ATHLETIC TRAINER HAILEY ROCK BRINGS OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE TO WHALE

Milford, Conn. - Hailey Rock has been named the Head Athletic Trainer for the Connecticut Whale ahead of the 2022-23 Premier Hockey Federation season. She is a Board Certified AT and National Athletic Trainer Association member who graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science - Athletic Training from the CAATE-Accredited Professional Athletic Training Program at Stevens Point. Rock becomes just the second person in franchise history to fulfill the role with the Whale, bringing a strong skill set and deep hockey experience to the team.

“Hailey has been a tremendous addition to the staff. Her experience and personality are the perfect fit for the Whale. She has quickly eased into her role with confidence and clearly commands the position with her wealth of knowledge. She fits perfectly into our culture and we are all very excited to have the players under such good care,” commented General Manager Alexis Moed.

“Since I moved here three weeks ago from my small town in Wisconsin, I have felt welcome and appreciated by all staff and players as if I have been a part of this team for years,” said Rock. “The culture here feels like family! I am excited for this opportunity and look forward to the rest of the season working with the Whale. My goals for the season are simple, to keep the team safe and healthy!”

The Elmwood, WI native spent the 2021-22 season with the Chinese National Women’s team as they competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics as well as the IIHF Division I Group B World Championship in Poland.

“Getting to work in the Olympics has been a lifelong dream of mine,” explained Rock. “Working with Team China was a very humbling experience, I was completely immersed in a different culture and set of customs. At times it was a challenging experience, but I think it helped push me to think and work in a setting that I am not used to. I had to learn different ways to communicate as well as understand many different cultural beliefs while trying to perform my normal duties as an Athletic Trainer. I will forever be grateful for my time working with Team China.”

In addition to her time with the Chinese National team, Rock spent two seasons with the Kunlun Red Star Vanke Rays where she worked closely with the team physician. Rock also worked alongside the team’s strength and conditioning coach to design rehab protocols.

She brings a unique lens to the job, having played hockey throughout her childhood as well as four years of NCAA DIII experience with the Pointers. Giving her a deeper understanding of the mental and physical aspects of the sport, Rock will be able to provide sport-specific injury assessment and treatment protocols.

The Whale open the regular season on the road, on November 5, at 7:00 pm against the Boston Pride in a rematch of the Isobel Cup championship final.

About the Connecticut Whale

The Connecticut Whale are a professional women's ice hockey team based in Connecticut and competing in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) formerly known as the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). The Whale are one of the Founding Four teams that stepped onto the NWHL ice in 2015 and are owned and operated by Shared Hockey Enterprises (SHE). Visit whale.premierhockeyfederation.com to learn more.

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, Montreal Force, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup.