Let’s take a look at the hard-hitting reality of CTE and hockey. What causes it? Who does it affect? And what can be done to prevent it?
What is CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that is often associated with repeated head injuries, particularly those sustained in contact sports like American football, hockey, and boxing. CTE is a relatively recent area of medical research, and its long-term effects have gained significant attention, especially in the context of professional sports.
CTE is characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal protein called tau in the brain. This protein build-up is believed to result from repeated trauma to the head, even when such injuries do not lead to immediate or obvious symptoms. Over time, the presence of tau in the brain can lead to a range of neurological and cognitive symptoms, including memory loss, mood disturbances, and difficulties with reasoning and decision-making. These symptoms often worsen as the disease progresses and can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life.
While CTE has been most closely associated with American football due to the high frequency of head impacts in the sport, it is also a concern in ice hockey, including the National Hockey League (NHL). Given the nature of the game – all those bone-crushing hits against the boards and fists flying during fights – it’s not hard to see why researchers are delving into this issue with a curious eye. After all, concussions happen in hockey more frequently than we think, and there may be serious consequences for players later down the line.
NHL players, like those in the NFL, are at risk of sustaining multiple concussions and subconcussive blows to the head during their careers. Several NHL players have been diagnosed with CTE, and some have sadly passed away as a result of the disease. Here are a few examples:
Bob Probert: Bob Probert was a former NHL enforcer who played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks, among other teams. He was known for his tough and physical style of play, which likely contributed to his repeated head trauma. Probert passed away in 2010, and his brain was later found to have significant evidence of CTE.
Derek Boogaard: Derek Boogaard, another NHL enforcer, played for the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers. He was a fan favorite known for his fighting skills but tragically passed away in 2011. Post-mortem examinations revealed that he had advanced CTE.
Steve Montador: Steve Montador was a defenseman who played for several NHL teams, including the Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres. He experienced numerous concussions during his career and passed away in 2015. Posthumous examinations of his brain confirmed the presence of CTE.
Because CTE can only be diagnosed after death with an autopsy it is impossible at this point of study to truly determine how many NHL players are affected. But it is not just the fighters who are at risk. Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada said CTE has been found in the brains of 16 out of the 17 NHL players studied. Though the list includes fighters such as Bob Probert, it also has been found in skilled players such as Stan Mikita, Ralph Backstrom and Henri Richard.
These cases emphasize the importance of addressing the issue of head injuries and CTE in contact sports like the NHL. The league has taken steps to increase player safety, such as implementing stricter concussion protocols and penalizing dangerous plays. However, the long-term impact of CTE on athletes continues to be a significant concern, highlighting the need for ongoing research and preventive measures to protect the well-being of athletes in contact sports.
Okay, now have a nice day and enjoy those games tonight.
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