Virden Oil Capitals athletic therapist and equipment manager Hailee Dayman certainly had a winning experience at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge where she served as the athletic therapist for Team Canada West. The squad won the bronze medal at the prestigious event that was held Dec. 9-14 in Bonnyville, AB.
“Being a part of an amazing staff, along with the top 22 players in Western Canada, was exciting,” she said. “To be among the best in the world and being a small part in winning a medal was a great way to end my first experience with Team Canada West at an international tournament.”
The Oil Caps organization is pleased to see Dayman have opportunities such as this.
“We are really happy for her. … That’s a great experience for her and well deserved,” said Jamie Hodson, the team’s director of business and hockey operations.
Dayman, who said she worked alongside a great staff, really enjoyed her time with Team West.
“Witnessing the high-caliber hockey was quite an experience in itself,” she said. “It was a quick turnaround from picking the team in Calgary and bussing up to Bonnyville to prepare for the tournament was great. We were able to bond as a staff and team in such a short period of time. By the end, it felt like we’ve been together for a year.”
Dayman is from Estevan and spent two seasons with her hometown Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. She played and studied at the University of Lethbridge. Dayman achieved her Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy at Victoria’s Camosun College. She is now in her second season in Virden, after helping the squad make it to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League finals last year.
“She has been a valuable addition to our staff … helping mend our guys and keeping them ship shape,” Hodson said.
Dayman said being a part of the Oil Capitals has been great.
“Having been with the team for two years working with the players, it has helped me in gaining experience as well as connecting me with other opportunities within the MJHL including the Prospects Camp back in July, as well as the upcoming SJHL/MJHL Players Showcase in Regina in January.”
Dayman greatly enjoys her career as an athletic therapist. In addition to working with the Oil Capitals, she runs the Go To Athletic Therapy clinic.
“The best part of being an athletic therapist is I get to help everyday people and athletes return to life with movement,” she said. “Whether it be clients wanting to return to play or life activities after an injury or wanting to stay active without getting injured, or helping people who are struggling with movement be able to do their daily activities or sports again pain free is pretty cool.
“To know I’ve helped someone in a struggle they’re going through makes me want to help others more.”
This Week
After going 19-12-2-4 in the 2018 portion of their schedule, the Oil Capitals kicked off the new year at home against Waywayseecappo on Thursday.
This weekend the team is on the road against the Winkler Flyers on Saturday and the Winnipeg Blues on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the Swan Valley Stampeders visit Tundra Oil & Gas Place for the start of a four-game homestand.
