Barrie Stafford

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes pass into the world of professional sports! On Life Shouldn't Hurt, this week on the Corus Radio Network, join host Grant Fedoruk from Leading Edge Physiotherapy as he welcomes a true legend: Barry Stafford! For decades, Barry was the equipment manager for the Edmonton Oilers, seeing it all from the glory days to the championships. He was an unsung hero, the glue behind the scenes, the confidant who heard everything. Hear incredible stories from Barry's 38 years in the NHL – like the hilarious truth about Dave Semenko's training and the fact that some players actually used to smoke between periods! Barry reveals what it was like working with Hall of Famers, including why Wayne Gretzky was one of the easiest guys he ever worked with. Get insights into the demanding daily life of an equipment manager, the long hours starting at 6 AM and often ending at 1 AM on game nights, and how the dressing room staff has grown from just a few to around 50 people today. Learn about the evolution of player equipment, from the intense focus on skates where players like Paul Coffee pushed for extreme stiffness, to how the team budgeted for only about three pairs a year back then. It's not just about hockey! This is a conversation about the business of sport and the impact behind the scenes, exploring life lessons Barry learned, emphasizing gratitude, humility, kindness, and happiness. Don't miss this fascinating look at life on and off the ice, straight from someone who lived it!