from Ken Dryden at The Players' Tribune,

The time for action is not 10 years from now.

The time is now.

Because hockey, as we currently play it, has a problem.

Shorter shifts have allowed players to go faster, and the game has speeded up, which has resulted in more collisions of greater force, and more serious injuries to the players — concussions, brain traumas, post-concussion symptoms that linger for weeks and months, and sometimes longer. These injuries have shortened or diminished the careers of many, and effected life-altering conditions or death for some. What stands in the way of change is not an absence of awareness of the problem – there’s plenty of awareness — but of a decision-maker willing to take immediate steps that turn the awareness into action. Making decisions. Doing what needs to be done.

And that’s where the commissioner comes in.

Gary Bettman is smart, capable and experienced, and he has the authority to see implemented the changes that are needed. He can bring about a strict liability for head hits — “no hits to the head, no excuses.” He can ensure that the league’s on-ice officials enforce the rules that already exist. The league did as much this season with the rules on slashing, and has expressed great pride in the effectiveness of its clampdown.

more