Meet the doctors on Canada’s men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams – who are married

While some couples travel to Italy together on a romantic vacation, perhaps on their honeymoon or anniversary, one Canadian couple is traveling in a unique circumstance.

Laura Bennion, originally from Vancouver, BC, is the head physician for the women’s hockey team. Earlier this week, she was in Switzerland, preparing for the arrival of athletes following the conclusion of the PWHL for the Olympic break. Soon after, she left for Italy, where the Games will begin on 4 February.

Meanwhile, her husband Ian Auld, originally from Victoria, B.C., was getting ready to head to Italy himself — as he is the head physician for the men’s team.

“People started discussing, I wonder if this is the first time that a husband and wife are taking care of hockey programs, and I’m sure there’s no statistics for that, but it’s a very unique situation,” Auld told CBC’s Stephen Quinn on Wednesday.

Auld said the couple attended medical school together, and often rely on each other for support in their work.

“We always have an understanding of what the other person is going through,” Auld said.

“You always know you have someone you can go to with any questions.”

The couple spoke to CBC initial version Ahead of the games.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

This is a unique situation in which you and your spouse are going through this experience as a couple.

Auld: It was great. We have been going through this journey for the last few decades, but at a greater distance. This is the first time we are actually going to a single program to provide medical care. I think we have a very good cooperative relationship. We depend on each other to get through difficult situations and have done so for many years. But this one is going to be different, very unique and I am looking forward to it.

Bennion: We’ve both been working in hockey for a long time. I’ve been working behind the scenes with Hockey Canada, helping their medical staff. He has prepared for the last two Olympics. But then as soon as the team goes off, I stay home and sit on the couch and be a fan like everyone else. And this time I am with the team. So that’s exciting.

Ian was to go to Beijing in 2022. But when the NHL decided not to send its players. He was also at home. So this time it’s become a parallel journey for both of us, which is really interesting, but we’re both here at the same time, so it’s very exciting.

How does this experience compare to others? Have you been attending sporting events with the team?

Bennion: That’s fantastic. I mean, it’s a step forward. This is something we have been building towards for the last four years, since the last Olympics. A lot has happened in women’s hockey since Beijing. I mean, we just started the PWHL and the Vancouver GoldenEyes are great and very exciting to watch and it’s a great change for the city. Many players from that team are coming to join us. And the fan base is amazing. The game is great. It couldn’t be better. This is going to be a great event for women’s hockey. I think we’re going to see a really competitive women’s hockey competition here in Italy.

Dr. Auld, tell us about your role as chief physician.

Auld: My role started that summer. We gathered as a group with all the players, coaches, management staff and did some team building and planning. I mean, the work that Hockey Canada has done to put on this event is monumental. A lot of plans are going on.

My specific role involves keeping an eye on the players we are bringing in for any injuries they may or may not have. For jet lag, We make a plan and when we get to Milan, our feet are on the ground and we keep running and don’t get too jet lagged. a lot to do with doping, Making sure no one is taking anything that might cause trouble to anyone, so there’s a lot of educational content on the front end. Over there, it’s really taking care of the injuries.

A lot of families are also going there. And we always make sure we’re available to the families, which I think puts players at ease knowing that the rest of their extended families are looked after by someone they hopefully can trust.

How intense is the competition once it starts?

Auld: I had the opportunity and privilege to cover the 4 Nations tournament in February – it was the most intense sporting environment I have ever been in. I think we all know it was more than just hockey, the politics created a pretty tense environment.

I can imagine the level of competition we’re going to see in Milan, with all the other countries and not just the four, I mean it would be awesome to have all those NHL players there. And, then I’ll also get a chance to watch women’s hockey, which I think is going to be incredible.

Dr. Bennion, what will your day-to-day look like once the competition starts?

Bennion: Once the competition gets underway, I’m basically where the players are. If we have a pre-game skate, I’m at the rink for that. If we don’t, I’m in the hotel with them. I just follow the ups and downs of what happens with the players. As Ian said, I’m obviously available to the broader team, our staff and Hockey Canada staff and also anyone else who may need any medical care. Sometimes you’re really busy and sometimes you’re not.