Hockey leagues across Canada have been rocked by a report that says concussions have reached epidemic proportions for players in their late teens and early 20s.
A recent study published in the November issue of Neurosurgical Focus looked at two junior hockey teams with a total of 67 players.
Researchers found a third of the players suffered a concussion during a 50-game schedule, with one in four head injuries the result of a fight.
The findings are seven times higher than previous studies, and researchers say it is proof that hockey attitudes have to change.
During an average season, about half a dozen players on the Kelowna Rockets will suffer a concussion.
Rockets assistant coach Ryan Cuthbert says he suffered about 8 to 10 concussions as a player; they ultimately cut his playing career short.
Trevor Erhardt from the Kelowna Minor Hockey Association says more awareness is needed to educate players and coaches about head injuries.
Western Hockey League players who suffer concussions are carefully monitored and require medical clearance before they are allowed to play again.
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