Solutions to the dramatic increase in concussions in the NHL
Watch the video titled “North Platte Public School: What is a Concussion”. It is in the Classes Folder
in the Hockey Skills Folder (and available on line at www.nppsd.org/vnews/display.v/ART/4ad336de9f3cf).
What is a Concussion?
Read the Globe and Mail article: “Ken Dryden’s call to action for NHL boss Gary Bettman” (also available on line at
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ken-drydens-call-to-action-for-nhl-boss-gary-bettman/article2274749/print/)
Why does Ken Dryden feel Gary Bettman has a tough job?
What does Ken Dryden feel is the problem with Gary Bettman listening to his “hockey guys” regarding concussions?
Why does Ken Dryden think there has been a dramatic increase in the number of concussions in the NHL in recent
years?
What other sports are affected by concussion injuries?
What does Dryden suggest Bettman should do?
Describe how Bettman responded to interview questions regarding Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak.
What is CTE and what other players have shown signs of this disorder?
Why do we have to wait many years to know what happened to the brains of athletes?
Many suggestions have been made to reduce concussions, including Rule 48, current concussion protocols, enlarging the
ice surface, returning the 2-line pass rule (that players cannot make a pass across both the blue line and the red line),
allowing goalies to play pucks outside the trapezoid and different equipment (softer shoulder pads, improved mouth
guards etc). Give specific details of how you would change the game to reduce the incidents of concussion.