University of Ottawa and CHEO study urges Hockey Canada to raise age of bodychecking for kids
CTV
A recent review conducted by the University of Ottawa and CHEO is calling on Hockey Canada to reconsider the age at which kids are introduced to body contact in hockey.
A recent review conducted by the University of Ottawa and CHEO is calling on Hockey Canada to reconsider the age at which kids are introduced to body contact in hockey.
While the recommendation aims to enhance safety, it has been met with opposition from some hockey families.
William Maguire, 13, recalls suffering a concussion just over a year ago during a collision on the ice.
"Yeah, we're skating pretty fast and then we collided hard," Maguire said. "I don't know if my head hit the ice or if it was the contact from the hit."
Since then, he's left competitive hockey to focus on other sports, like volleyball.
Cherill Baynham, Maguire's mother, shared her concerns about his wellbeing.
"He's worried about not being able to play, but I'm worried about him being able to go to school, to listen, to be able to concentrate, read, and actually participate in daily life. So it is worrisome," she said.
