Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1215906
MARCH 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 25 it. They make the decisions that are in the best interest of the ath- lete, and they help them try to get in the spot they try to be." W i t h s l e d h o c k e y b e i n g a unique sport, Uihlein treats a lot of upper extremity and hand injuries. Also common are soft tissue injuries and lacerations from the picks from the ends of the sticks. There's always poten- tial for more serious injuries during a sled contest. "We're always aware and con- cerned about the potential for head injuries as these guys are g oing at high rates of speed," Uihlein said. "If they lose control or lose an edge, they're going into the boards. It's like running into a wall at 20-25 miles an hour." Eye On The Ball As if Uihlein wasn't busy enough, he has an interesting side job d u r i n g f o o t b a l l s e a s o n a s a n NFL Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant working at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. " We r e v i e w e v e r y p l a y f o r potential head injuries and com- municate with the sidelines if we see signs that a player needs to be evaluated or removed from play," said Uihlein, who splits Packers home games with anoth- er spotter. "You will never watch football the same way again after the UNC training." Uihlein enjoys his duties as a concussion spotter, but he's still partial to his role with the sled hockey team. Whether he's taking in a sled team's game at the end of the bench or in the stands, Uihlein is always involved. "I love being the doctor for t h e s e g u y s o n t h i s t e a m a n d hopefully they 'll be able to call m e ' D o c ' f o r t h e r e st o f t h e i r lives," he said. "I'll help them as long as I can." P Greg Bates is a freelance writer in Green Bay, Wis. During the football season, Mike Uihlein can be found at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., where he serves as a Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant for the NFL. View past and present Digital Editions BONUS CONTENT VIDEOS PAST ISSUES CLICK HERE FOR ALL PAST ISSUES OF USA HOCKEY MAGAZINE usahockeymagazine.com M A G A Z I N E