BROOKS, AB (August 14, 2017) – The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are delighted to announce the hiring of Karyn Fanstone as the team’s new Athletic Therapist, and Matt Dyck as the team’s new Equipment Manager.
“Every off season presents us with an opportunity to evaluate our program and look for ways we can improve,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou. “An area we identified was offering our players more support when it came to their health and equipment. Naturally, we wanted to separate the typical trainer duties and have dedicated people to both therapy and equipment.”
Fanstone has served as Athletic Therapist in the AJHL for the past three seasons, spending two years with the Drayton Valley Thunder and the most recent campaign with the Bonnyville Pontiacs. She was also trainer for Team Alberta at the Western Canada Challenge Cup, and for teams at the Alberta Cup, in both 2015 and 2016. A Certified Athletic Therapist, Fanstone graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2014.
“I could not be more excited to be joining the Brooks Bandits for the upcoming season,” said Fanstone. “Being able to join such an elite organization is an honour and I cannot wait to start the season. Hockey truly is a team sport, and I am going to do my best to be the best therapist that I can be in order to help our Bandit athletes.”
“Karyn comes to us with glowing reviews by everyone she has worked with in the past,” said Papaioannou. “Her ability to keep players in the lineup and get them back in quickly after injury is something to which we are truly looking forward. She has experience in our league which is valuable along with many great connections working with Hockey Alberta.”
Dyck also brings significant Junior A experience to the organization, having served as Head Equipment Manager for both the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and the Surrey Eagles of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Dyck also served as assistant equipment manager with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
“I am very honoured to be joining a first class organization, and to be heading to Brooks to get things started,” said Dyck. “Through my time in junior hockey I’ve heard great things about the Bandits, and I’m extremely thrilled to be part of the community and organization in Brooks.”
“Matt has a tremendous passion for equipment and all things that prepare our players for the ice everyday,” said Papaioannou. “He stood out to us due to his experience in the position and in junior hockey in general. Our players will benefit greatly from his knowledge, work ethic and professionalism.”
“I look forward to both Karyn and Matt arriving in Brooks this week and working with them to get ready for the upcoming season,” Papaioannou added.
Both Fanstone and Dyck will be relocating to Brooks in time for the beginning of the team’s annual main training camp, which is set to begin at the CRA on August 25th.
Season tickets for the Bandits’ 2017-18 season are on sale now, and are the only way to guarantee a spot at the 2019 RBC Cup national championship! Order online today at tickets.brooksbandits.ca.