Hockey Jabber

Every season we get a few moments of peace before someone gets laid out on a “questionable” hit to the head and from then on in we listen every day about what should (or shouldn’t) be done about hits to the head.

On the one hand:

As we all know when someone gets a head injury the effects can be permanent, even if they are not physically seen in the days (or months) following the hit to the head. Research shows, by athletes who have donated their brain after death, that concussions can lead to states of advanced dementia and worse. On of the more recent cases, and perhaps the most publicized, was when pro-wrestler Chris Beniot killed his wife and son before committing suicide. Tests later revealed that his brain showed signs of dementia in its advanced stages caused by brain damage from concussions from his career.

Of course the players of the NHL want to show that they are some of the worlds best athletes, but at the end of the day ones health is the most important thing that their is. The punishment for one of these hits (one to the head) should be more then a one game suspension or a fine because the effects may be longer for the injured player and the punishment doesn’t seem befitting.

On the other hand:

Hockey is a physical game, played by professionals. Most have these men started playing when they were kids, into adolescences, into their teens, and into adulthood. Throughout all that time they are taught to keep their heads up and finish their checks (they learn once they reach that stage of the game.) It is an unfortunate accident when a player goes day and stays on the ice after a shot to the head, but it is just that an accident.

Changing the rules about checking players with their head down could change the way hockey is played. The hitting element in the game could be erased. If a player comes into the zone with their head down then a defender wouldn’t be able to check him to get the puck. All forwards would need to do is keep their heads down when opposing players are around and they become untouchable, and the physical aspect which makes the game entertaining to watch would be gone.

When a player goes down from a check to the head it’s an accident, and the person checking shouldn’t be punished for doing something he has been taught to do for almost all of his playing career, finishing a check.

What’s your take on it?

Do you agree with what’s said here?

Do you have something to add?

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