When Connor McDavid hit his chin on the ice during Sunday’s game, he grabbed his face and got back on his feet. A few minutes later, NHL spotters pulled him out of the game to get checked for concussion.
The controversial call drew complaints from fans, and from McDavid himself. He later told reporters he was “shocked.” The Edmonton Oilers lost to the Minnesota Wild 2-1.
So why was the Oilers captain pulled?
“(The spotters) followed the rules, so it’s not like they pulled this out of… thin air,” Dr. Martin Mrazik said.
The University of Alberta concussion researcher and neuropsychologist explains the NHL’s new concussion protocol is based on reviews of thousands of hits to see which types resulted in a concussion diagnosis. Starting this season, two spotters were placed in each arena, along with officials in New York and Toronto, to watch every game for concussion risk.
READ MORE: Concussion spotters added by NHL in attempt to increase player safety
According to Mrazik, after a player gets a blow to the head, spotters watch for four things:
- Is the player unconscious?
- Are they unsteady on their feet?
- Do they seem unfocused or dazed?
- Did they clutch their face or head?
McDavid met criterion number 4.
“If in doubt, you pull them out. It’s better to miss a half a game than to miss a season,” Mrazik said.
READ MORE: Canada-wide concussion protocol won’t apply to professional athletes: sports minister
While old-time hockey fans may have a hard time accepting the new rules, Mrazik feels it’s better to be safe than sorry. Research has shown untreated concussion can increase the risk of more brain injuries, and long-term symptoms.
“We’re trying to change the culture of hockey… It takes time.”
“It’s like smoking, like bike helmets, it’s like all these larger health issues.”
Watch below: CFL Hall of Famer Matt Dunigan breaks down while discussing effects of concussions
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