The doctors are in

Former X-Men hockey standouts making mark in medicine

By Corey LeBlanc

Three former StFX X-Men hockey student-athletes remain teammates – of sorts – off the ice.

Rob Slaney, Eric Locke and Nathan Chiarlitti – who credit their time in White and Blue, both athletically and academically, as a key contributor to success in their pursuits – are embarking on careers in medicine.

"It helped me build a foundation for success," Locke says of studying at StFX, remembering it as an "amazing experience."

Slaney shares that sentiment, noting that being a student-athlete at his alma mater helps "you prepare for and succeed in life."

"I wouldn't be the person I am [without it]," he says of his time on the Antigonish campus.

Chiarlitti says he "couldn't be more grateful."

"Everyone always wanted us to reach our potential," he adds.

Chiarlitti notes the benefits of being part of what he describes as a "culture of excellence."

"It provided us with every opportunity to succeed," he says.

Role models

That success came both on and off the ice, with the trio garnering not only individual honours, but also contributing to stellar X-Men performances at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) and U Sports levels. They reached those lofty athletic heights while excelling in the classroom as multi-time Academic All-Canadians.

Eric Locke

"There is no other school in Canada [like it]," Locke says of the undergraduate experience offered at StFX, particularly in the highly-respected human kinetics department.

Crediting the mentorship of faculty members – such as Roy Rasmussen, Angie Kolen and Sasho MacKenzie – he notes studying in that program "helped [me] form a great foundation to succeed."

Noting the benefits of small-class sizes and one-on-one attention from professors, Locke says he developed "strong study habits" at X, which continue to benefit him.

Slaney says earning his human kinetics degree "really prepared me" – not only for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), but also his first couple years of medical school, which focused greatly on science courses.

"It was directly applicable," he adds of his undergraduate studies, which placed him "ahead of the curve," while studying in the program at his home province's Memorial University.

Chiarlitti fondly remembers the support and guidance he received during his human kinetics studies.

"I can't thank everyone enough for believing in me," he says.

That 'everyone' for the three also includes the likes of X-Men head coach Brad Peddle and Director of Athletics and Recreation Leo MacPherson.

"We had so many role models," Locke remembers.

For him and Chiarlitti, one of the names topping that list would be Slaney.

"Rob set a path [for us]," Locke says of the example his friend established, one that included a "tremendous commitment" to academics.

Chiarlitti describes Slaney as a "trailblazer."

"I can't give then enough credit," he says of not only him, but also Locke for their influence.

Chiarlitti adds the pair taught him so much about "study habits and dedication."

"We had shared goals," Slaney says, noting they "pushed each other" – both athletically and academically.

He also praises them – and other X-Men teammates – for being "like-minded" in the passion for and commitment to academics, an attitude cemented by Peddle and his coaching staff.

"It wasn't difficult to stay motivated," Slaney offers.

The journey

Although they share their Xaverian experience – and its impact – the troika has taken unique paths, along different timelines, in the journeys to reach their career goals.

Rob Slaney

Slaney, a native of Upper Island Cove, Newfoundland will complete his family medicine residency in six weeks.

"I think I was always interested," he says of becoming a doctor.

Slaney adds that desire ramped up during his junior hockey days with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (now Eagles) of the QMJHL.

"Fortunately, hockey took me a little further," he remembers of an opportunity to play professionally, which pushed academics – at least temporarily – to the backburner.

After three years embarking on his athletic goal to reach the National Hockey League (NHL), Slaney started thinking of a future outside the sport, when a lockout turned the world's top professional circuit upside down in 2013.

"I decided to go back to school," Slaney says.

While exploring his university options, he renewed a connection with Peddle – a fellow Newfoundlander – who had approached him with an offer to join the X-Men while he was skating with Cape Breton.

"It couldn't have been easier – it worked out great," Slaney says, noting there was an early adjustment period for a 23-year-old returning to the classroom, but everyone at StFX were invaluable in his successful transition.

Locke says he was "all in for hockey" – with a pro career the main focus – until his last couple years in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

"I had a fair bit of experience," he notes of his connection to medicine.

The Toronto native's older brother was starting medical school, while his family was also dealing with an ill relative and their care.  And, while playing junior hockey, the father in one of his billet families was a physician.

"It doesn't even feel like we are done," Locke says on the day he wrote his final medical school exam, considering the COVID-19 global pandemic has wiped out the traditional graduation ceremony at the University of Ottawa.

Chiarlitti is wrapping up his third year at the same university.

"Why can't it be me?"

Although he understood reaching his goal would be "very challenging" – with limited spots available to study for aspiring doctors – Chiarlitti remembers that refrain echoing when doubt started creeping in.

Nathan Chiarlitti

"I am pretty stubborn – I didn't want to give up," the native of Maple, Ontario says of his admission to medical school, which came after applying to multiple programs for the third time, and a stop at McGill University in Montreal, where he earned a master's in exercise physiology.

"I am the least developed," Chiarlitti jokes, while noting he is the one of the three friends with the most work to do, when it comes to the time required to reach his objective.

His determination – which fans experienced up close when he patrolled the X-Men blue line – was a key to achieving his dream, an attribute highlighted in his self-published book – More Than a Game – where he shares his experiences and the idea that sport provides athletes with the opportunity to develop qualities that can be used in everyday life.

"We have reached our goals in different ways – it's a pretty cool story," Chiarlitti says of the friends' journey.

What's next?

As for the next chapter in their respective stories, Slaney is preparing to open an independent practice, while also providing his talents as an emergency room physician.

"I love getting to know my patients and their families," he says of his decision to focus on family medicine.

Slaney adds one of his "biggest pleasures" will be having the chance to help patients as they "change and grow" in their lives.

When it comes to taking emergency room shifts, he notes they will provide him with the "adrenaline rush and fast pace" that he experienced while playing hockey.

"It will help provide me with a bit of a mix," Slaney says.

Chiarlitti plans to focus on "rural family medicine."

"I love the diversity it offers," he says.

Chiarlitti fondly remembers his small-town experiences while playing hockey, which included stops in Sarnia, Owen Sound and – of course – Antigonish.

Quipping he hasn't decided "how rural" he wants to be – when choosing where to open his practice – Chiarlitti is looking forward to finding somewhere to enjoy his passions for nature and the outdoors.

"I have always enjoyed using my hands," Locke says of his decision to do his five-year orthopedic residency.

He notes the field is "team-oriented," much like sports.

Locke adds he is looking forward to the variety orthopedics offers, including dealing with injuries, broken bones and traumas.

"I have gotten quite a bit of experience," he notes of already having an opportunity to spend time I the operating room during procedures.

After completing his residency, Locke says he may move into fellowship studies, where he explains he would spend a "little bit more time" working in one aspect of orthopedics.

"We will see what happens," he adds.

Always White and Blue

No matter where his career path takes him, Locke says his time at StFX will always be an important part of his life.

"I will never forget it," he adds.

Noting his Xaverian experience will always hold a special place in his heart, Slaney says, "I miss my time at StFX."

Chiarlitti agrees.

"I couldn't be happier about my time at StFX – it means the world to me," he says.

-30-