Dave Hodge sounds off on all the hockey issues of the day in Hodgemail. Write in to answer Dave's question and watch the NHL on TSN later this evening to see if he reads your response.
Concussions have become one of the most pressing topics in hockey - and it's not just a concern stemming from the National Hockey League. It's making its mark at the grassroots level as well.
According to an Ontario study on brain injuries released last week, twenty-five per cent of hockey players on two unnamed junior teams suffered concussions last year. The report came after independent physicians followed the two junior clubs during last season, where they saw that 17 players suffered a total of 21 concussions in 52 games.
The medical panel also said 29 per cent of players - aged 16 through 21 - who had a concussion also endured recurring concussions. "Being a team physician, and for a person that hasn't thought it in those terms, it is alarming," said Dr. Paul Echlin of London, ON. "And it is something we should take action on. I took action because I kept seeing these players injured and I wanted to create a situation where we could get more discussion and rapidly make change."
So how does this change come about?
While this interactive feature is about reaching out to you and getting your say as hockey fans, we really want to hear from those of you who have kids playing in minor hockey.
That being said, here's Dave's question to you: "What can/should be done to reduce the frequency of concussions in hockey?"
Email your response to hodgemail@tsn.ca (along with your name and where you're from) and watch the NHL on TSN tonight during the intermission to see if Dave reads your answer on air.
You can also catch the best responses on video on demand right after the broadcast on TSN.ca.