New equipment

[njg85m]

The concussion issue will not be solved with "equipment." What causes concussions is the unnatural movement of the brain WITHIN the skull. I can't see any external piece of equipment that would, of itself, prevent that.

This.
Injuries happen within the body, not on the outside of the body. New equipment may prevent a bruised knee, but not what gets torn on the inside.

/Thread.

[RoanokeFan]

I agree on the helmets. Makes no sense to me they can't design a more protective helmet.

If a helmet can't be designed to prevent the brain from moving around inside he skull, it doesn't matter how tough they make it.

[joemorrisforprez]

Concussions are in a class of their own because of the lingering, debilitating effects they have on brain function. You can live a long time with a limp or aches and pains.

I think something can be done with helmets as well.....maybe a multi-layered helmet that absorbs impact like a car absorbs kinectic energy.

Another option is to change other equipment so that a blow to the head isn't as easy..... think a medieval knight's armor.

I think a connected helmet might also eliminate the whiplash effect that causes concussions...... often, a concussion occurs after the hit, when the helmet slams into the turf. A connected helmet might arrest alot of that velocity.

[Morehead State]

If a helmet can't be designed to prevent the brain from moving around inside he skull, it doesn't matter how tough they make it.

I've got the solution.........smaller heads.

[RoanokeFan]

I've got the solution.........smaller heads.

I'm just leaving that alone, thanks. Someone else has said "no helmets" and while I laughed at the time......

[Morehead State]

I'm just leaving that alone, thanks. Someone else has said "no helmets" and while I laughed at the time......

Don't laugh. I remember Barry Beck (NY Rangers defensman) saying that helmets made hockey a lot more dangerous. He thought players were more more aggressive with helmets.

[njg85m]

Don't laugh. I remember Barry Beck (NY Rangers defensman) saying that helmets made hockey a lot more dangerous. He thought players were more more aggressive with helmets.

This is the truth and it's the only alternative to what we have now that would be any different.

Not saying I am one of the voices advocating for it, but players aren't very likely to use their heads as projectiles without a helmet. The problem is though that serious head injuries may decline as a number, but the ones that do occur will be infinitely more serious than they are now.

[YATittle1962]

I remember at least 25 years ago seeing a special on TV about the new "soft" helmets.
Maybe thats why they never took off....The "sound" of the game.

it really puts where the leagues head is at into perspective

[joemorrisforprez]

Don't laugh. I remember Barry Beck (NY Rangers defensman) saying that helmets made hockey a lot more dangerous. He thought players were more more aggressive with helmets.

Speaking from the vantage point of someone who was hit in the eye with a high stick, I have to disagree. I'd never get on the ice again without a helmet and face cage.

I get his point though.

[RoanokeFan]

Here's some relevant information as to the possible breadth and depth of the pending lawsuits.

http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescri...s/Default.aspx