Hockey Hall of Fame goalie and former MP Ken Dryden will be hosting a concussion awareness symposium in Peterborough later this month.
Dryden will present the keynote address including highlights from his recently published book Game Change, the story of NHL defenceman Steve Montador, who was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death in 2015. Montador has many local friends thanks to his year with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes in 1999-2000. His family also lived nearby Young’s Point just north of the city.
The symposium is being organized by the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF).
“Ken Dryden has been one of the first supporters of Youth Sports Concussion Awareness Program and we are so pleased to have him returning to Peterborough for an education session to raise further awareness on concussions,” Laura Kennedy, GPHSF’s executive director our Family Health Team Foundation, said.
The event on Nov. 29 at The Venue on George Street will feature a community panel discussion with Dr. Derek Krete, family physician Dr. Bob Neville, Petes’ president Dave Pogue, Peterborough Lakers’ Tracey Kelusky, Mike Keating with Helping Others Participate Equally (HOPE) along with local athletes Laura Young and Jack Crawford.
“We’d really like to see as many coaches and trainers from across the community attend as Dr. Derek Krete will be providing a dedicated presentation for sideline assessment and return-to-play protocols,” said Kennedy.
“We’re also excited to hear from the community on this issue and looking forward to dynamic discussions that will help direct the growth of our partnership with HOPE on concussion education and resources.”
Dryden’s book also focuses on the evolution of hockey, science and sport and countering the risk of head injuries.
“Concussion education and awareness is very important to us a sporting community,” HOPE’s Ryan Sedgwick said. HOPE is a non-profit organization to help children in need.
“We want to ensure that every coach and trainer in sports has the proper knowledge and resources to make informed decisions when it comes concussions. Creating a positive and safe sporting community for our young athletes is something we are proud to support.”
The free public event gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in attending are being asked to RSVP to info@gphsf.ca to reserve their space.
Comments