Over the course of 25 seasons, 1,644 games and more than 5,000 practices, Jason Hodges (New Baltimore, Mich.) has served as an athletic trainer for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. During his tenure, he helped the U.S. win 12 gold medals, three silvers and three bronzes at international competitions.

After Hodges worked his final game with the program on Oct. 5, he reflected on what has stood out most to him during his time with the NTDP.

“The great players and kids who have come through the program is what I will miss,” said Hodges, also known as “Bird” by players and fellow staff members. “Some of our staff have been around for a long time. Overall, they have the same goal in mind. We all work together to make sure the players succeed. The dedication that they have. It’s the family-like atmosphere that has been built over the years and that is what everybody buys into.”

Hodges leaves the NTDP with decades worth of memories. Of the dozens of international events he’s worked, one from almost 20 years ago stands out the most.

When he worked with Hodges, Fohr always noticed how much he cared about the program.

“The biggest thing that comes to me when it comes to Jason — whether he taught it or he has learned — it’s the passion. He was so proud of the NTDP and USA Hockey. It really gives you a deeper appreciation for the organization and what it involves. We might have had some ugly times, losing a game 13-0 or it was quiet on the bus, he always knew what to say.”

Long hours are a mandatory part of the job for trainers. Jake Visser (Grand Rapids, Mich.), who spent 15 years working with Hodges as the equipment manager, spent several long nights together with Hodges prepping for games. The work is what matters in the moment, but with time to reflect now, Visser remembers the quality time he spent with Hodges.

“He was telling a story when we were in Pittsburgh earlier this year, and I realized that I will not hear that story again since no one else was there,” Visser said. “The stuff we have done over the years – whether it’s the saunas in Finland, or swimming in the Black Sea in Russia – that is what I am going to miss.”

Hodges started working for the NTDP when the program was based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has seen the program evolve a ton over the course of 25 years.

The stories about Hodges go on and on. Stan Wong (Boca Raton, Fla.), who served with Hodges over a 20-year span as an athletic trainer for Team USA during international events, always noticed how much everyone respected Hodges.  

“The hours are long but working with Bird makes it a pleasure,” Wong said. “When I got to the training room, you can see the respect he gets from the coaches, the players and the other support staff.”

Wong added that Hodges always seemed to make quick connections with players. He had a natural ability to make them laugh and relay information to them in ways they could easily understand.

Wong’s also thankful for everything Hodges has done to help him over the years.

“I have told him many times about how much he has done for me, and I hope to be able to repay him some day,” Wong said. “USA Hockey has been so blessed to have Jason with them for so long. He is so deserving of all the good things that comes his way. You get what you give. He needs to take to heart what a great job he has done.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.