Just Released
IOWA ADDS TAKAIWA AND ALDRICH TO HOCKEY STAFF
9/7/2017DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Wild, proud American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, announced on Thursday that Masa Takaiwa (Tah-kah-ee-wah) has been named the team’s Athletic Trainer. In addition, the team named Jason Aldrich the team’s Assistant Equipment Manager/Strength coach.
Takaiwa begins his first season with the Iowa Wild in August of 2017. He brings more than 15 years of athletic training experience to the club, with over eight years of experience in hockey. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2000 with a B.S in Athletic Training and a minor in Physical Education. In May of 2002, he finished his Master’s degree from Kent State University in Sport and Recreation: Exercise, Leisure and Sports Management.
Takaiwa has worked as an athletic trainer/massage therapist for many hockey teams, including the Minnesota Magicians (NAHL), the Dallas Stars (NHL) and the U-17 USA Hockey program. He also worked for the Men’s ice hockey teams at Minnesota State University – Mankato, the University of Nebraska Omaha and Lake Superior State University.
Jason Aldrich begins his first season with the Iowa Wild as Equipment Manager/Strength Coach having been hired in September of 2017. He comes to the Iowa Wild after five years with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). He served as the strength and conditioning coach, as well as the Equipment Manager for the Gamblers from 2012-17. Aldrich also worked as a graduate assistant at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, as well as helping out at Finlandia University, Michigan Technological University and the San Jose Sharks (NHL).
Aldrich is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He graduated from Finlandia University in 2011 with a B.A. in Sports Management.
The Iowa Wild plays a pair of preseason games, both will be in North Dakota against the Manitoba Moose – the Winnipeg Jets AHL affiliate. Iowa and Manitoba meet at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. The two teams collide again in the second preseason matchup on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in Fargo, ND at the Scheels Arena. Iowa hosts its Green-White scrimmage at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.
Opening Night 2017 for the Iowa Wild is slated for Saturday, Oct. 7 with a visit from the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena. Follow the Iowa Wild on Twitter @IAWILD or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iawild.
The Iowa Wild 2017-18 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center: and runs from October through April. Fans may purchase seats to see any of the team’s 38 regular season home games at Wells Fargo Arena. Season tickets to see the Wild play its 2017-18 season at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $10 per game. For more information on tickets, including ticket plans and group seating, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go towww.iowawild.com.
