Head Shot!

It is becoming clear that head shots are becoming a huge problem in hockey.  Already nineteen players in the NHL have missed games due to concussions.  Some of these players, like Laperriere, are suffering from post-concussion syndrome from events that occurred last season, and while Laperriere's concussion was not a result of a dirty hit many of the players out with concussions are out thanks to a check to the head.


I'm pretty sure that most Canadian hockey fans will remember Patrice Cormier, the captain of Canada's junior team in 2010.  It wasn't long after that tournament that Cormier returned to his junior team in the QMJHL and laid out a young player by the name of Michael Tam.  The footage was graphic, and will definitely remain in my mind for a very long time.  Hits like this have been and will be replayed many times, so when should it be the responsibility of the league to step in and protect their players?


The concern of many is that if the league puts in protection rules that the players will stop protecting themselves but I disagree.  I can't even count how many times in a single game, whether its NHL or junior, that I see a player along the boards with his head down.  It's only a matter of time before someone lays them out, perhaps they won't be injured, perhaps they will.  Regardless it is clear that these players are not always protecting themselves, and sometimes the intensity of the situation makes them forget to do so.  The league needs to step in.


In addition to putting protective measures in place, the leagues really need to crack down on the offending players.  Suspensions and fines are great, but the inconsistency with which the NHL, in particular, doles out the punishment makes it difficult for me to take them seriously.  There needs to be a real, harsh, punishment for players who intentionally check another player to the head- and especially when its into the boards.


While I am a fan of the big hits, player safety is very important to me and I think the leagues have to get control of it now, before we see an increase in the number of players who's careers end thanks to a concussion.