Hockey can be a brutal sport that leaves long-term health effects on its players. Today one young hockey player is retiring due to his health and the toll the game has taken on him.
QMJHL Forward Retires Due To Life Altering Concussion
Today it was announced that Charlottetown Islanders forward Lane Hinkley would be retiring from hockey.
On Monday, defensemen Lane Hinkley announced his retirement from hockey due to medical reasons.
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Hinkley has been dealing with health issues related to concussions. Hockey reporter Rick Westhead got a quote from Hinkley about his retirement.
19-year-old Lane Hinkley: «Too many hits, too many punches, too many concussions that I didn't properly heal from. The doctor said my MRI showed there is a 25mm by 17mm lesion on my brain Currently, I am at risk for CTE and early dementia.»
A 19-year-old kid being at risk for long-term health issues such as CTE and dementia is horrifying. It is also part of the conversation of why the QMJHL made a massive rule change this summer.
QMJHL Bans Fighting
The QMJHL earlier this summer decided to ban fighting. The decision was made to protect young players and allow them to show their skills. At the time many people were conflicted about the ban.
It's official! Rule changes in regards to fighting will be applied as of this season. #QMJHL
A couple of months into the season the QMJHL product has not changed despite fighting being removed.
Although fighting was removed too late to benefit Lane Hinkley and his career it is a positive step in making the game safer to play for a long time. As time goes along this could end up trickling down to other leagues as well.
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