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BC Hockey League implements new concussion reporting

Web-based technology includes baseline tests for all players and return-to-play protocols
concussion
INJURY DISCUSSION: Powell River Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer suffered a major concussion playing hockey as a teenager. BC Hockey League recently announced implementation of an app that will standardize baseline concussion tests for all players. David Brindle photo

Concussion protocols in sports are becoming more strict and technically advanced, including for BC Hockey League (BCHL) teams and players.

On August 15, the league announced all teams will implement a new web-based system that involves reporting on baseline, post-injury and return-to-play concussion tests.

“It's great that every player in our league is going to have a baseline on feeling normal,” said Powell River Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer.

Sawyer had what he said was his biggest concussion at age 15 while playing for the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s North York Rangers.

“To this day, I have no recollection of the hit,” said Sawyer. “All I remember is what I was told.”

Sawyer was told he was blindsided and knocked unconscious after making a pass. When he came to, he said he was confused and dizzy.

“My memory around the whole event is that the game started, they dumped the puck in my corner and that was my game,” he said.

Sawyer said he suffered from headaches, sensitivity to light and that concentrating for extended periods of time was very difficult after the hit.

Before the 2017/2018 season, each BCHL team completed its own baseline tests and kept the records. The new baseline testing app is a reliable concussion-assessment tool that makes appropriate sideline medical decisions and assists the league with monitoring and tracking league-wide concussion protocol compliance.

“Will some coaches want players to forget the app and get back out on the ice?” said Sawyer. “I'm sure there will be.”

BCHL commissioner John Grisdale said giving the player, team and league access to results regularly does not address the on-ice cause of concussions.

Rules stipulate that any contact with an opponent’s head is considered a blow to the head and results in a penalty. Players who cross the line face additional sanctions.

Grisdale said the league has seen a major reduction in fighting and blows to the head are monitored, but officiating and player discipline can always be improved.

“The BCHL is a development league; its young players and young officials are going to make mistakes,” said Grisdale. “The answer to all of that is additional training for officials to make sure they're making the right call, but also making sure players who play undisciplined get caught and are sanctioned.”

Kings coach Kent Lewis was openly critical of officiating and the lack of discipline some opposing teams displayed last season.

After a particularly brutal cross-check was delivered to the head of Kings forward Kyle Betts in a game against Nanaimo Clippers on February 22, Lewis said the league failed to protect the safety of the player.

During the offseason, Lewis said some Island Division BCHL teams played “undisciplined and dirty.”

“Kent’s teams play a very disciplined style of hockey,” said Grisdale. “We have some programs that don't and we need to make sure we do what we can to change that culture.”

Undisciplined conduct comes from behind the bench, according to Sawyer.

“Players are a product of their environment,” said Sawyer. “If a coach is acting very erratic and chaotic behind the bench, his team is probably going to emulate that because that's their leader, their voice of reason.”

Sawyer said coaches need to do a better job ensuring players are taught proper behaviour on and off the ice, as well as integrity and respect for the game.