KIDWCKED
12-30-2009, 06:50 PM
NEW YORK (AP)
Keith Primeau is linked to the late Reggie Fleming even though their NHL careers were separated by decades.
When severe brain injuries are the common thread, there is no generation gap. The problem isn't new, it's just finally starting to become understood.
While the NHL Players' Association has pitched a ban of all hits to the head, the league hadn't moved to adopt such a rule. But for the first time, change appears possible. The NHL's 30 general managers agreed last month to form a committee to investigate the problem before they meet again in March. They could then recommend that head shots be eliminated.
A new rule may even be in place next season that would prohibit contact with the head - even with a shoulder.
The general managers will gather against a backdrop of America's most popular professional league, the NFL, making several new moves to study head injuries and protect players in the wake of new studies and congressional pressure.
"If you would've asked me four months ago, my response was one of frustration because I didn't think that they were taking initiative," Primeau said of the NHL. "After their GM meetings they came out of there with a plan. That plan, because it's 30 general managers, will take some time but they are working toward a goal. That, for me, is encouraging."
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Primeau was a hard-hitter with a scorer's touch during his 15 seasons. He was cut down, not by a bum knee or tricky shoulder, but by repeated concussions. His symptoms have included: lightheadedness, disorientation, and added difficulties when his immunity goes down.
"When I get sick it goes straight to my head," he said.
His story isn't unique, and as more research is done, the danger of concussions and their long-term effects become increasingly clear. Concussions plagued the careers of Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, Eric Lindros and his brother Brett, goalie Mike Richter, defenseman Jeff Beukeboom and countless others.
"I know that I damaged my brain," the 38-year-old Primeau said. "To what degree, I don't know. What my future holds, I don't dwell on it."
Keith Primeau is linked to the late Reggie Fleming even though their NHL careers were separated by decades.
When severe brain injuries are the common thread, there is no generation gap. The problem isn't new, it's just finally starting to become understood.
While the NHL Players' Association has pitched a ban of all hits to the head, the league hadn't moved to adopt such a rule. But for the first time, change appears possible. The NHL's 30 general managers agreed last month to form a committee to investigate the problem before they meet again in March. They could then recommend that head shots be eliminated.
A new rule may even be in place next season that would prohibit contact with the head - even with a shoulder.
The general managers will gather against a backdrop of America's most popular professional league, the NFL, making several new moves to study head injuries and protect players in the wake of new studies and congressional pressure.
"If you would've asked me four months ago, my response was one of frustration because I didn't think that they were taking initiative," Primeau said of the NHL. "After their GM meetings they came out of there with a plan. That plan, because it's 30 general managers, will take some time but they are working toward a goal. That, for me, is encouraging."
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Primeau was a hard-hitter with a scorer's touch during his 15 seasons. He was cut down, not by a bum knee or tricky shoulder, but by repeated concussions. His symptoms have included: lightheadedness, disorientation, and added difficulties when his immunity goes down.
"When I get sick it goes straight to my head," he said.
His story isn't unique, and as more research is done, the danger of concussions and their long-term effects become increasingly clear. Concussions plagued the careers of Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, Eric Lindros and his brother Brett, goalie Mike Richter, defenseman Jeff Beukeboom and countless others.
"I know that I damaged my brain," the 38-year-old Primeau said. "To what degree, I don't know. What my future holds, I don't dwell on it."