Citation

Hemond C. CMAJ 2012; 184(8): 861-862.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

10.1503/cmaj.109-4167

PMID

22508973

PMCID

PMC3348187

Abstract

If not a stampede, it appears there is at least a slow shuffle of Canadian youngsters out of contact hockey as a result of widespread publicity about the parade of NHL superstars onto injured reserve lists.

Meanwhile, one critic says Hockey Canada’s failure to implement even more stringent anti-concussion measures constitutes nothing short of “child abuse.”

Drawing a parallel to equipment changes made in the 1970s to prevent eye injuries, Emile Therien, former president of the Canada Safety Council, says the sport faces similar consequences if changes aren’t made. "If we hadn’t made changes to the equipment back then, there’s no doubt in my mind the game wouldn’t exist today. Parents just wouldn’t enroll their kids. It would be child abuse. And that’s what it is today; it’s child abuse."

Language: en