Hockey Canada Intent On Leading The Way In Fight Against Concussions

June 29, 2011
Posted in BC Edition, Alberta Edition, Ontario Edition, Hockey Canada, Minor

By Scott Fisher /

Headshots have been the talk of the sport for months.

Even the Stanley Cup final wasn’t immune as Vancouver Canucks defenceman Aaron Rome’s massive open-ice hit on Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton resulted in yet another concussion.

Hockey Canada will never completely eliminate headshots or concussions.

But this country’s hockey governing body has taken major steps to cut down on the number of damaging hits.

Hockey Canada board chairman Michael Bruni said the organization is intent on leading the way in the fight against concussions.

“It’s long overdue,” Bruni told the Calgary Sun. “We had no choice but to show some leadership. This has been a lingering issue in the sport for a long time.”

Hockey Canada implemented mandatory penalties for all hits to the head — both accidental and intentional — at all levels of minor, Junior (levels A, B, C and D), senior and female competition.

The new rules are not in effect in Canada’s three Major Junior circuits as the WHL, OHL and QMJHL are self-governing.

“We have to make this safe for the young kids,” Bruni told the Sun.

Bruni said the new penalties — ranging from a minor or double-minor up to a major and game misconduct — will act as deterrents.

But the true goal will be to instil a level of respect in young players.

“We have to look at the coaches and make sure they are coaching the game in a fashion so that it’s not intimidating.

“Everyone, including the parents, need to know this conduct is inexcusable.”

Bruni said if Hockey Canada didn’t act, someone else would have.

“First, people won’t participate,” he said. “And second, something significant might happen. And once you get politicians involved, extreme measures will take place.

“We hope these rules act as a catalyst to change attitudes.
“We’re not just at a tipping point. We’re at a crisis point.”

— Scott Fisher covers the WHL for the Calgary Sun