Texas Stars shake up athletic training staff with new hires and promotion

As the 2025-26 AHL season approaches, the Texas Stars are making key changes behind the scenes, and they're hoping those moves will pay off where it matters most: player health and performance.

On August 1, the Stars officially promoted Chris Nelson to Head Athletic Trainer, replacing Mike DeGaetano, who left the organization after the team's Calder Cup playoff run for a new opportunity outside of hockey.

Nelson isn't new to the Stars family.

He joined the team in July 2023 and has served as Assistant Athletic Trainer for the past two seasons. Before coming to Cedar Park, he spent four years with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs as both Head Athletic Therapist and Strength Coach.

Joining Nelson on the revamped staff is Da'Shawn Tolbert, who steps in as Assistant Athletic Trainer after a year with the ECHL's Iowa Heartlanders.

Before his time in Iowa, Tolbert spent three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Flint Firebirds, gaining valuable experience in player support and injury management.

Tolbert, originally from Lake Orion, Michigan, is also a former track and field athlete at Saginaw Valley State University.

In a statement released by the club, the team expressed confidence in the new duo's ability to provide the highest level of care to their players. While no direct quotes were included, the Stars made it clear that both men bring the kind of experience and leadership that aligns with the Dallas Stars' development philosophy.

You can view the official announcement on the Texas Stars website.

Personally, I think these kinds of staff changes can make a bigger impact than fans realize, especially in a development league like the AHL.