Avoiding concussions in hockey

by Kenton Wolfe

Now that’s using your head.

The age-old proverb seems to be a contentious topic in hockey, as never before has an epidemic affected the sport so violently. Concussions and brain injuries have stricken the hockey world with a vicious blow which has ended the careers of players of all ages and skill levels.

The likes of all-star defenceman Chris Pronger and centre Marc Savard have just recently had their careers end due to their post-concussion syndrome, while all-time greats like Eric Lindros, Pat Lafontaine and Scott Stevens are still feeling the effects of their career-ending head injuries. Perhaps the most alarming concussion of all is Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby, who is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player in the world. Though Crosby returned after a year-long hiatus, the hockey world watches him anxiously, knowing that his career is still in jeopardy.

So how does the hockey community fight back at the monster which is taking the careers of beloved NHL stars? Can taking preemptive measures protect your noggin from unwanted impairment? Though concussions will never be completely unavoidable, following these guides may protect your brain.

Choose the right equipment

Though the high-end gear may not always be in your price range, choosing the correct equipment should be the top-priority of any hockey player. Kyle St. Louis, an equipment salesman and employee of Perani’s Hockey World, stressed correct fitting equipment.

“Your stuff has to fit. Some equipment is definitely better than others for avoiding concussions,” said St. Louis. “The Bauer Re-Akt helmet is the leader in concussion prevention.”

St. Louis’s suggestion doesn’t come without warrant. Bauer Hockey has invested several resources into what it calls the “helmet revolution.” The company has setup a website in promotion of their new innovation. They describe their product as “a study of the science behind sports concussions has led to the development of a revolutionary hockey helmet that exceeds current testing standards and addresses a broader spectrum of potential threats, including rotational force, high energy and low energy impacts.”

Though scientific advances have improved the technology behind helmets, it still may not be enough.

“There’s no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet,” said St. Louis.

Changing your game

A player’s on-ice awareness has as much to do with avoiding concussion as equipment. Though every hockey player is told to play without fear, minding your surroundings on the ice can save your cranium.

Windsor Spitfires centre Jordan Maletta missed most of his 2011-12 season with a concussion, which he blamed on a lack of preparation.

“You have to be ready for hits,” said Maletta. “There are some guys who are taking runs at you. I know last year was a shock because I was playing against men, and wasn’t prepared to take a lot of those hits. Now I think I’m a lot better at it.”

By combining the new technologies of better head protection and better awareness on the ice, concussions can be evaded. Though head injuries cannot be prevented entirely, using your head can help in the avoidance of them.