With concussions such a hot topic these days, Source for Sports locations across Canada have teamed with www.stopconcussions.com to ensure hockey players are wearing proper and effective helmets this season.
“There are a lot of people concerned about concussions,” explained Chris Levis, the owner of Langley’s Levis’ Source for Sports, a lacrosse player who has experienced concussions in his playing career.
“Our young players and their families are important to us, as is this issue.”
Sidney Crosby missed the back half of last season because of concussions, while Marc Savard may never play again after multiple concussions over his career.
These are just two recent examples of concussions affecting NHL hockey players in their prime.
At the Source for Sports annual general meeting earlier this month (Sept. 18-21) in Hamilton, a partnership was announced between the sporting good stores and www.stopconcussions.com, which was founded by former NHLer Keith Primeau and former European pro players Kerry Goulet.
The website was created in May and the main goal is to raise awareness on concussions and the impact they are having on youth, and also to raise the awareness of the impact of putting players, in any sport, back into the game too early.
Primeau serves as the chief relations officer .
Together, the website and sporting goods chain have formed Helmet Fitting Week. It is an opportunity for parents and players to come into the store and ensure that their head protection is sufficient.
It runs Sept. 26 until Oct. 2.
“It is all about ensuring the helmets are fitting the kids properly,” Levis said.
Some hockey equipment is passed down within families, and depending on a helmet’s usage, the foam on the inside can harden, leading to less effectiveness.
“They might not realize they are putting their kids’ in harm’s way,” Levis said.
Staff at the stores will conduct free assessments on all the helmets brought in and will replace any parts such as screws or j-clips that are crucial to ensuring the helmet and mask fit the player properly.
