Researchers behind a new study focusing on concussions in hockey believe the only way to prevent more young players from brain injuries is to stop hitting at a younger age. The study calls for an all-out ban on body-checking in the sport until players are at least 16-years-old.
Syd Johnson with Dalhousie University is behind the latest study on body-checking. The study found body-checking should be banned for all kids until they are at least 16, and only then, at the elite level.
"The younger kids are, the more susceptible they are to concussions. Because you do see kids having their first concussion within a year of the introduction of body-checking, that in fact that supposed benefit of teaching them early to protect them just doesn't happen there," said Johnson.
Currently, players with Edmonton Minor Hockey start body-checking at age 11 or 12. And just as this study comes to light, Edmonton Minor Hockey admits changes are on the way.
"Definitely changes are coming, it's just a matter of when," said Chris Hurley.
But one hockey instructor thinks delaying body-checking past the age of 16 is a mistake.
"If at that level if they're just starting to learn at age 16, the game of hit-hockey, they're going to be at a severe disadvantage," said Chris Ferguson with St. Francis Xavier Hockey Academy.
And despite an injury, one Edmonton player says he is glad he learned to body-check years ago.
"When you get used to it at a young age, you have that split second to think about it and you can stop the hit," said 17-year-old Branden Troock, who is back in Edmonton after playing in the WHL in Seattle.
Edmonton Minor Hockey is considering raising the age to 16 in an attempt keep kids playing. Currently, 35 to 40 per cent of players quit the game as soon as they are ready for Pee Wee, when hitting is allowed.
With files from Laura Tupper
