Injuries in Sports

There is a lot of controversy these days about whether or not sports are safe. You can argue either way, but here’s what I think the bottom line is; if you play sports, especially contact sports, you are going to get injured. I’m glad to see that parents are worried about their kids getting injured, but there is only so much you can do to stop it. I love that they are now working on teaching kids the correct way to tackle, and how to protect yourself from a hit (in hockey). These are great things that need to be emphasized by coaches, parents, and even the athletes themselves.

 There has been work to equipment (especially helmets) to help prevent injuries like concussions. But really, if you fall hard on your head, you will get injured. Helmets are mainly made to keep from getting major lacerations. Concussions are caused by your brain ramming against the skull. Even with a great helmet, the jolt of a fall onto the ground could give you a concussion. If they want to make equipment improvements, that is fine by me. I guess stopping just a few concussions is better than stopping none.

In addition to equipment changes, the rules of the games are changing. For example, they have taken hitting out of peewee hockey and moved it into the bantam level. This really bothers me though. They are ruining the way the game is played. Taking out a few things like hits to the knees or the head, that’s fine, but you can’t take away the integrity of the game. Most people watch sports like football and hockey because they love seeing the bone crushing hits. I know they sometimes might get injured. I’m not saying they need to toughen up and deal with it, but it’s part of the game. The players know what they got themselves into when they signed up to play tackle football and professional hockey. They didn’t sign-up for flag football or peewee hockey. Professional games have been played this way for a hundred years or so… and now they want to change those rules?

Sports aren’t meant for everyone. Some people don’t like contact or are scared of getting injured. That’s why only the tough ones choose to play. They don’t really want to get injured, but I think they are willing to take that risk to earn the reward of money, the joy of the game, or whatever it is to them. That is part of what keeps them going.

Why sports matter

Almost everyone has at least one activity that they love. For some women it may be shopping, for men it could be fixing cars, but for many athletes there is one sport that we just cannot live without. I was reminded of that the other day when I went back to hockey practice after taking a year off. You see us athletes, we do love the sports that we play. But, it’s more than the sport, it’s what the sport gives back.

 Playing sports gives you a sense of accomplishment. Athletes love when the coach tells them “good job,” or when they make a big play to help the team out. If you ask me, I have yet to find a better feeling in life than making an open field tackle to stop the other team from getting a touchdown, or stopping someone on a breakaway to keep my team in the game. For many athletes, they look forward to the next goal they score, or the next big hit they layout as much as some people might look forward to their next paycheck. Achievements in sports are just somehow more fulfilling than many other accomplishments. Maybe it’s because it not only helps you, but also your team, or maybe it’s because YOU did it instead of anyone else from the entire other team or even the rest of your team.

I think possibly even more importantly than what you accomplish, is the friends that you make. When hanging out with people day in and day out at practices and games, you make special bonds. You help each other through much physical and emotional pain, especially when you travel with your team as much as much as you do in hockey. In hockey, you become more than just teammates, you become friends. When you play with them your whole life, you become more than friends even… you become family. You feel comfortable around them. You often can trust your teammates more than anyone else. I think it’s because you have to trust them in games, and you learn to trust in them in real life.

This is why I think sports are very important for kids to be involved in. It is a chance for kids to set their differences aside and work together and bond together. It will help them make new friends, and teach them many important life lesssons.

Tampa Bay Lightning Game

Just recently, I had the privilege of going to a Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers game (Thanks, Uncle Dan) I was on vacation in Florida. The Lightning lost 3-2 to the Panthers in a shootout. This was my third time ever being to an NHL game (the other two were Red Wings games), and it is truly so much different than just watching it on television. It was also way different going to a hockey game in Florida than in Detroit.

Lightning Bolts

First of all, when we drove by, we realized there was a lot of activity outside the stadium. There were vendors, games and even a stage with a live band. You can’t do this in a lot of other places because it is cold and/or snowing. It’s different from T.V. because there is so much energy in the arena. The Lightning even created their own lightning. At the beginning of every period they would have a rod hanging down from the ceiling that would shoot bolts of lightning (see picture). Every time Tampa scored the building would erupt in cheers and the sound of the goal horn. There were many other things that created energy like the live organ, cheerleaders, a t-shirt cannon, and the fans themselves.

Another thing I noticed was how much money goes into each and every game. First and foremost, the buildings are massive. I don’t even know how much some of them cost, or how many square feet they are. Second, the cooling (especially in Florida), they have to keep the ice frozen, without freezing out the guests (something small town rinks struggle with). They also have the biggest Jumbotron I have ever seen, and largest in the NHL. The main way to pay for all of this is of course sponsors. They are everywhere! Looking around, it’s hard to find a square foot that isn’t sponsored by someone, or something. And then, as if that’s not enough publicity there are contests every T.V. timeout…if you can make this shot from center ice you get $500, or if you text in the right answer you get a free hockey stick.

Going to a professional hockey game is a really cool experience.  If you ever have the chance to go to a game, I would highly recommend it.

NHL's new conference alignment

Starting next season, the NHL will have four new conferences. They will have conference A, B, C, D, instead of the now East and West, however, it will be a lot different. Now there will be no divisions inside the conferences since they are already so small. I love this, partially because I am a Wings fan, because it lets teams like the Red Wings and Jets play against teams in their own time zone, and closer to them. The one thing I don't like about it is that it will destroy a few great rivalries, such as the Red Wings/Avalanche and the Bruins/Rangers, that fans have come to love. By far I think the biggest problem comes in the playoffs. Two conferences have eight teams, while the other two only have seven. This could create a big problem as far as chances of making the playoffs goes. So, as with everything there are ups and there are downs to this, but I think (just like the NHL does) the pros outweigh the cons. Having teams closer to their common opponents is a huge benefit to fans and players.

Blackhawks vs. Heat

A lot of of people have been discussing whose winning streak is more impressive. As of yesterday, the Miami Heat have been on a 13 game win streak. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks have yet to lose in regulation since the season started with a 19-0-3 record. Personally, I think the Blackhawk's win streak is more impressive. Everyone has their own opinion, but I think coming off of a lockout with a shortened training camp and still not losing without going into an overtime or shootout is amazing. I understand, they have lost in this streak, but it has been in extra time and, the streak is longer. I agree that the Heat haven't lost at all in the past 13 games, but this in the middle of the season, so they have had time to get in form. This is my opinoin, what's yours?