Hitchcock, Quenneville both back new concussion protocol
What we've learned in the last few years about the long-lasting effects of head trauma in hard-hitting sports like hockey and football has forced everyone involved to take another look at how to protect athletes at all levels.
With that in mind, the NHL upgraded its concussion protocol this season by making it more likely that a player who suffered a head injury will be taken off the ice in a timely manner.
What changed?
Well, in the past, it was up to the individual club and its medical personnel to pull a potentially affected player. Now, the league will have spotters in a Player Safety Room in New York, and that spotter can notify on-ice officials if a player needs to be removed.
"That's great progression for the league," said Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. "The way it's evolved each and every year, there's a heightened awareness to concussions and there's one more level or layer to make sure the players are safe."
Coach Ken Hitchcock, whose Blues played the Hawks on Wednesday in the season opener for both teams, offered similar thoughts, although he did begin his statement by saying, "I just hope I'm not getting a tap on my shoulder every second shift."
He then turned serious, however, noting he's seen too many players suffering the long-term consequences of concussions.
"Some of these guys have had very difficult times for years," Hitchcock said. "I'm hoping that by this early detection … that we're going to be able to really help the players stay healthy and obviously come back when they're good and ready."
Good pair:
Gustav Forsling, the Hawks' 20-year-old defenseman who made his NHL debut Wednesday, was paired with 37-year-old Brian Campbell against the Blues. Putting Forsling with a veteran who has 1,003 regular-season games under his belt should help the rookie's transition as he attempts to become an everyday player in the league.
"Soupy (Campbell) can be a calming voice with him between shifts and talking to him on the ice, whether he's got time or options," Joel Quenneville said. "It's a good place for him as a veteran guy.
"He's got a chance to help a young kid come along here, and we all feel (Forsling) has a chance to be somebody that can really help us long term. So we're looking forward to his start."
Slap shots:
Patrick Kane had a point in five straight season openers (2G, 4A) heading into Wednesday's game. He was held off the scoresheet, though, against St. Louis. … Kane would need a 116-point season to pass Doug Wilson and move into fifth place on the all-time Blackhawks scoring list. ... Marian Hossa's 499 career goals is fourth among active players, behind only Jaromir Jagr (749), Jarome Iginla (611) and Alex Ovechkin (525).