Drayton Valley Thunder Announce Desiree Koggel as Head Athletic Therapist
DRAYTON VALLEY, AB – August 1st, 2025 – The Drayton Valley Thunder are thrilled to announce Desiree Koggel as the team’s new Head Athletic Therapist effective August 1, 2025. This appointment, aligning with recent key hires of GM/Head Coach Jeff Truitt and Assistant GM/Assistant Coach Josh Pufahl, signals a cohesive, long-term vision as the team’s hockey operations staff rapidly rounds into form.
Koggel brings a comprehensive background in elite athlete care. She is dual certified as a Certified Athletic Therapist (CATA) and a Certified Athletic Trainer (BOC). Her expertise covers acute injury management, hockey-specific injury prevention, and advanced rehabilitation, including concussion and spinal management. Desiree has extensive experience supporting high-performance teams, notably serving as Head Athletic Therapist for the Olds Grizzlys Jr. A Hockey (AJHL), contributing as an Assistant Athletic Therapist for the Okanagan Hockey Group (OHA), and a Contract Athletic Therapist for Olds College Athletics (Women’s Hockey). She also holds certifications in First Responder (FR), Mental Performance Coach Mastery (MPM), Smarter Recovery, Body in Balance, Kettlebell Training, Strength Training, and Advanced Knee Care.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Desiree to the Thunder family for the next two seasons,” said Jeff Truitt, General Manager and Head Coach. “It was crucial to bring in an Athletic Therapist with AJHL experience, and Desiree’s proven ability and proactive approach to player wellness and fitness are exactly what we need. Improving player fitness is a core area of improvement we have identified for 2025, and she’ll be instrumental in keeping our players at their best as we build a strong foundation for the coming years.”
“I am truly excited to begin this journey with the Thunder,” said Desiree Koggel. “I’m passionate about ensuring the well-being and peak performance of these talented players. The Thunder position was particularly attractive as it allows me to solely focus on player wellness. I’m committed to providing top-tier care, and I cannot be more excited to work with Jeff, Josh, and the rest of the group under an aligned vision of accountability and showing up to the rink with intention.”
A high-honors graduate of Sheridan College, Koggel’s appointment underscores the Thunder’s commitment to professional player support for sustained success. The Thunder anticipates naming an Equipment Manager in early August.
About the Drayton Valley Thunder:
The Drayton Valley Thunder are a proud member of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), committed to developing elite hockey players and contributing positively to the community of Drayton Valley.
