I’m sure everyone saw the horrific injury suffered by Eddie Lack of the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime last night. I ask the question, are the Ottawa Senators and the NHL doing enough to protect players.
It’s an age-old question, that of the hockey injury. The self-proclaimed toughest sport has thrived on its’ big hits and tough guys. All these hits do eventually take its toll on players, and the NHL seems behind the times when it comes to injuries, most notably head injuries.
Why am I throwing the Ottawa Senators into this piece? Recency. The Sens lost an incredibly key player before the puck was even dropped this season. Clarke MacArthur a top-six left winger was cleaned out on the boards with an unnecessary hit from Patrick Sieloff. It would be the wingers’ fourth concussion in 19 months. MacArthur spoke to Sportsnet about his ambition to return this season.
"“I’m only training like this and doing what I’m doing now is for this year. Next year is next year and I’m going to do anything I can to get back in and if they clear me, I’ll be ready.”"
Of course there have been an increased number of diagnosed concussion in the last year or so. With far more emphasis placed on the matter, it doesn’t mean that the actual numbers are up, simply the diagnosis.
Take a look at Frederik Andersen in the Buffalo Sabres game, he was pulled from the game following a collision. It was in fact the Sabres doctors who called for Andersen’s removal. To quash a quick rumour, this wasn’t a deliberate ploy to remove Andersen, the Leafs doctors didn’t travel.
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Behind The Times
Even the NFL, which is notorious for its laissez faire approach to player safety has begun to properly approach concussion. The confirmation of CTE in the brains of footballers has prompted quick action. For the cynical among you, to prevent players suing in later life.
Sports that thrive themselves on the physical aspect of the game, which gets people in the seats, are slow to address the toll it takes on players. You need only look at Derick Boogard at the damages hockey can take on the brain.
Final Thoughts
With Mark Stone also suffering a concussion earlier in the season, Sens fans are well aware of the toll concussions can take on players.
The problem therein lies with management. Success is the most important facet of the NHL it’s what brings in revenue and stability that the owners crave. Furthermore, fans want success and their best players on the ice when they pay big bucks to see a game.
Listed above are the pressures that players and medical staff have to deal with when it comes to injuries. A player doesn’t want to lose his roster spot and the doctor doesn’t want to be ousted for a more lenient replacement.
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The NHL still has a long way to go to fully protect its players. That in itself poses another question, the players make an independent choice to play in the NHL and are aware of the risks. This is partially why they are rewarded so handsomely. However, more protection should be available league wide.