John Bernal
Athletic Trainer
E-mail: jbernal@griffinshockey.com
Phone: (616) 774-4585 ext. 3043
Biography:
John Bernal brings 10 years of experience in hockey to his first season as the Griffins’ athletic trainer.
A native of Pinckney, Mich., Bernal spent the past three seasons as the assistant athletic trainer for the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, following a four-year stint as head athletic trainer for the club’s AHL affiliates in San Antonio (2005-08) and Utah (2004-05).
Bernal, who earned a sports medicine degree from Central Michigan University in 1999 and a master’s from Arizona State University in 2001, was also the athletic trainer for the ECHL’s Texas Wildcatters (2003-04) and Lake Superior State University’s Division I hockey team (2001-03).
John and his wife, Susan, make their home in Caledonia with their children, Madison and Jackson.
Number of seasons with the Griffins (through 2011-12): 1
Best thing about your job: The great people you meet, and not knowing what to expect every day you go to work
Hometown: Pinckney, MI
States (and provinces or countries) you've lived in: Michigan, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona, Utah
Spouse's name/year you were married: Susan, 2005
Children: Madison and Jackson
College degree/year/school: B.S. in Sports Medicine/1999/Central Michigan University, M.Ed. Administration and Supervision/2001/Arizona State University
Sports idol(s) as a youth: Kirk Gibson and Lance Parrish
As a child, you dreamed of becoming: Bo or Luke Duke
First job/your age: Worked at a Golf Course, 15
Current dream job: I am living it.
Other sports teams you’ve worked for: LSSU Lakers, Texas Wildcatters(ECHL), Utah Grizzlies(AHL), San Antonio Rampage(AHL), Phoenix Coyotes(NHL)
Professional memberships/civic leadership positions: Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society, National Athletic Trainers Association
Sports played growing up: Baseball, golf
Favorite foods: Mexican food, pizza
Favorite music artists: Bob Seger, George Strait, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett, Etc.
Favorite sports movie: Caddyshack
Favorite book or author: Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman by Jon Krakauer
Favorite spectator sports: Baseball, football
Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Griffins): Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions
Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Golf, Hunting, Fishing
