Rigamarole # 2 - Release of the Doctors

But what about those responsible for keeping the star athletes healthy enough to perform at elite levels. What about the doctors and trainers, who in the Maple Leafs case, had become almost as well known as the players themselves.

Dr. Michael Clarfield and head athletic therapist Chris Broadhurst each had well over a decade of service with the Toronto Maple Leafs with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ogilvie-Harris and athletic therapist Brent Smith themselves having tenures of considerable length before all being let go by the team earlier this summer.

Now I’m sure a lot of people are saying, “whatever who cares, it doesn’t matter,” but to be honest, this is a move that just rubs me the wrong way. Here are four men who have given their best effort to keep the Maple Leafs as healthy as possible and seriously, over the last few years with our aging team, that has been no easy feat. These guys are familiar with the majority of the players and the injuries they require continual treatment for. They know each of their personalities and the players are comfortable with them. Nothing is better than having a doctor you are comfortable with and for the most part, it seemed the players were always thrilled with the treatment they received.

Bringing in a whole new set of physicians and trainers will signify a whole new feeling out process for not only the players, but the doctors themselves. An official reason for their dismissal was never released but many have speculated John Ferguson wanted to hire his own people. If that’s the reason, it’s a pretty bad one. If it was due to contractual demands, don’t these guys deserve a raise? It’s not like it has been a cakewalk for the last few years. And honestly isn’t the best medical care worth it. Shame, shame, shame…That was a real poor decision. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.