Philadelphia Flyers Enhance Alumni Well-Being with Innovative Hyperbaric Therapy

In a remarkable initiative aimed at prioritizing player wellness, the Philadelphia Flyers have partnered with NexGen Hyperbaric to expand access to medical-grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for their alumni. This significant move is designed to assist retired players in their recovery from the physical toll of their careers.

One of the key figures benefiting from this initiative is Ed Hospodar, a former Flyers enforcer and NHL defenseman. Hospodar has described the treatment as transformational, stating, After 40 years of living with chronic pain from a neck injury I sustained in 1985, I finally found real relief through medical-grade HBOT. Within two months, I regained mobility I never thought possible. This isn’t just recovery—this is healing.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy operates by delivering 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, fostering cellular regeneration and alleviating inflammation while speeding up recovery from various injuries. Initially created to address severe wounds and decompression sickness, HBOT is now recognized for its extraordinary regenerative properties, particularly for athletes who have suffered extensive physical impacts throughout their careers.

Jonathan Rotella, CEO of NexGen Hyperbaric, emphasizes that HBOT extends beyond immediate game readiness and is essential for long-term health. The Flyers are sending a message to their alumni: We remember you, we care about you, and your health matters—now more than ever.

Hospodar's firsthand experience with the Flyers’ mobile treatment unit underscores the significance of the medical-grade HBOT offered. He compared it to previous experiences with less effective hyperbaric solutions, stating, I had previously tried soft-sided chambers, and even a hard-sided mild chamber. They don’t deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen, and they’re often used in non-clinical settings. What NexGen offers is in a completely different class—this is real medicine.

He further added, This isn’t a spa. This is a professional clinical environment where I’m treated like a patient, not a customer. The equipment is state-of-the-art, and the results speak for themselves.

The Philadelphia Flyers have set a new standard in sports medicine as the first NHL team to introduce an onsite mobile HBOT unit for both current players and alumni, raising the bar for athlete care. Ian McKeown, Vice President of Athlete Performance and Wellness for the Flyers, stresses the importance of this initiative, stating, It’s about more than performance—it’s about giving our athletes the tools to live well long after they’ve left the ice.

Many retired athletes like Hospodar are now finding their voices and vitality through this innovative therapy. I’m not just living—I’m thriving. And I’m doing it because the Flyers cared enough to bring this treatment to us. If I had HBOT during my playing days, my career and recovery would have looked very different. But I’m grateful to have it now, Hospodar expressed.

Founded in 2004, NexGen Hyperbaric is a leading provider of medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with mobile units throughout the United States. The company collaborates with professional sports teams, hospitals, and research institutions to advance the clinical applications of HBOT, truly redefining access to innovative recovery solutions.

The Philadelphia Flyers' initiative underscores a growing trend in sports medicine, prioritizing the long-term health and wellness of athletes and reinforcing the idea that the impact of a sports career extends far beyond the playing field. As the Flyers continue to pioneer healthcare solutions for their alumni, they play a crucial role in advocating for the health and recovery of retired athletes, affirming that their well-being is a priority long after the final buzzer.