The financial toll of career-ending concussions in professional hockey. (27th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hiploylee, Carmen; Wennberg, Richard; Tator, Charles H
• Is Part Of: Concussion. Volume 1:Number 4(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-07-27
• Subjects: concussion -- cost -- hockey -- NHL -- retirement -- salary; Brain -- Concussion -- Periodicals; 617.481044
• DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2016-0008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-3299

Abstract

Aim: Several high-profile professional hockey players have retired due to career-ending concussions sustained in the National Hockey League (NHL). We sought to determine the salary cost of career-ending concussions in the NHL.Methods: Concussion-induced retirements from 1995 to 2015 were identified using public media sources. The number of missed games due to a player's final concussion was multiplied by per game salary to determine cost.Results: In total, 35 players were identified: the total cost to teams and insurers of career-ending concussions was US$135, 476, 777. Half of the total consisted of salaries owing three players with contracts still active in 2015.Conclusion: The financial impact of concussion-induced retirements provides another reason for professional leagues to take measures to better protect their players from concussion.