Hudson Crusaders

Sept 24th, 2011 - The Hudson Crusaders are excited to introduce the staff of Larsen Sports and Medicine Physical Therapy, an organization that provides medical attention to injured players at the home games. Nate Brine, LAT, Head athletic trainer, is joined by his staff, athletic trainers Justin Guzman, LAT and Stacey Chezik, LAT. Stacey had a moment before the home game on Friday night to discuss her background and what she does for the Crusaders and for LSMPT.

A native of Maplewood, MN, Stacey got her undergraduate degree at UW - Superior in Exercise Science, followed by her Masters degree Athletic Training with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  After completing her education she made her way back to our neck of the woods and found a position as a Licensed Athletic Trainer with LSMPT. Along with the Crusaders, Stacey works with the sports medicine programs Hudson High School, Saint Croix Central and the WWMA Hudson Physicians with Dr. Lincoln Likness.

Most injuries Stacey treats during hockey games are abrasions and lacerations. She does see more teeth and face injuries than other sports, especially on those players who prefer the partially covered helmets. Like other full contact sports, there is also a chance for blunt force trauma, as was evidenced in the Crusaders' first home game with the injury sustained to Zac Brichta after a smash into the boards. Stacey comments that sometimes she can anticipate the injury by the way the player hits the boards. She says some injuries can be prevented with strength training, but with the fast pace of hockey games, "a lot can happen in the moment."

An athlete (soccer) and avid sports fan, Stacey also eventually developed an interest in the medical field because she wants to help people. She knows she's in the right field, saying being an Athletic Trainer is "the best of both worlds."

In addition to soccer, Stacey enjoys waterskiing, fishing, cycling, going to the cabin, and of course going to sporting events. In January, she will also be starting a geriatric training program at the Red Cedar Assisted Living Home and a Get Fit Program at River Cress Elementary.

About LSMPT: Larsen Sports and Medicine Physical Therapy utilizes a team-based approach to sports medicine, encompassing all aspects at their facilities in Hudson. Their staff includes a physical therapist, nutritionist, Sports Psychologist, Strength/Conditioning Coach and sports medical director Dr. Lincoln Likness. They also do ImPACT testing and will provide concussion testing for the Hudson Crusaders.