Tiger-Cats doctor retires after 45 years

On Friday the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will name their sports medicine clinic after a man who spent most of his life keeping their players healthy. For 45 years, Dr. David Levy has helped heal countless Hamilton Tiger-Cats, from third stringers to Hall of Famers.

During med school, Dr. Levy joined the Ticats at a time when doctors were contracted to the team by Stelco. Now, Levy is seen as the ‘Godfather of sports medicine’ in Hamilton and has been on-call for the Cats ever since, until this season. He wants to take a step back and support his wife Kathy, a Burlington Sport Hall of Famer and successful dragon boat coach.

“She’s been at every Ticat game sitting alone because I’m on the field and I think it’s only fair to give some time to her career.”

Family has always been important to Dr. Levy and not just his, but the player’s too.

“It’s very easy to be a fan and get that person out as quickly as possible but that’s not what’s it’s all about. These people have futures, families and no game is more important than something that could leave them disabled for life.”

Dr. Levy imparted that philosophy when newly signed quarterback Zach Collaros was concussed by an illegal hit back in 2014.

“I just got a new contract, a new starting job, didn’t know anyone, they just released a hall of fame quarterback so all these things are swirling around my head and him and Carly but especially doc were the calming voice saying that hey you have a long life, a long career ahead of you don’t want to put yourself in danger out there.”

This Saturday during the Ticats home opener against the BC Lions, Dr. Levy will have a different vantage point for the game. He won’t be on the sidelines but for the first time since he was a kid, it’ll be in the stands and he admits, it’ll be hard controlling nearly half a century of old habits.