Preparing for game day

02/12/18 – BOSTON, MA. – Robert Moura, Head Equipment Manager, prepares equipment in Matthews Arena for the men’s Beanpot championship game on Feb. 12, 2018. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Northeastern equipment manager Rob Moura has a credo for his approach to game-day preparations: “I’d rather be looking at it than looking for it.”

That principle underscores his attention to detail and mindset on this day, as the men’s hockey team prepares to face BU in the Beanpot final. He says his job is all about time management and planning; if he’s doing his job right, the players have everything they need so they can focus solely on the game.

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Moura arrived at Matthews Arena at 8:30 a.m. Monday morning. He finished sharpening the team’s skates, loaded all the equipment into the truck, and drove over to TD Garden in the early afternoon, arriving about six hours before game time to prepare the locker room before the team arrives. During the game, he’ll be on the bench and at the ready to replace broken sticks, fix players’ skates, or swiftly tend to any other equipment needs.

His game-day checklist is extensive, and he keeps a detailed list to ensure nothing is left behind. (“Rob loves lists,” says director of hockey operations Mike McLaughlin. Check out our feature on McLaughlin here.) It includes everything from jerseys and socks, to glove dryers and skate sharpeners, to towels and player bags. Oh, and there’s also the music, so the players can stay loose before the game.

“The remote for the stereo is one of the most important pieces of equipment,” he jokes.