BOCA RATON, Fla. — Hits to the head that can cause concussions were the main topic as NHL general managers began their annual meetings Monday.
A discussion of a two-year independent medical study undertaken by the league included a video presentation showing footage of a number of well-known hits to the head during games. The league estimates there are 60,000 to 70,000 body hits during a season, and during the past 2 1/2 years there have been 200 concussions reported among players.
In 21 games reviewed from this season, showing an average of 22 contacts to the head per game, 30 percent of those hits were shoulder to head. Most body checks with the shoulder are considered legal hits.
“Our challenge (Monday, today) and Wednesday at this meeting is to see if we can arrive at some sort of conclusion that will make the game safer to play and reduce concussions,” said Colin Campbell, the NHL’s director of hockey operations.
The NHL is struggling to minimize concussions without damaging a sport that clearly relies on its physicality to enhance spectator entertainment.
“The hits are great until someone gets hurt,” Campbell said.
The issue of hits to the heads was illuminated at the meeting by the Grade 2 concussion suffered by Bruins center Marc Savard when Penguins forward Matt Cooke blindsided him with a shoulder hit Sunday.
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said Savard was cleared to fly home to Boston on Monday. Savard told him he was “very tired and wanted to go to bed.”
The Bruins will continue to monitor Savard for up to five days before offering an update on his prognosis.
Aucoin signs extension
WASHINGTON — Center Keith Aucoin signed a two-year contract extension with the Capitals. Aucoin is in the minors with the Hershey Bears, leading the American Hockey League in scoring with 84 points — 31 goals and 53 assists.
The Associated Press
