Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
Department of Health and Human Performance
Fresh off a Stanley Cup Appearance
This year, the Florida Panthers asked the Department of Health and Human Performance to assist the Florida Panthers with physical assessments for newly drafted players.
Students and alumni of the sports science (M.S.) and exercise and sport science (B.S) programs aided Tobin Silver, Ph.D., professor, and Corey Peacock, Ph.D., professor, and the Florida Panthers’ Sports Performance team in evaluating newly drafted hockey players.
The students had a chance to provide comprehensive performance assessments including Wingate testing, VO2 max testing, postural assessments, and upper body strength. They were able to provide these assessments while being provided direction by Mike Joyce, Florida Panthers head strength and conditioning coach, Tim Wittenauer, Florida Panthers director of sports performance & rehabilitation, and Chris McLellan, Ph.D., Florida Panthers vice president of sports performance. Silver and Peacock have provided this opportunity to students for 11 consecutive seasons.
Emma Krause, M.S. graduate student, said, “I was extremely thankful for the opportunity to learn from Tim, Mike, and McLellan. They guided us through their assessment philosophy and allowed us students to learn through an unforgettable interactive experience.” Additionally, the students and staff were able to review the data and understand the application of performance testing.
Talia Thompson, M.S. graduate student, said, “It was great getting to work alongside professionals in the field. Hands-on experience is the best way to apply what we have learned in the classroom, and I am thankful to have had this opportunity to gain experience in professional sports.”
HHP Faculty, students, and alumni, recently provided the NHL’s Florida Panthers Hockey Club with preseason physical assessments of newly drafted players.
HHP students, Emma Krause, Maria Berrocales, and Joseph Petruzzelli, assess hip function with professional hockey player.
HHP students, Talia Thompson, and Zachary Dean, preparing the upper body strength assessment station.