PHF announces Cleveland Clinic as official medical team
The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) is proud to announce a new two-year relationship with Cleveland Clinic through the 2022-23 season. Bringing extensive Sports Medicine and Orthopedic expertise in both the United States and Canada, Cleveland Clinic will support the Federation with consultation on various initiatives by providing strategic guidance and expertise as the Official Medical Team of the PHF.
“Health and safety is a top priority and the PHF is fortunate to have Cleveland Clinic and their world-class staff advising our team over the next two seasons,” said Tyler Tumminia, PHF Commissioner. “This relationship with an innovative global leader further exemplifies our commitment to strengthening our league in all facets with access to the very best resources to enhance our programming and professional environments.”
Among the principal directives for Cleveland Clinic are return to play protocols for PHF athletes and policy development for fans to return to PHF arenas under the right safeguards in Season 7. They will also advise on a new youth wellness program that encourages healthy and balanced lifestyles. Fans will find Cleveland Clinic visible throughout PHF venues and with recognition on broadcasts, plus web, streaming and social media promotion.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center that has provided world class patient care to people from around the world for 100 years. Listed no. 2 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2020-21 Best Hospitals rankings, Cleveland Clinic has also had a presence in Canada since 2006 and is the official medical provider of the Toronto Six.
Leading the team from a clinical perspective is Marie Schaefer, MD, a Cleveland Clinic staff physician who is board certified in Family Medicine with a specialty certification in Primary Care Sports Medicine. Dr. Schaefer also serves as the Head Team Physician and NCAA Health Care Administrator for Cleveland State University. Her specialty interests include non-operative management of orthopedic conditions, acute and chronic sports injuries, tendon or ligament conditions, and management of medical problems in sports.
“We look forward to working closely with the PHF and support the dedicated growth of professional women’s hockey in North America,” said Dr. Schaefer. “Just as we put our patients first, the PHF puts their players first. Our goals to promote health and wellness also align with the PHF’s vision to inspire the next generation of athletes.”
This new relationship follows a record-setting Season 6 for league sponsorship activation, broadcast partnerships, and digital fan engagement that led to the announced salary cap increase up to $300,000 per team. The PHF season begins Saturday November 6, 2021 with all six teams in action. COVID-19 protocols pertaining to fan attendance during the 2021-22 PHF season will be announced at a later date.
About Premier Hockey Federation (PHF):
The PHF is the leading home of professional women’s hockey in North America. Established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL rebranded to become the PHF in 2021 and maintains the mission to provide strong role models and fuel the continued growth of the sport. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup.
The original article can be found here.
