Anthony Marchie and Michael Cusimamo,1 in reviewing some of the available research, have established that concussions are more likely to occur when hockey is played with body contact and that concussions may have serious effects on the well-being and functioning of children. In my clinical and research work, I have seen the often-devastating effects of traumatic brain injury, including concussions, from a variety of causes. As the coach of a competitive girls' hockey team, I have seen the high calibre of hockey that is possible without bodychecking. And as the parent of an 11-year-old boy, I have observed concussions occurring as the result of even “clean” bodychecks and have worried about the safety of our children.
R. van Reekum Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Toronto, Ont.
Reference
- 1.Marchie A, Cusimano MD. Bodychecking and concussions in ice hockey: Should our youth pay the price? [editorial]. CMAJ 2003;169(2):124-8. [PMC free article] [PubMed]