Former NHL player Wade Belak was found dead on August 31st, in a Toronto hotel. Belak, 35, had retired earlier this year after his 15th season in the NHL playing for the Nashville Predators. At 6’5, and 220-pounds, Belak was something of an enforcer, best known for his toughness and grit. He was set to begin a career in broadcasting.
Rick Rypien, 27, was found dead in his home on August 15th. Rypien was known to be battling depression and had taken a leave of absence due to personal reasons. It was reported to be his third such leave in three years with the Vancouver Canucks.
Rick Rypien, 27, was found dead in his home on August 15th. Rypien was known to be battling depression and had taken a leave of absence due to personal reasons. It was reported to be his third such leave in three years with the Vancouver Canucks.
Derek Boogaard, 28, died on May 13th in his Minnesota apartment after an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. Boogard came off a tough season with the New York Rangers that ended prematurely after suffering a concussion on December 9th vs. Ottawa.
Three enforcers, all between the ages of 27 and 35 years old taken from their families and fans too soon. Three NHL players, who lost their lives since May of this year. All three were strong and in good health, playing for the best hockey league in the world. What could have been the root of their problems that led to their deaths?
After the great Bob Probert passed away from heart failure in July, his family donated his brain for scientific study of sport’s concussions and the effects of brain trauma, at Boston University. They found that Probert suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease that often leads to memory loss, drug abuse, depression and anger issues related to impulse control. C.T.E., as it is known in medical circles, is said to be prevalent in the research conducted on retired players of the National Football League. (Source: Alan Schwarz-The New York Times)
Is fighting responsible? I don’t think you could truly say that it is. Playing contact sports all my life, I’ve seen brutal hits and injuries in lacrosse, football and hockey. The very nature of the contact sport puts the entirety of the body through a battery of beatings regularly. Injuries are common and can occur to even well-conditioned athletes. The same can be said about head injuries within the contact sport itself. Not keeping your head up or being vulnerable for just a second can lead to a concussion. Multiple concussions over a career can definitely affect the cognitive health of an athlete and could possibly lead to problems later on in life.
The NHL has taken the plague of head injuries seriously. They have looked into player equipment, ice-surface safety and the rules of conduct within the game to address the problem. Hits to the head have been forbidden and punishments for the offenders have been given to make each offender an example. These are good changes and if followed and applied justly, will definitely make the game safer. Reminders to all players in the game to be more aware and to avoid precarious positions will also help. Unfortunately, I think that head injuries can’t be avoided in a contact sport like hockey.
Post-concussion syndrome used to be called getting your bell rung. Anyone who suffers from it can tell you, it’s completely debilitating and greatly affects your quality of life as you grow older. In addition, do not downplay the seriousness of depression or dependance issues. All are real symptoms found in those who suffer these types of head injuries. All of these elements contribute to the deconstruction of an athlete's life. You could assert that as an enforcer, one would be more susceptible to concussions and thereby, have an increased risk of conditions like C.T.E. Some evolve after retirement while others force retirement of promising careers. While all players are subject to the risks that play the game, is there a pattern evident?
Enforcers are necessary to protect the star players in the game or to re-establish team focus. They provide an intimidation factor to opponents that all hostile attacks will be answered in kind. They are a champion, of sorts, to the crest on the jersey and beloved by thousands of screaming fans as much as any sniper or masked protector of the net. They put themselves at risk every time they engage in combat on the ice. Is it fair of the casual fan to not be concerned at the rise in depression or heath issue risk associated with the brain injuries so common to these men?
