Linkage to the video through this New York Times blog.
http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/ahl-player-suffers-seizure-after-fight/
Since his removal from the ice by stretcher Garnett Koltz was released from the hospital on Saturday after observation and closure of a facial laceration with stitches. He will face evaluation by team physicians on Monday as to his fitness to play after the All Star break.
In the weeks since Don Sanderson's death the discussion on hockey boards and blogs has flared and sputtered, it probably will again. The fact is the most hockey fans like their fights, but can we continue to look ourselves in the mirror while we pay to see these injuries occur? Three important points must be made here. The first specific to Koltz's injury, his head did not hit the ice or boards, his seizure was most likely caused by a blow to the head by a fist. Second both men removed their helmets voluntary as customary before a hockey fight, they were going to “go”. Last these are adults who know they are in dangerous business and there for assume many risks.
Hockey is an old sport, there was a time when goalies wore no masks, however a curve to sticks and wicked puck speed changed that. Remember the days of flowing locks and no helmets? Hockey has proven it can study, assess and change when proven safety issues exist. Now is the time for the Players Association to call in the neurologists, trainers and statisticians and figure out the odds of who is injured and what can be done to prevent them. To this nurses eyes for skill players a functioning chin strap is the first step. For example, last week Jack Skille of the Rockford Icehogs suffered a concussion in a game against the Chicago Wolves Here are the images of the injury.
PowderhornhockeyPlease note the helmet with it's chinstrap in the usual “two fingers between strap and chin” position appears to do little to protect his head as he falls against the boards. Would Skille have been on the ice last night against Milwaukee if his chin strap had been in the snugger position advocated by the passionate orthopedist I met in Traverse City years ago? I don't know, right now no one does and that is the problem. The NHL and Players Association need to step up and go where ever the trail may lead them. The NFL is looking into Post Concussion Syndrome, equipment and play seriously, it is time for hockey to look into it's mirror too.
1 comment:
Hiya Powderhorn - I got your email. You've made most the points I would about hockey and fighting. Getting agitated while playing a physical sport such as hockey is natural, but players cross the line when it becomes emotional or out of hand. Remember, my team is the Avalanche and Bertuzzi still gets boo'd to this day for the hit he put on Moore and ending his career.
My opinion is that Bertuzzi shouldn't get to skate anymore since Moore can't. He should get the same sentence that he inflicted.
I'll say the same about a non-fitting helmet or popping off the helmet to fight that I say about motorcycle riders that don't wear one - They're idiots. However, it is their choice. I don't like laws that say we have to wear seat belts or helmets. Although I would never go without personally, it should be the person's choice.
It's easier in the leagues I play in because we all wear full cages and checking is a penalty. Dropping the gloves is pretty much unheard of in the men's or women's leagues around here.
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