I got some emails about last week's column where I spoke about the Morgan Reilly incident.
A few, of course, were pokes at me (all in fun) and how it might have turned out if it was me during my playing days.
But one thing’s clear — there is a definite divide between old school and new school.
I would not respond to queries from my Leaf fan friends, cause, well you know!
After being disappointed on prepping to watch the Daytona 500 Sunday only to find out it is delayed to Monday because of weather, I quickly cheered up when I realized my Penguins were playing. The Pens were celebrating Jaromir Jagr and retiring his jersey.
It was one of the best honourings I have had the pleasure to watch. An emotional Jagr was clearly humbled by the event. The multitude of #68 Jerseys with matching mullets was both hilarious and touching. The players with their mullets were a classic. But the icing on the cake was Jagr, in full gear, taking part in the warm-up. What a rush.
Jagr's appearance in the broadcast booth during the game gave insight to a lot of people into Jagr's personality. To hear him talk about how nervous he was served notice of how meaningful this really was. It would have been perfect if the Penguins had held on for the win.
I always marvelled at watching Jagr play and at just how physically strong a man he was. Few players have displayed better the ability to hang on to and protect the puck than Jagr.
I got a chance to see him play and watch him on the day of the game skate when Alex Henry was his teammate in Washington. Watching an elite-level player like Jagr play in a live setting was sure a treat for me.
A generational talent, it was nice to see him have his day in Pittsburgh.
Does anybody know who was voted best defensive player in Sunday's NBA All-Star game? Uh, just curious.
Ashley Robitaille wrapped up her senior year at Brock University on Saturday. I hope to have an interview and more of her story in next week's column.
It sure is nice to see the Porcupine Health Unit team up with the Timmins Rock in launching the Heads Up program. The program hopes to build a better awareness of concussions. Having Ryan Seguin's family involved can only make the initiative that much better.
Ryan's tireless efforts in concussion prevention, awareness, treatment and harmful effects were his passion.
If you've played the game or just been injured somehow, we have all dealt with a concussion or concussions at some point. Some of us more than others.
Concussion awareness is an ever-evolving form of medicine. Much progress has been made over the years. And as someone involved in the game all my life I have seen that first hand. But thanks to experts like Ryan we continue to improve upon the key factors — prevention, awareness of a potential injury, and strict rehabilitation protocols.
The days of having your bell rung or you're just woozy have gone the way of the wooden stick.
One of the hardest things to deal with is the athlete’s tendency not to be forthcoming about how they feel or diminish the effects to return to play. Coaching or parental and peer pressure to return to play also play a factor Though that has vastly improved over the years.
You can't “shake off” a concussion.
And it's not just sports; if a 2x4 falls and hits you in the head, get it checked right away. Fell on the slippery sidewalk and hit your head? Get checked.
Only athletes and car accident victims get concussions. Heard that one before? I have. And it's sheer lunacy
Please help support this initiative any way you can.
Later skater.
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