Head Equipment Manager Paul Boyer reached his 2,500th career National Hockey League game on March 15, joining Head Athletic Trainer Piet VanZant as the second Detroit Red Wings training staff member to achieve this milestone in the same season. The achievement was marked during the Red Wings’ visit to the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Arena, just months after VanZant worked his own 2,500th game.
The recognition of both Boyer and VanZant highlights the important role that long-serving staff play in supporting the team’s performance and maintaining its legacy. The Detroit Red Wings are known for their tradition of excellence as one of the Original Six teams in the National Hockey League and have won 11 Stanley Cup championships according to the official website.
Reflecting on his career ahead of Saturday’s game, Boyer said, “It’s been a blur. I keep telling people I’ve forgotten more than I remember, until you start talking and stories come up. Then it all hits you again, you know? You remember everything, but we’ve all worked together so long. We all trigger thoughts on everybody, but it’s been a blur. It’s been fast, and I think that’s why I’m enjoying it so much.”
VanZant also commented on reaching this point in his career: “Obviously, when I started, I don’t think I ever really imagined that I’d work this many games or be here this long. It’s still a passion of mine. I still come to work, so whether it’s 2,500 or 2,600 it doesn’t really matter if I’m still enjoying what I do. I really do, so I still want to keep working.”
Assistant equipment manager Brady Munger described Boyer as an integral part of the team environment: “Pauly is a member of that family. He’s a good guy to have around. We always go out to eat together, having a good time and keeping it as light as possible when we can because what we do can be really demanding sometimes.” Munger also praised VanZant: “He will give you the shirt off his back if you need him. He’s just the kindest, softest person you’ll ever meet even though he’s 9 feet tall and has a black belt…he’s really just a genuine person.”
The day-to-day responsibilities for Detroit’s training staff extend beyond traditional hours and include managing urgent tasks during games and supporting both players’ needs on and off the ice. Assistant equipment manager John Remejes said about their teamwork: “Everybody knows what their role is…having worked with these guys for so long, we just all do what we need to do and know what each other are going to do.”
Detroit captain Dylan Larkin emphasized how milestones like these contribute to team culture: “One of the coolest parts of being a Red Wing…is the family environment. Those guys set the tone with that…as you spend more time in the League, you understand how special those milestones are. For both of them to have that in the same year, really special.”
The Detroit Red Wings represent Detroit, Michigan according to their official website and host games in downtown Detroit. The franchise operates as one of hockey’s most storied organizations with an enduring legacy.
