Concussions 2

As I mentioned in my previous post "Concussion and Kids" concussions are dangerous and need to be watched for. Another item that can help parents and coaches is a newly developed concussion app for mobile phones. However, nothing takes the place of having a doctor look at your kid/player.

Missed Opportunity

The NHL missed an opportunity to improve the image of hockey during the Stanley Cup finals. When Canucks Alex Burrow bit the finger of Bruins Patrice Bergeron the NHL could of suspended Burrows for one game. I understand that the NHL didn't want to do something that might effect the outcome of the finals but that is exactly what the NHL. Also, what made this situation worse was that the  NHL said there was no conclusive evidence that Burrows bit Bergeron yet anyone who had a computer or television could see otherwise. As a result Games 2 and 3 were affected by the NHL and Game 4 will be affected.
     During Game 3 Canuck's player Aaron Rome international hit Bruins player Nathan Horton in the head giving him a concussion and ending Horton's season. Rome did receive a 4 game suspension from the NHL. There was no question Rome left his feet and hit Horton in the head. I believe that the player that caused the injury should not play again until the injured player is healthy enough to play. Maybe this would help end the cheap hits because the present NHL discipline does not seem to be working.
     Game 4 should be interesting to watch on Wednesday.
   

  

Concussions and Kids

Concussions in high school sports can be serious even life threatening. As a result coaches as well as parents should take time to learn about concussions. Parents should consider getting baseline testing done before the season starts. There maybe a doctor in your area who is willing to test the whole team. This should reduce the cost of the baseline test. Concussed athletes need cognitive rest, meaning no reading, writing and no Facebook,TV or texting.
     Here are some places to look for information. Of course USA Hockey has a concussion information page. The CDC has a Head's Up online training course about concussions. The National Federation of High Schools has a free course on concussions that coaches as well as parents can take. Finally, at the beginning of the season take time to talk to your coaches or parents and explain your concerns about concussions. Coaches tell the parents how you will deal with a player who gets a concussion.
      Concussions are a real part of high school sports and are here to stay. Educate yourselves.

Coaching

The season is over and there are no meetings until the fall. Now is the time for some thinking and first I have come to realize that coaching is always changing. No one can say they know everything about coaching. I learn every year and I expect to learn more this coming year. I will spend some time this summer looking my practice plans and making some changes.

I broke down

I have been so interested in the NHL playoffs this year I decided to breakdown and pay for Versus. There have been some good games. I am watching the Bolts/Bruins game now.

Changes for next year

Some changes for next year came from the League and the Conference. The League has decided to get tough on the subject of fighting. Next year if a player gets into a fight the player is suspended for three games and is not allowed to play in the post season. If the player gets into a second fight the player is suspended for the rest of the season. In our Conference I have been told that our Conference for next season will be divided into two brackets and you play every team in your bracket twice. There is a Conference meeting at the end of this month I will see what else may change.

April for High School Hockey

The month of April for a High School Ice Hockey coach in Maryland is relatively easy. First,your team may or may not have a end of season party. Second, the Maryland Scholastic Hockey League has a Head Coaches meeting to discuss the recently concluded and talk about the next season. This year the MSHL meeting happened yesterday while I was out of town.I will be interested to find out what took place especially how far talks went on the topics of Conference alignment and creating a Maryland Hockey Coaches Association.