Steve Ludzik Speaks About Parkinson’s

The degenerative neurological disease is sometimes genetic, but it can also form after repeated brain trauma. Ludzik received his share while playing 424 NHL games from 1981 to 1990, mostly with the Chicago Blackhawks, plus hundreds of games in junior, the minors and Europe.

He figures he suffered six concussions throughout his career, though none were ever diagnosed.

“It was, ‘Boy, I’ve had a headache for a week, no appetite, and I’m miserable,’ ” Ludzik said. “You know your body more than anyone else.”