Hockey Canada's decision to introduce bodychecking among nine- and 10-year-olds was followed by increases in hospital visits for concussions among all minor hockey age groups, according to a study released as debate rages over the sport's safety.
The study, undertaken by staff at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, concluded that after Hockey Canada lowered the age at which body contact was allowed to nine- and 10-year-olds in 1998-99, players in that age group were ten times more likely than before to go to an emergency room with a concussion.
Led by neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Cusimano, the team reviewed emergency room records of more than 8,500 hospital visits by male minor hockey league players in Ontario from before and after Hockey Canada's rule change, which has since been reversed.
The rule was introduced with the intent of lowering injury rates by exposing players to body contact at a younger age so they could learn to give and absorb hits safely.
The study, published in the online journal Open Medicine, found the odds of getting any kind of injury from a bodycheck increased in all age groups where the practice was allowed, and more than doubled among players in the Atom division.
"Our work confirmed the fact that bodychecking is the most common cause of injury in hockey," said Cusimano.
"While proponents argue lowering the age for bodychecking helps players learn how to properly bodycheck and reduces injuries at older ages, our study clearly showed the opposite — the risk of all injuries and especially, brain injuries, increases with exposure to bodychecking."
The study concluded that the rate of head injuries for all players between the ages of six and 17 increased by 26 per cent following the rule change.
The results were most noticeable in Atom leagues, where the number of recorded bodychecking-related concussions jumped from four in the four seasons before 1998 to 22 in the five following.
"While all age groups showed increases in injuries, the youngest were the most vulnerable and that bodychecking puts youth unnecessarily at the risk of the long-term effects of brain injuries, such as cognitive and social-behavioural problems," said Cusimano.
In older age groups, Cusimano noted an increase in concussions as well, with Bantam players (13- and 14-year-olds) more than twice as likely to get a concussion and Midget players (ages 15 and 16) 31 per cent more likely.
With a concussion derailing the season of National Hockey League phenom Sidney Crosby and Boston Bruin Zdeno Chara's hit last week breaking Max Pacioretty's neck, there have been high-profile calls for the league to move to avoid head injuries.
Even Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed concern last week, citing specifically the risk for injury facing children who play hockey.
"Ice hockey is a sport with great potential to increase the health of individuals but practices that increase the risk for the vast majority of players must be minimized," said Cusimano.