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Fleming's brain damage a 'frightening reminder' of NHL violence

December 18, 2009 04:18 PM | Posted by   Scott Morrison  

News that former NHL player Reggie Fleming had brain damage related to head blows incurred while playing the game is obviously tragic, but ultimately the news might also be timely.

Fleming, who died in July at the age 73, was found to have Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a disease that cannot be determined until after death, but causes behavioural changes, cognitive decline and eventually dementia, according to reports.

Fleming was the first hockey player tested for the disease, but likely not the first or last to have it.

Obviously, when Fleming played his dozen NHL seasons in the 1960s and 70s, it was a wildly different time. Players predominantly didn’t wear helmets and medical science was not nearly as advanced as it is today, particularly in determining concussions and their severity.

It is important to note that the protection afforded players over the years has greatly improved, as well all know, as has the medical care they are afforded.

Sadly, however, there is still a problem with head shots and injuries so many years later.

As much as the players are safer because of the equipment they wear, they are also in considerable danger because of the equipment.

It seems inevitable, though, that when the NHL general managers convene again in March that they will emerge with a rule designed to prevent blindside head shots, which currently are otherwise legal but also lethal.

In a game that is played at rapid speed, with big bodies violently colliding even within the rules, injuries are going to happen. Even with rules outlawing any type of head hit, accidents will still happen. In life and in hockey there are no absolutes.

But taking the step to eliminating the blindside hit on the vulnerable player, it is a good first step. Once the NHL sees the impact of that rule, eventually they can address whether head shots on head-on collisions should be eliminated as well, the way they have in junior.

But at least this will be a good first step if the GMs go down that road.

In the past week there have been a couple more cheap head shots - the Jarkko Ruutu hit on Patrik Kaleta, and the David Koci boarding of Mike Green. That they both happened while the NHL board governors were meeting and discussing head shots and concussions hopefully will serve as a further stimulus.

The tragic news of the disease that affected the life of Reggie Fleming in many ways isn’t related to what is happening in the NHL today, it’s not about the blindside hits and the hits from behind into unforgiving glass and board, but it is still a frightening reminder of the damage that can be inflicted and the need for change and awareness.

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