From the Crease to the Clinic: How Hockey Shaped My Approach to Sports Chiropractic
- Andrew Kinach
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
The Humble Beginnings

Growing up in Canada, hockey wasn’t just a sport—it was a way of life. As the youngest in my family, I was naturally recruited to be the goalie whenever my siblings needed someone to shoot on and I still wear the pads today. That’s where my journey began, and from backyard rinks to competitive leagues, the game became a core part of who I am.
The Journey To The Clinic
I competed at various levels throughout my life, but when the time came, I made the difficult decision to step away from junior hockey to focus on my education. While my competitive playing days ended, the game never stopped shaping me. Hockey taught me that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about relentless effort, grit, and pushing past limitations. It reinforced that teamwork is about trust, knowing your role, and communication. And perhaps most importantly, it taught me to focus on what I can control—whether it was preparing for the next shot, recovering from a tough loss, or adapting when things didn’t go as planned. These lessons didn’t just make me a better player; they shaped the way I approach challenges, both in life and in my work as a sports chiropractor.
My Approach to Sports Chiropractic Care

But how does this help in the clinic? My deep understanding of the game, biomechanics, and causes of injury allows me to help all athletes recover faster and perform at their best. I’ve been in their skates—I know the frustration of injuries, the desire to return to the game, and the physical demands sports place on the body. My goal is to not only treat pain but to empower athletes with the tools and knowledge to prevent future injuries and keep them doing what they love—playing the game.
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