The Secret to Finding Your Youth Hockey EMS Team
youth Tournament DIRECTORS, YOUR JOB IS HARD ENOUGH.
LET’S MAKE MEDICAL COVERAGE EASY.
As youth hockey playoff season approaches, tournament directors face the important task of securing medical coverage. These high-stakes games come with heightened intensity, making the right medical partner essential. However, selecting the right provider goes beyond simply having medics onsite—it’s about finding a partner that aligns with your event’s needs and values.
If you’re looking for a sporting event medical team to provide onsite EMT’s and other EMS staff at youth games, this guide is for you. Our team is always happy to help pair youth and high school games with EMRs, EMTs, and Paramedics. Reach out today at 763-297-1650!
Step 1: Identify Your Medical Coverage Needs
Every playoff tournament is unique. Start by evaluating:
Event Size and Schedule: How many games will occur daily?
Location Requirements: Will there be multiple rinks or venues?
Player Age Group: Youth players need medics skilled in pediatric care and effective communication with parents and coaches.
The Smith EMS Advantage:
“We cover games across the Twin Cities and throughout the Midwest with flexible scheduling, multi-venue coordination, and specialized sports medics, experienced in youth hockey.”
Step 2: Evaluate Provider Experience and Expertise
Key Questions to Ask:
Do they specialize in sports or youth events?
How do they manage injury assessments for minors? Are there any specific procedures in place to protect student athletes?
Can they share testimonials or references from similar events?
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“I recommend Smith EMS. I’ve worked with Chase at two hockey tournaments and he has been excellent! He’s reliable, very organized, attentive and in tune to the tournament and games as to be very responsive to needs of players and coaches.”
-Alison H, SLPHA Tournament Director
“Great customer service is always on time. Quality service with a caring approach to athletes in need of help.”
-Kalvin O, AAU Team Coordinator
“Thank you so much for this weekend!!!!”
-Heather G, PLSHA Tournament Director
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Our team has had the pleasure of partnering with:
Play Hockey Minnesota (Showcase Hockey)
Hockey Day Minnesota 2025
Snipers Edge AAA Hockey Tournaments
Prior Lake Savage Youth Hockey Association Tournaments
St. Louis Park Hockey Association Tournaments
Orono Youth Hockey Association Tournaments
Hopkins Youth Hockey Association Tournaments
Hopkins HS Hockey Tournaments
Minneapolis Youth Hockey Association Tournaments
Summer Development Program HS Tournaments
… And many more!
The Smith EMS Advantage:
“We make it easy for you to book. No more back and forth emailing, meeting, and calls—send us your schedule, then sit back and relax.”
Step 3: Prioritize Visibility and Engagement
Tournament directors often express frustration with medics who sit passively. Visibility and game engagement is crucial for rapid response and participant confidence.
Look for:
Medics in clear, branded uniforms
Professionals who actively patrol the rink
Providers emphasizing an engaged, alert presence
Pro Tip: Although rare, find a medic that’ll aid you in running smooth games. This can look like monitoring fans, supporting volunteers with the GameSheet/Time Clock, or running a penalty box.
The Smith EMS Advantage:
“From branded, visible uniforms to medics that enjoy watching the games and helping athletes, we’ve got your medical coverage checked off.”
Did you know?
Smith EMS offers specialized hockey medics. This team of hockey pro’s can not only provide trusted medical care, but they can also aid in tournament or playoff game operations. Some key features include: Time Clock operation, GameSheet management, Music & Announcing, as well as other tourney-specific tasks. Inquire today to book the Smith EMS hockey medic package!
Step 4: Assess Communication Practices
Effective communication is vital during medical incidents. The right provider will outline:
Pre-Event Planning: Clear coverage schedules and responsibilities
Onsite Protocols: How medics will communicate during incidents
Post-Incident Follow-Up: Appropriate parent and coach updates without compromising player privacy
The Smith EMS Advantage:
“From seamless preparation and planning to detailed reporting and follow-up, Smith EMS has you more than covered!”
Step 5: Confirm Flexibility and Staffing Reliability
Playoff weekends demand long hours and adaptability. Ensure your medical partner:
Can handle last-minute schedule changes
Has a reliable team for extended coverage
Maintains consistent care standards regardless of event size or location
The Smith EMS Advantage:
“Many independent medics put stress on you as the client when they back out. Smith EMS has a large team of trained medics that can fill in and cover in case of last-minute emergencies.”
How Smith EMS Aligns With Your hockey Playoff Needs
At Smith EMS, we understand what tournament directors need from a medical partner. Here’s how we fit:
Visible and Professional Medics: Our team is uniformed and highly engaged, maintaining a reassuring presence throughout the tournament.
Specialized Sports Medics: Our medics are skilled in youth sports care, offering top-notch injury management with clear, compassionate communication.
Proven, Reliable Processes: Our approach has been refined through extensive tournament coverage, ensuring consistency and reliability.
Seamless Communication: From pre-event planning to incident management, our team prioritizes clarity and professionalism. We offer complimentary walkie talkies to all tournament and playoff partners.
Coming Soon
Have you ever wanted a medic who does more than provide immediate assessment and care? Our Hockey Medic Pilot Program might be the answer. We're testing a premium medical coverage option for tournaments that demand more from their medics. This select program features highly-trained medical professionals with hockey operations expertise. These medics won’t just handle injuries—they’ll support tournament operations by running score clocks, managing GameSheet, and assisting with tournament directing.
This isn’t just coverage; it’s comprehensive tournament support designed to streamline operations and maximize safety. Contact Smith EMS today to learn more about this exclusive pilot offering and how it can transform your playoff experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right medical coverage partner shouldn’t be complicated. By focusing on providers with the right experience, visibility, communication standards, and flexibility, tournament directors can ensure safe, successful playoff events.
For tailored medical coverage that checks every box, contact Smith EMS today. Let’s discuss how we can partner to make your playoff tournament safe and memorable for every player on the ice.
Signed, Sports Medic Sam
Reach out today at Sam@SmithEMS.com!
