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Wreaths & Arrows

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Wreaths & Arrows

Hello again to all of our readers! As it is bitterly cold outside, my time is better spent by a warm fireplace and my laptop. I read an article in the December 2013 issue of the ODA magazine ‘Ontario Dentist’ titled “Wreaths and Arrows – The Annual Year-End Review”. It is an editorial on events of 2013 and one of which reads as follows:

“Small, barbed and vinegar tipped arrows go to the National Hockey League for stubborness. Claiming ‘it’s part of the game’ the league uses this lame excuse and refuses to ban fighting at the professional level. If Maple Leafs’ Colton Orr and the Montreal Canadiens’ George Parros had been outside the rink instead of on-ice during their recent fight, both men would have been arrested and charged with assault. Instead, the league appears content to permit fighting among its players, despite an increased incidence of fighting-related concussions and similar serious injuries. Times change. helmets and face masks are now ‘part of the game’ – and so, too, should be a simple new rule: fight, and you’re out. Must a player die before the NHL wakes up?”

People have died! Anyone remember Don Sanderson? His family does.

Toronto Maple Leafs v Montreal Canadiens

I have to agree. Both my boys are heavily involved in minor hockey. I have personally witnessed or treated way too many dento-facial and concussion-type injuries in 2013. Many more injuries than I can remember in the last 16 years that I have been in practice. I even witnessed a kid cut the back of his leg open to reveal the calf muscle in try-outs last year!
I am pleased that checking was banned until the Bantam level as the majority of kids will play recreationally until this age anyway and probably move onto others things once they reach Grade 8 or Grade 9. Why subject young kids to needless potential life-long injury? The contact that these kids make with each other and the referees don’t call as penalties is already agressive enough. Younger kids have lost the ability to understand why they are checking in the first place. Saving checking for the older kids, who are serious about hockey, is a great idea. Hockey is a tough enough game without the fighting.
My family lives at a hockey arena four to six days a week. I can empathize with the amount of time spent training and playing which is a tremendous investment of a hockey player’s life. The very few players who will ever make it to the OHL, let alone the NHL, do not need their entire effort ruined over one needless head shot or gratuitous fisticuff! Old Time Hockey?? The game is bigger, faster, and stronger than in the past. I agree that change is necessary. 

Hardcore hockey fans may not agree with me, and that’s OK. Maybe they would enjoy some ‘Old Time Dentistry’ ?

If you need a mouthguard made for hockey or any other sports, we make dentist fitted mouthguards for $30; even over braces. Call us at 519 736-4073 to schedule a visit today, I will be happy to answer any questions regarding sports injuries relateing to the teeth and head. 

Regards,

Dr. Zeljko