When the Hearst Lumberjacks take on the Timmins Rock in NOJHL action Family Day Monday afternoon, the teams are doing it with extra purpose.
In conjunction with the Porcupine Health Unit, the Rock are staging “Heads Up”, which is a concussion awareness program.
PHU health and wellbeing program manager Kendra Luxmore says it’s the perfect environment, because sports-related concussions often go unreported. She says any athlete who even suspects they suffered a head injury should tell a coach, trainer or parent right away, and get medical follow-up.
“Checking in with your practitioner and having a clearance to get back into the game is the recommended protocol,” says Luxmore.
The family of Ryan Séguin is also involved. He was an advocate of concussion awareness and mental health who died in his early 20s. His brother Derek is a former Rock captain.
Luxmore says hockey teams are a perfect fit. Many players sustain concussions, and can use their high community profile as great advocates to youth.
“There’ll be some little tidbits throughout the game to talk about concussion awareness, and following the game, there’ll be a meet and greet with the players, who will be able to share their personal experiences with concussion.”
The game begins at 2:00pm.
Here’s more, including what concussions can lead to:
