TORONTO – In response to the number of severe head injuries professional hockey players have suffered in recent years, the National Hockey League has banned all players from getting concussions.
“We needed to take a tough stance on these types of injuries” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said at a meeting with the league’s GMs. “We have some players who are recklessly having their heads pushed into boards, getting checked from behind or being sucker-punched by a 6’4” defenceman. These players need to learn that this makes the sport look bad and this type of behaviour is unacceptable. We need to put a stop to traumatic brain injury by not permitting it in our game.”
Players who get a concussion can be suspended from play for months depending on the severity of the head injury. In extreme cases – especially for repeat offenders – concussions could lead to an indefinite suspension from the league.
However, the decision was not without controversy especially those who think concussions should stay in the game.
“Concussions are part of the game!” yelled Coach’s Corner commentator Don Cherry. “I’ve got into at least 50 concussions in my day. Feeling dizzy and having a headache after a blindside, mid-ice, elbow-to-the-head hit is what hockey is all about. It’s a slippery slope we’re headed down. What’s going to be banned next? Sliced achilles tendons? We’re encouraging a generation of whimps!”
Pittsburgh Penguins Captain and frequently concussed player Sidney Crosby is disappointed that he can no longer play a role on the ice that he’s known for: most valuable concussed player 2012 as voted by the NHLPA.
“Some guys get into fights, other guys get into concussions” Crosby said after an optional team skate. “This just means I’ll have to be a lot more careful around players like Raffi Torres, Cody McLeod and most of the Buffalo Sabres roster.”
