Celebrating Athletic Therapy Month at OHA Edmonton: The Team Behind the Team
Championing innovation, education, and advocacy to elevate Athletic Therapy and empower both therapists and the communities they serve across Alberta.
June is Athletic Therapy Month, and here at OHA Edmonton, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes to keep our athletes healthy, strong, and performing at their peak.
Athletic Therapy is more than injury response—it’s a highly skilled profession that blends clinical care, emergency management, rehabilitation, and proactive injury prevention. At its core, Athletic Therapy supports athletes in reaching and sustaining their highest potential.
More Than Game Day Support
While many hockey academies only bring in Athletic Therapists for game coverage, OHA Edmonton integrates our Certified Athletic Therapists (ATs) into every part of the athlete experience. From early morning treatment sessions to practice prep and in-game care, our therapists are a constant presence in the development journey of every student-athlete.
Meet Our Team
Dwayne – Manager of Athletic Therapy
Dwayne has been a Certified Athletic Therapist for nearly 20 years. A proud Edmonton native, he grew up immersed in the hockey culture of the 1980s and brings that same passion to his work every day. Since the founding of OHA Edmonton, Dwayne has played a dual role as both Athletic Therapist and Strength Coach, guiding the physical and mental growth of our athletes.
Beyond the rink, Dwayne supports student-athletes at Harry Ainlay High School, working with championship teams and leading sports medicine and performance programs. When he’s not on the bench or in the gym, you’ll find him outdoors with his wife and three kids—recharging in the same province he proudly serves.
Vicky McCray – Certified Athletic Therapist
Vicky brings a strong academic foundation and years of practical experience to OHA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Human Nutrition from St. Francis Xavier University and completed her Athletic Therapy degree at Sheridan College.
She has worked with a range of teams across multiple sports, including Jr. A Hockey, AA Women’s Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, and Basketball. Vicky has also served as a fitness and sports instructor with the Canadian Forces. Her passion lies in helping athletes thrive both physically and mentally—and she’s excited to be a part of the OHA Edmonton journey.
What Is a Certified Athletic Therapist?
Athletic Therapists are not just “trainers.” Becoming a Certified AT in Canada requires a rigorous education path, which typically includes:
- A degree in Kinesiology or a related field
- A diploma or degree in Athletic Therapy from an accredited institution
- Hands-on clinical and fieldwork experience
- Passing the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) national certification exam
Once certified, therapists must maintain their credentials through continuing education and professional development.
Supporting Excellence: The Role of AATA
Our team members are proud to be part of the Athletic Therapists Association of Alberta (AATA)—a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and advancing the profession across Alberta.
AATA membership means:
- Access to advanced education and career development
- Advocacy for the profession within sports and healthcare
- Professional insurance, legal support, and networking
- Promotion of safety and standards in athletic environments
AATA helps ensure that therapists in Alberta are not only certified but also constantly evolving—raising the bar for athlete care and performance.
Learn more at www.aata.org
More Than Injury Care: A Lasting Impact
At OHA Edmonton, our therapists are central to our athlete care model. They:
- Prevent injuries through assessments, mobility work, and athlete education
- Provide immediate emergency care (all our therapists are certified First Responders)
- Design and manage customized rehab and return-to-play plans
- Work closely with coaches, strength staff, and families to support whole-athlete wellness
Their impact stretches far beyond the treatment room—it’s visible in every stride, save, and shot our athletes take.
Join Us in Saying Thank You
This June, we celebrate the tireless work and lasting impact of our Athletic Therapists. Their dedication fuels our mission and keeps our athletes healthy, focused, and ready to perform.
To every Certified Athletic Therapist across Alberta and beyond:
Thank you. We see you. We value your expertise. And we’re better because of you.
