Crosby’s all-star absence turns spotlight on head shots

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This year’s NHL all-star game will be missing one of the league’s biggest stars and the reason for the vacancy on the roster is getting attention outside the league.

Cole Harbour native Sidney Crosby will not be participating because of a head injury he sustained earlier this month.

He’s also become extremely vocal about head shots in the NHL – and the issue is now attracting attention in political circles.

Federal NDP leader Jack Layton tells me it’s such a serious concern, his party has called for a royal commission into violence and injuries in sports.

“We’ve got neuro-surgical experts saying to us that we’ve got to be taking action, both to prevent the injuries and then ultimately to deal with how you treat people who are struggling with the results of concussions and other brain injuries,” he said.

While the proposal hasn’t garnered much support in the House of Commons, Layton says Crosby’s informal campaign can only help the cause.

“I think a lot of people are now saying, wow, this business of concussion, the kind of injuries that can happen in sports is a lot more serious,” he said.

Former NHL star and current Halifax Mooseheads owner and head coach Bobby Smith says the game is already changing. He says he’s seen a big change from the days when he played, and concussed players were expected to tough it out and get back on the ice.

“Head shots are being dealt with much more severely,” he said. “Players are aware of it, certainly the helmets are getting better and I think the appropriate attention is being paid to head shots.”

Although Crosby has come under fire for skipping the all-star game, Smith says the young phenom is smart to play it safe – especially considering the impact injuries have on his earning potential.

“For him to be taking a chance with any kind of an injury, particularly a head injury, it’s just not even fathomable,” he said.

The NHL all-star game will be played on Sunday.   

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