Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote a letter to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman seeking clarification regarding the league’s dismissive attitude towards the link between hockey and the long-term effects and disorders caused by head injuries––specifically chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE “is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma, including symptomatic concussions as well as asymptomatic subconcussive hits to the head.”
Blumenthal discussed the NFL’s acknowledgement of the link between playing football and suffering from long-term complications, including CTE. Although the NFL admitted the connection between playing a contact sport that frequently causes concussions, or involves a player suffering from sub-concussive hits, and brain damage, the NHL has disregarded the data which clearly shows a correlation.