I do not think I have ever before had the urge to go start a flamewar on a hockey board

[commodorified]

OK, so if we're talking NHL rule changes, let's try this: If someone's going to be disciplined for a dirty shot resulting in concussion or other serious injury?

You get suspended, and you can come back when the guy you hit comes back.

Sure it's arbitrary and unfair and depends heavily on luck. So does the long-term recovery and prospects of players with concussion.

Comments

[mmegaera]

Works for me. I would also like to institute this rule in U.S. football (see what happened when the New Orleans Saints "bounty" program runners got caught).

[amadi]

I'd also like to see it in the NFL, which would do something with the guy that got paid for the hit that looks like it's ending Rashard Mendenhall's career with the Pittsburgh Steelers too. The bounty program is league wide and everyone knows it but no one can "prove" it.

[gramina]

I like this plan.

[tei]

YES.

[recessional]

Sounds good to me.

[con_girl]

Were you reading comments on the internet? I think it is an unhealthy activity.

[ironphoenix]

This, or more. I really can't stand watching hockey... the amount of crap they condone is too much for me.

[commodorified]

This is why I like Women's, Juniors', and farm league.

[ironphoenix]

...which I haven't seen much, given that the only hockey I see is on TV's at the kinds of pubs etc. that have TV's to show hockey, if you know what I mean. They don't seem to pay much attention to anything but The Big League.

[azurelunatic]

That sounds like an excellent rule.

[sara]

...oh, I dunno, I'm only still working on recovering from my (first ever!) concussion, six months later....

[commodorified]

Zactly. I bet players would get a damn sight more careful, fast.

[sara]

I really had no idea how bad concussions and their aftermath could be until I got one. And I've only ever had one! Needless to say, my minor children will not be playing contact sports. And I'm even bigger on helmet use than I used to be (I'm starting to think that driving in a helmet would be a good idea....)

[17catherines]

Sounds like a good rule in any sport, actually.

[emceeaich]

No touch icing, end fights, and this would be good too.

[thefourthvine]

Works for me. I mean, I love hockey, but - I cannot believe they tolerate head contact at ALL. If players concuss someone on a dirty hit, sure, let them sit out until the injured party is back. These dudes would learn to avoid head hits ASAP.

[xinef]

Andrew and I have both made this suggestion in the past, esp re some of the egregious injuries in hockey. But would be good to apply to all sports.

[sophia_sol]

YES.

(ever since I got a concussion last year it makes me so angry every time I see people talking about concussions as if they aren't a big deal. THEY ARE.)