I just posted Prevent Concussions and Take Care of that Awesome Brain yesterday as we enter Safe kids’ week. And now I’ve just learned of the big news that Hockey Canada has banned hitting in the peewee division starting this upcoming season.

Carolyn Emery,  a physiotherapist and associate professor at the University of Calgary praises the decision: “This policy change will prevent at least 5,000 injuries and over 1,500 concussions in 11- and 12-year-old hockey players next season”.  Emery authored a 2010 study that found that body checking is linked to a threefold higher risk of concussion and other injuries among 11- and 12-year-olds.

In 2012/13 there were over 570,000 people registered with Hockey Canada, 2 of which are my kids. It is great to know that Hockey Canada is an organization that works with many partners to make playing hockey safe and fun for everyone.

This is great news for the safety of our kids. Good job Hockey Canada!

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