EXCLUSIVE: NHLPA’s New Committee On CTE A Positive Step Toward Making Hockey A Safer Sport To Play
Over time, the NHL and hockey as a whole have faced the challenge of addressing head injuries. With former players and, in some cases, their families coming forward – often after a loved one’s death – awareness has gradually grown about concussions, head trauma, and their effects on athletes’ lives. A significant step in tackling this issue was taken on Friday with the NHL Players’ Association’s announcement of a new committee to study chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The topic of head injuries has become increasingly prominent, as it has in other high-contact sports. However, some in the hockey community remain reluctant to acknowledge the link between CTE and the severe mental and physical decline seen in many former NHL players. Since CTE can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously, building consensus about its causes has been difficult. For instance, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has denied any proven link between concussions in hockey and CTE. In a 2023 NPR interview, Bettman remarked, “We listen to the medical opinions on CTE, and I don’t believe there has been any documented study that suggests that elements of our game result in CTE.” He added, “There have been isolated cases of players who have played the game (who) have had CTE. But it doesn’t mean that it necessarily came from playing in the NHL.”
Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, it’s evident that the NHLPA’s understanding of CTE is progressing. No player should endure a lifetime of debilitating symptoms after an elite career, and the union deserves recognition for taking steps to better understand the issue. Head injuries in hockey can result from body checks, accidental collisions with the boards, and even fights targeting the head. As the medical community learns more about CTE, many hope hockey will adapt in response. It’s encouraging to see the NHLPA moving forward with this initiative, which is a positive step for everyone involved.