Concussions in Hockey
The topic that I have found the most intriguing in the sport of hockey is the increased speed of the game through the decades. The movement speed, puck speed and decision making has all increased since the game first began, this is resulting in a much higher risk of head injuries. The players in the game today are very susceptible to concussions, as many superstars of hockey world have been affected by head injuries which have resulted in many early retirements or a lot of time spent off the ice. To consider how dangerous and easy it is for players to get concussions, it seems quite ludicrous when you see historical games when all players on the ice would play the game of hockey without helmets. Given the nature of competition and how much more competitive the league (NHL) has become; players are now becoming bigger, stronger and faster than ever before. This is causing a higher percentage of players becoming injured and more importantly serious head injuries. If the current trend of improving athletes continues, then the hockey athletes of the next generation will only become bigger, stronger and faster which has the potential to cause much bigger problems as players will become more vulnerable to head injuries. As much as helmets have improved since they first came out, it still doesn’t fully protect a players neck and head when a hit of high velocity is delivered. The use of lighter equipment and more aerodynamic gear, players are become faster and lighter. Players today have been taught to protect themselves by absorbing body contact and to anticipate body checks by keeping their heads up. However given how the game of hockey is played, there is a high level of aggression and retaliation especially at the higher level when there are superstars on the ice that so called “enforcers” would target. These injuries are mostly incurred through the hitting aspect of the game; however fighting also plays a part. Hits from behind, body checks into the boards, open ice