I discovered the field of athletic therapy,” she said. “My athletic therapist played a key role in getting me back on the ice, and that experience inspired me to pursue a career helping others recover and return to the sports they love.”

Spirit athletic therapists Tiffany Phan-Chu and Tatum Shantz. (OJHL Images)

“I knew being an athletic therapist is what I wanted after that, and I have continued to love my profession.”

Tatum graduated from Sheridan College in 2024 and became a certified Athletic Therapist that July.

“During my time at Sheridan, I had the privilege of working with various teams, including Seneca College’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams and St. Andrew’s College’s U16 football and U18AAA hockey teams,” she said. “I’ve also gained experience supporting athletes in rugby, field hockey, field lacrosse, basketball and softball.”

“Today, it’s a full-circle moment being able to help the Stouffville Spirit athletes with their injuries and getting them back on the ice.”

What’s a typical game day look like?

“Although I predominantly do practices, for games I’ve been able to do for the Spirit, I get to the rink two hours before on-ice warm-up,” Tatum said. “I set up the table, start treatments, and when they go do their dryland warm up, I’ll start preparing tape for those who need it. After dryland, I continue treatments and start taping.” 

“Once the athletes are ready to do on ice warm ups, I make sure I’ve got everything in my kit and fanny pack then head to the bench. I set up my stuff and like to have some tape wherever I’m standing. Post game there might be some more treatments, home care, and/or check-ins. Depending on how the game goes in terms of injuries, I’m usually out of there one to two hours post game, so it can be anywhere from five to six hours I spend at the rink.

“The Spirit environment is always fun and welcoming, and although I love the humour and sarcasm, I’m always there to support them in any way I can.”

They are appreciated.

“The unsung heroes of our team,” said Spirit GM and Governor Kenny Burrows. “They do so much for our players.”

THE STATS

Following three straight wins, the Spirit is 23-14-0-4 and in sole possession of fifth place in the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s East Conference.

The Spirit is ranked seventh in this week’s OJHL Power Rankings/coaches’ poll, up two spots from last week.

Rookie forward Josh Bonnyman has 14 points (7 goals/7 assists) in his last 11 games.

Captain David Paglia has the seventh largest collection of points (34) by a defenceman in the OJHL. Two of his eight goals were game-winners.

Kyle Downey’s goals-against average (2.60) is ninth best across the 24-team league. He has four shutouts this season.

Riley Pope leads the Spirit in points (49) and assists (31). He’s tied for the team lead in goals (18) with Evan Breckles. Pope’s point total is tied for 13th best in the league.

Lachlan Wells is second in points (49) and assists (29) on the team.

Julian Demiglio leads in game-winning goals (4).

THE SCORES

Stouffville 10, King Rebellion 4, Jan. 19

One for the books in the Rebellion’s final game in Nobleton before they move into their new arena. The Rebellion led 3-2 at the 12:07 mark of the first period only to allow nine straight Spirit goals, including  six in the third period. 

Player of the Game Ivan Mentiukov, Lachlan Wells and Julian Demiglio had two-goal games. Four assists for Riley Pope. 

Stouffville 5, St. Michael’s Buzzers 4 (2OT), Jan. 16

Player of the Game Lachlan Wells ended things at 2:04 of the second overtime period, scoring a highlight-reel beauty on Summitview Public School night at the Stouffville Arena.

Another odd game that featured streaky play. The Spirit led 3-1 and were outshooting St. Mike’s 0-0 at one point during the second period. But two Buzzer goals 13 seconds apart had the score tied 3-3 after two. The teams exchanged third-period goals to set the stage for Wells’ heroics. Wells had a three-point night and David Paglia a four-pointer, including the goal that sent the game to OT.

THE SCHEDULE

Jan. 23: Mississauga at Stouffville, 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 24: Stouffville at Markham, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26: Trenton at Stouffville, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 30: Wellington at Stouffville, 3:30 p.m.

STOUFFVILLE, ON – JANUARY 16: Members of the Summitview School Choir sign and sing the national anthem before the game at the Stouffville Arena on January 16, 2025 in Ontario, Canada (Photo by Ray MacAloney / OJHL Images)

NOTEBOOK

Will Acton was at Thursday’s game as a dad on Summitview Public School night. Now 37, he played three seasons for the Spirit before four seasons at NCAA Division I Lake Superior State. His pro career included parts of two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and five years in Germany. He’s now a pro scout with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

MEDIA

All Spirit games are broadcast on 102.9FM  whistlefm.ca  radio and FloHockey TV. 

https://www.flohockey.tv/leagues/10826657-ontario-junior-hockey-league-ojhl (subscription required).

Chris Mayberry will have the play-by-play on radio and TV today.

Spirit This Week is sponsored by Farmer Jack’s in Stouffville and Sharon.