Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
The NHL is removing fighting from the game slowly. Yet, for sheer numbers of concussions and other career-ending or career-limiting injuries, it is negligible to what other forms of contact have been doing statistically. If the NHL was really serious about concussions, then they would look at removing the red-line.
However, it is not likely to happen. The NHL markets itself as a fast paced game. They want the game fast. Fans love it too. It was (and is) difficult to remove fighting out of the NHL because of both fans and players who like it, and slowing the game down probably not be received well by anyone, except doctors.
The NHL is going to have to figure out how they can maintain that speed in the game, but make it safer for players. I really don't have any answers. Changing some of the player's protection would probably help, but it won't solve the issue that players are traveling at a high velocity and making contact at high velocity. Regardless of padding, this is going to cause injuries.
This whole looming concussion lawsuit might have the biggest impact on the game. Will be curious to see how the NHL changes in the next 10 or 15 years, especially with the development of tracking tools that measure players speeds and better cameras, which will have the added benefit of analyzing serious injuries.
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two suggestions for starters, based on the changes made to minor hockey:
1. any hit from behind is a penalty.
2. any form of head contact, intentional or not is a penalty.
Yes it would be chaotic for the first season while players adjust but they will adjust over time.