The rise of concussions in youth sport has become a hot issue and a local sporting goods shop is getting involved in the work being done to prevent serious head injuries.
Mallard’s Source for Sports in Nelson and Castlegar has joined Stopconcussions.com in launching their Head Zone initiative.
“It’s amazing how our helmet manufacturers including Bauer, Reebok, CCM, Easton and Cascade, the medical community, and the athletes who are willing to share their story, have come together to address this issue,” said Mallard’s owner Dale Donaldson. “Our young players and their families are important to us, as is this issue.”
Mallard’s is part of the Source for Sports buying group that extends across Canada. The issue of concussions was addressed at a recent Source for Sports annual marketing and buying convention in Hamilton through several points of view from the diverse and experienced panel.
Jim Thomson, self-admitted enforcer during his nine years in the NHL, called for an end to the violence, which begins with ruling against fighting.
“I can say with certainty because I was an enforcer, that we must take the violence out of the greatest game in the world,” Thomson told the convention.
Paul Rosen, Gold Medalist with the 2006 Canadian Sledge Hockey team in Turin, Italy, suffered several concussions throughout his career. His injuries have caused memory loss among symptoms.
“I have children and grandchildren,” said Rosen. “I want to be with them and remember things and right now I can’t do that because of trauma to my brain during sport that could have been avoided”.
“It is an invisible injury” stated Dr. Michelle Keightley, clinical neuropsychologist. “Education is key for the management of concussions. We need to bring awareness to the symptoms in order to diagnose and treat these injuries effectively.”
Dr. Keightley stated that studies have shown that the effectiveness of mouth guards in concussion prevention are inconclusive.
“A helmet that fits properly is going to be an important prevention tool,” she said.
Keith Primeau, former Philadelphia Flyers captain and founder of stopconcussions.com applauded the efforts of Source For Sports stores across Canada who are hosting Helmet Fitting Week from now through Sunday. All hockey players are encouraged to bring their helmet to Mallard’s, no matter where they purchased it, for inspection and fitting assessment.