.svg)
By
Curtis Bell, a self-described high-school dropout, has one of the most unconventional resumes in the NHL, yet he’s now one of the Vancouver Canucks' newest Athletic Trainers.
His path to professional sports is far from typical, setting him apart from the usual candidates with backgrounds in sports and previous connections within the industry.
Bell’s journey began with dropping out of high school at 17 after moving to Los Angeles. Reflecting on that time where he worked a ton of odd jobs, he said:
"I wasn’t like a total loser dropout. I was actually just trying to find myself."
Bell worked at a grocery store and sold drinks at Dodger Stadium, before eventually deciding to go back to school.
After playing baseball at junior college, Bell considered becoming a naval aviator but was disqualified due to his vision. He pivoted to sonar technician training in the navy, where he honed skills that included detecting minute details about submarines
"We knew when a Russian sub actually flushed the toilet."
Bell’s sports career began at Cal State Dominguez Hills and later at the University of Southern California, where he completed his degree in 1992.
His professional hockey journey started with the Flint Generals in 1995, and he later landed with the Tampa Bay Lightning, thanks to a connection with the team’s roller hockey squad.
Bell’s journey through the NHL has seen him with teams like the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers, but it was his work with Sidney Crosby at the Edge School in Calgary that brought him back to hockey.
His 12-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins saw him transition from assistant Athletic Trainer to director of performance, focusing on biomechanics and nutrition.
“There are so many factors that make a difference in how we individualize our idea of biomechanical optimization."
Now with the Canucks, Bell’s unique expertise promises to offer a fresh perspective on player health and performance.
Check out his full story here!
