How quickly a situation can change!!

I can't believe how high profile the problem of head injury has become over the past year. An area that was accepted as just part of the sport, has now become recognized as a devastating injury. It's not just hockey, but all sports or activities in which repetitive jarring of the head occurs. Now comes the time for action and positive changes that can protect the long term mental health of anyone who participates in organized sports. The NHL playoffs have been great but unfortunately also showcase the fragility of preventing more concussive injuries. Hopefully the physical toll from the head shots that have sidelined some elite players will have time to heal and resolve without major consequence, but that may be too optimistic a view. The game of hockey is faster than ever, the players are better conditioned and more physically dominant and physical contact is a prominent aspect of the game. There is no question that increasing the size of the ice surface would be beneficial and dramatically reduce the incidence and severity of concussive events, but is an expensive and non-immediate change. Increasing player respect and awareness costs nothing and can start now. It's time to end the gladiator mentality of maiming the opponent. Coaches cannot encourage their players to go out and purposefully injure another player. As we have recently seen in professional football, some teams place bounties and rewards on sidelining an opponent. Players have to understand that sport is a business and there is a good chance the player that you are asked to injure may be your team-mate in the future.
A little knowledge can be a powerful thing. Head injury is now out of the shadows and being discussed openly. Positive changes are surely to follow.
Keep safe. Have fun.