[blueandwhite]

He sat out the final two periods with a concussion -- his second this season, and he's to be reevaluated today.
He was already put this season for 26 games from Nov. 8-Jan. 8 with the same problem.
This is a piece of really bad news for the forward and the team.

In the 4-3 loss to pittsburgh, briere did not score again - that makes it his eighth consecutive game without a goal.

[Lefty Noob]

Bad break. Seems to be happening to these guys a lot lately, multiple concussions in the same season. Can't be good for their longevity.

[blueandwhite]

I was watching a documentary on the wrestler Chris benoit last week, the man who killed his wife and his son and then himself last year. It was thought that his increasing paranoia and violent outbursts were due to steroids. but after studies of his brain, there are scientists who believe continued hits to the head resulting in concussions can cause permanent brain damage, dementia and can lead to what benoit suffered.
I'm not saying it's in the cards for gagne; I was just shocked that concussions can cause such incredible and vast damage to the brain.
When I hear about a great player like gagne suffering like he is, it is sad and very frightening. You wonder if he'll ever play the same again, and what can happen down the road.

[Lefty Noob]

Hmm, I would've like to have seen that documentary. Concussions are easily one of the most dangerous injuries in sports. These guys are used to measurable things - a torn ligament needing this long to heal, or having to keep a broken bone in a cast for this long. But these concussions, the symptoms go away but one the damage is done, I'm pretty sure it never fully heals. It's hard to measure, and the bruising of the brain can lead to so many problems, not just like what Benoit suffered but also vision problems and other forms of brain damage, like you say. Worst part is, no one really knows how to help prevent them. They're trying things in different sports (like new helmets in football), but it's all conjecture, really.

[Phils20]

Thnaks for the post. I didn;t catch this bit of news, I worked all weekend! Glad someone is on thier toes!!!

I am beginning to think this is long term issue for Gagne as well. WE are just starting to realise the effect of concussions in Hockey and football. Not good news for these folks.

By the way, where was that Benoit documentary aired? This is the first I've heard of it.

[blueandwhite]

It was on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) last Wednesday. You can check out the cbc.ca site for info on it.
yeah, i think it will be long lasting for gagne. Are concussions rampant in football too? is it worse in football or on the same scale as those in hockey?

[Lefty Noob]

Oh, yeah, it's bad in football. Some of these players have long lasting effects even after they retire. Quarterbacks get it real bad - former Dallas QB Troy Aikman was forced to retire because of them, current Dolphins QB Trent Green is fighting with doctors who want to keep him out of the game, and I'm sure there are many, many others.

[vincesanity82]

I read the thread and thought of a brewers pitcher for a sec..

[blueandwhite]

was he hit with a ball?