snowpics

Don Sanderson, a defenceman for the Whitby Dunlops, was in his first season as a rookie when a tragic accident lead to his death. Sanderson was entangled in a fight with a player from the Brantford Blast when his helmet was knocked off. Sanderson eventually fell to the ice striking his head causing him to loose consciousness. This eventually lead to a coma and recently his death.

Because of the fight people are now all up in arms about hockey and fighting as a whole. I have heard comments from ‘Fighting should not be allowed in Hockey’ to ‘That player should be charged with murder’.  The fact of the matter is this: The player struck his head on the ice and his helmet was removed. This was the major cause of his injuries leading to his coma and unfortunate death. Had Sanderson lost his helmet on a break away and fell into the net hitting his head on the goal post – could the result be the same?

Although the fight caused the loss of the helmet it isn’t the root cause. Fighting is not allowed in hockey as people believe it is. Players are penalized in many ways depending on the severity of the fight. From 2 – 5 minute penalties on the ice to long term unpaid suspensions. In the game of hockey it isn’t even allowed to trip a player, or touch a players face with your stick weather intended or not.

The consequences of fighting on the ice are known to every player and it takes two people to get in a tangle. If I go to a bar and someone picks me out of a crowed and starts beating on me – he should be charged. If I step onto the ice during a hockey game and decide to take a shot at one of the players and knock him out, I should be given a suspension or penalties as the rule makers and officials are expected to do. If two players willingly involve them selves in fight – both players are penalized as per the rules of the game. I don’t believe that outside involvement should be necessary in determining if a player should be charged.

Instead of pointing fingers in this case, lets learn from it. Regardless of the fight – the helmet could have saved young Sanderson’s life. This is the case in most sports, from skiing, hockey, riding a bike, or motorcycle or ski-doo. Head injuries are no joke and need to be taken more seriously. And as this tragic accident proves – it needs to be done up and fit right to work.

It is tragic that Don Sanderson was penalized with death as a result of his injuries during the fight. I feel for his family and wish them my condolences. This truly is a tragedy.