Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaskal
I think no-hitting should be in effect up until Midget level. It gives the kids freedom to develop their skating, puck skills and hockey sense. Once they grow into a body that can withstand hits better they can learn to play physically, but there's really no need for 12-year olds running around trying to hammer each other into the boards - adult hockey is one thing but kids really shouldn't be playing that way.
Hockey at this level should be all about showing off your skills and IQ, not how hard you can hit the other guy.
I know if I had a kid in hockey the first thing I'd be worried about is concussions, especially with the random growth spurts in that youth period that can give some kids an advantageous frame.
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That and a kid's brain at these ages is in full development mode and getting concussions at this age is the worst thing that can happen. It leads to too many issues down the line, kids can suffer from anger issues, memory loss, depression, anxiety, all from getting a concussion at this critical stage of brain development.