There are many theories as to why there has been an increase in head injuries in the NHL, but it’s hard to refute the reality that they are on the rise. The increased speed, strength and size of the players coupled with the stricter enforcement of various obstruction penalties is one of the main story-lines mentioned whenever the issue crops up.

It seems like the NHL has been dragging it's feet on the concussion front for years now. Which leads you to take a look at the list of players who's careers have ended early. Rember back to Pat Lafontaine, Geoff Courtnall, Eric Lindros, Brett Lindros, Adam Deadmarsh, Jeff Beukeboom, Nick Kypreos, Matt Barnaby, Kieth Primeau, Rob Dimaio, Steve Rucchin, Petr Svoboda, Steve Dubisnky, Scott Stevens. Or players who still continue to play with it now, Patrice Bergeron, Simon Gagne, this is just a list of reported, how many are playing with injuries not known or mentioned.

This is an epidemic in the NHL, and someone needs to identify this problem. There's a terrible reluctance to take the collision aspect out of the game, but it is time that we look at bringing in the "Head checking rule." It's used in International play and should be used here.

We do need a balance of physical and finesse, but we don't need careers ended by intentional head shots.

You don't want to change the game or change the hitting, but i'm sure everyone would agree that we need protection in this area. The NHL is desperate to improve its image and suffering under the delusion that it can market the game of hockey to a much wider audience, there is almost no need for any additional pressure to make them act on the problem of head injuries. At some point soon they will address the issue.

Now don't get me wrong. I am a big fan of good hard rough play, I look forward to fights, but the blatant elbows and hits to the head need to go.

NHL concussions by position 1997-2008
Forwards - 428 ---------- Defence - 241 ---------- Goalies - 19 THN.com

If the NHL won't take a stand on this, maybe the NHLPA needs to step in and educate the players even more on how serious the problem is and getting it out of the game for good. The problems with concussions is that many times you don't feel the true effects until years down the road.

With a league of tough guys and fearlessness that is a scary fact.