"When the job opened in Nashville for the assistant position, I thought it was a no brainer to go after it," Hosler said. "This has been a great spot for me. I've enjoyed it and it's definitely a dream, maybe that I didn't know I had at the time until I was striving for it and trying to get there."
Hosler was promoted to the position of head athletic trainer prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, overseeing the health and rehab of all players throughout the Preds organization. A job with long hours and plenty of issues to deal with, it also has its perks - like having the best seat in the house to watch the best hockey players in the world night after night.
"The thought of being able to watch hockey for a living was what got me into athletic training," Hosler said. "The hours are tough at times, but I always say I live a pretty privileged life. I have a lot of good things in my life and a lot of it has come because of where I am and how I've gotten here."
Everyone watches the game a bit differently, and a spectator in the stands isn't necessarily looking for what those behind the bench might have their attention on. Just as Predators Head Equipment Manager Pete Rogers has a keen eye for when a player's stick might break, Hosler is looking for any ailment, no matter how minor, that might need tending to.
"A lot of times, the play is down at one end and I have to keep an eye on a scrum or a late hit that's going to occur at a different side," Hosler said. "I have to keep an eye on them even though the play may be moving in a different direction. Usually as soon as I see a potential injury, my first reaction is how am I going to get out on the ice and if I really need to."
In a contact sport like hockey, those instances occur from time to time, and those who rely on Hosler and his staff for assistance are glad it's him who will be first on the scene.
"The trainers and the equipment guys, the never get enough credit," Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne said. "Those guys put in the most hours and they're always there for us. We're lucky to have Andy and he means a lot to this team."
"Andy is unbelievable," Nashville Head Coach Peter Laviolette said. "He's got a disposition that allows him to handle everybody's woes every day, from the staff, the coaches, the players; he's calm, he's cool, he's collected, he's smart and he's a great person. He's great at what he does and we're lucky to have him here."