Analysis of National Hockey League Statements and Actions Regarding Concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Open Access
Author:
Smichnick, Sydney
Area of Honors:
Advertising/Public Relations
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
John R Affleck, Thesis Supervisor Denise Sevick Bortree, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
NHL National Hockey League Chronic Traumatic Encephalophathy CTE Concussions
Abstract:
Repeated scientific studies over the last 25 years conclude that major head injuries and concussions are the reason people develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). When people think of concussions and CTE, they associate it mainly with football and the National Football League (NFL). However, there are many former players from the National Hockey League that have been diagnosed posthumously with CTE. This paper seeks to describe how the NHL’s journey with the issue of concussions and the injuries suffered by current and former players. The research in this thesis points to the NHL having an extensive history of combatting claims of head injuries and concussions, and up to the present day, in which the NHL faces increasing pressure to take responsibility for players being diagnosed with CTE.
