[Hockeyguy15]

I think the nail was hit on the head earlier in this thread. I think the reason we see a concussion issue in Pee-Wee is because there is a lot more kids who aren't good enough with their skating/balance and their muscles are still developing. I don't know if there is a study so I am just basing this comment off watching hockey, but in my opinion I think a majority of concussions are not from a headshot but mostly from banging their head off the ice or boards after a hit.

Pee-Wee kids are still developing co-ordination and the muscles they need for balance, as well as neck muscles to prevent their head from bouncing off the ice and boards. Kids at higher levels are better off in the co-ordination department, but the whole muscles developing is up to mother nature.

I'm on the fence about moving hitting back to Bantam. Like some of you I think it should still be in Pee-Wee in the top tiers (maybe 3? I don't know). I agree that we need to do all we can to minimize concussions, but I'm not sure if this change will be effective as Hockey Alberta wants it to be.

Strengthen those neck muscles kids, you will need them in Bantam.

Edit: Oh and the comment about why don't you play contact beer league hockey? I don't feel like being chased around the ice at 11pm by some gorilla who thinks he can still make the NHL. The dream is dead, give it up. He was likely the same kid you played that couldn't not hit without his elbows or hands up.