Oilers' Ben Eager Diagnosed w/Concussion

[FightingIsGood]

Originally Posted by mikebflorida

Why is it that guys like Dave Schultz, Terry O'Reilly, Behn Wilson, and so many others from the 70's who fought a lot, never have concussions? Was it because we didn't know about them or didn't hear about it?

Most of the players back then didn't wear helmets either so I just don't understand how all these guys today get concussions, it seems really fishy.

You answered your own question. Back then, they would just call it "getting your bell rung" and then they'd go right back out on the ice to play and fight again. They didn't know what a concussion was or its effects. There are so many concussions being reported now because of higher awareness coupled with scientific and medical advances.

[mikebflorida]

Originally Posted by FightingIsGood

You answered your own question. Back then, they would just call it "getting your bell rung" and then they'd go right back out on the ice to play and fight again. They didn't know what a concussion was or its effects. There are so many concussions being reported now because of higher awareness coupled with scientific and medical advances.

Yeah I understand that part of it but are guys like Schultz and Nystrom walking around drooling with a head full of mush?

It just seems so strange that we see it on a weekly basis now and I know awareness is much higher now but the game isn't any more violent, if anything, it's less violent and better protection for players. Doesn't it seem odd that players with helmets and visors get concussions while guys who wore nothing seem just fine? Maybe they aren't but we haven't heard of anyone from that era dying as a result of concussions, at least I haven't.

I don't know, I just can't wrap my head around it. Could be that I had a bunch of concussions from playing soccer and fighting in my youth and just didn't realize it.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by mikebflorida

Why is it that guys like Dave Schultz, Terry O'Reilly, Behn Wilson, and so many others from the 70's who fought a lot, never have concussions? Was it because we didn't know about them or didn't hear about it?

Most of the players back then didn't wear helmets either so I just don't understand how all these guys today get concussions, it seems really fishy.

It's a fair question. I've wondered the same thing myself numerous times.

Keep in mind a vast majority of concussions suffered or diagnosed aren't due to fighting. Even though fighting takes more of the blame than warranted, most concussions are from hitting. When you look at it that way, it does make a little more sense. Players play lot more reckless this day and age, equipment size is way too big and the speed of the game is much greater. Combine that together and what you get is a recipe for disaster.

[Stevens Lindros]

Dear Benjamin Eager: