Pat Lafontaine was
widely known as one of the best American born players to ever play in the NHL.
However, after suffering six concussions in seven seasons, he was forced to cut
his career short in 1998. Lafontaine celebrated 468 goals and 545 assists in 15
NHL seasons with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers,
on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
At 5 foot 10, and 180 pounds; Lafontaine was
able to dazzle with his amazing puck handling and scoring abilities. Even
though he was immensely talented, he could not overcome the dreaded
post-concussion syndrome. Lafontaine career was tragically cut short, as the
talented center could have posted even more impressive numbers; had he not
suffered numerous concussions.
He believes that once
you get to a certain point with head injuries there is no turning back; which
is why most players are cut short because of them. A muscular tear or sprain
can heal with time; however, the human brain is a complex organ that sometimes
takes years to recover from- if that. Lafontaine is making a large impact off
the ice through his Companions in Courage Foundation, which helps children and
their families overcome life-threatening obstacles. Lafontaine’s advice to young
hockey players is to not come back too early from any concussion. Concussions
are easily aggravated and can persist if athletes return to the ice without
being fully recovered.
Lafontaine was first
diagnosed with concussions after a vicious hit from Francois Leroux. Doctors
advised Lafontaine not to return, but he did and was never the same player.
Lafontaine finds it ironic that even 13 years after he was hit, there are a lot
of similar situations left in the game. Hockey needs to be made safer and
better for players, in order to ensure long and healthy careers and lives.
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