Fans of NHL hockey should take pre-med courses rather than studying player statistics. Head concussion injuries have taken a severe toll on ice hockey's finest players.
Two Significant Players Out with Concussion Injuries
Not to downplay the importance of other National Hockey League players, but Sidney Crosby can be regarded as the NHL's current "ambassador of the players". His skills, scoring and personality have generated immense personal popularity. That translates into being a marketable spokesperson for the National Hockey Lague, the sport, and any corporation or cause that can entice him for a promotional appearance.
In Toronto, the Maple Leaf franchise pinned its hopes on its latest star goalie, James Reimer, as the 2010-2011 season ended. This was understandable, as Reimer won "Rookie of the Year." While no one player can carry an entire team, Reimer did improve his team's performance considerably and was set to become perhaps the most significant Leaf player for the 2011-2012 season.
Concussions and Concussion-Like Injuries
If the NHL were in the business of making perfume, then every star player sidelined by injury is a fly in the ointment.
The Pittsburgh Penguins spent months playing without Crosby's dominant on-ice presence, due to his concussion injury. His return for the 2011-2012 season demonstrated that his abilities had not waned. Neither, unfortunately, was his vulnerability to head injury.
Meanwhile, Reimer's head was jarred in an on-ice collision. Although able to skate away at that time, he was on the bench for weeks before returning to active play. The team described his symptoms as "concussion-like".
Possible Patterns of NHL Concussion Injuries
Eric Lindros was a dominant NHL player for the Flyers from his debut in 1992. His career was marred by injuries, with concussions being a recurring theme. His younger brother Brett had previously retired due to concussions.
In 2011, NHL enforcers Wade Belak, Derek Boogaard and Rick Rypien died. As enforcers, their most visible role was to drop their gloves and helmets, then throw punches and wrestle to intimidate the other team's players. Whether they died through suicide or by accidentally overdosing on pain-killers, one question that has been raised for these men is whether they suffered from repeated brain injuries in their hockey fights.
Concussion News, One Day after Publication
(Added Dec. 16th): The morning after this article was published came the news that Chris Pronger is sidelined due to "severe post-concussion syndrome". The Philadelphia Flyer defenceman missed 17 games at the top of this season largely due to knee surgery and then played 13 before his concussion injury. The Flyers report he's out for the season.
Health Advice for People with Concussion Injuries
The US Dept. of Health advises "While you are healing [from a concussion], you should be very careful to avoid doing anything that could cause a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body...After you have recovered from your concussion, you should protect yourself from having another one".
Tepid Responses to Concussion Injuries from the NHL and the NHLPA
Neither the National Hockey League nor the NHL Player Association have received abundant praise for pushing for truly significant changes, although some steps have been taken towards improving the health of the players.
There has been a crackdown on deliberately targeting an opponent's head while bodychecking, and in the spring of 2011 the league introduced a new protocol for examining a player after an in-game injury.
These changes do seem to be an improvement over the Lindros era, but the discussion continues regarding how much the NHL and NHLPA promote hockey as a fighting sport as much as skating and shooting.
Appropriate Concussion Injury Treatment from the Teams
Every professional athlete must feel enormous pressure to "get back in the game" after an injury. This may be more true for "invisible" concussion injuries, compared to broken bones or torn muscles. In this writer's view, both Philadelphia and Toronto appear to be allowing their star athletes the time and treatment required for recovery after their concussion injuries before sending them back into the fray.
Should Professional Ice Hockey Do More to Prevent Concussion Injuries?
Certainly professional hockey has featured massive body checks and honour fights for generations. Yet in this fan's mind, there is no question that it would be better to see more of "Crosby versus Reimer" at the expense of fisticuffs, cheap head shots and athletes sidelined by concussion injuries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
- Hockey Hall of Fame, "Eric B. Lindros", referenced Dec. 15, 2011.
- Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun, "Leafs' Reimer nets rookie of the month honours", Apr. 1, 2011, referenced Dec. 15, 2011.
- Ian Robertson & Terry Davidson, Toronto Sun, "Ex-NHLer Belak found dead", Aug. 31, 2011, referenced Dec. 15, 2011.
- Canadian Press, "NHL's new concussion rules take effect", updated Mar. 16, 2011, referenced Dec. 15, 2011.
- US Dept. of Health and Human Services (CDC), "Facts about Concussion and Brain Injury", 2010, PDF referenced Dec. 15, 2011.
- (Added Dec. 16th) AP via 680 News, "Pronger out for season, but Philadelphia Flyers keep piling up wins", Dec. 16, 2011,referenced Dec. 15, 2011.
Mike DeHaan - Copyright (c) Mike DeHaan, B. Math., of DeHaan Services. Well written and well researched freelance articles; ghost writing for clients.
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