High hits, head cases and hockey

While the Texas Tech football concussion controversy has grabbed headlines in the past couple of days, it’s important not to overlook recent developments on concussions in the sport of hockey. 

In the Texas Tech controversy the James family made specific reference to the issue of concussions in youth football: "At virtually every level of football coaching, cases where children and young men have sustained concussions have generated serious discussion of the importance of correct treatment and diagnosis." 

Meanwhile the NHL, former professional players and academic researchers are confronting the problem of hockey concussions not only among elite adult athletes, but in youth players as well ...

NHL concussions video released in September:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=499020

The Messier Project:

http://www.themessierproject.com/the-project.html

http://thehockeywriters.com/messier-interview-war-on-concussions/

Boston University research:

http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm-news/2009/12/18/first-hockey-player-diagnosed-with-degenerative-brain-disease-caused-by-repetitive-brain-trauma/

http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news/releases/display.php?id=1807

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/former-nhler-had-condition-linked-to-concussions-at-time-of-death/article1404651/