Top Junior Player Retires At Only 19 Out Of Fear For His Life

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Mark Parsons
October 31, 2023 (5:55 PM)

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The harsh realities of hockey's physical toll have recently been spotlighted by the premature retirement of 19-year-old QMJHL player, Lane Hinkley, due to severe concussion-related issues.

19-year-old Lane Hinkley: «Too many hits, too many punches, too many concussions that I didn't properly heal from. The doctor said my MRI showed there is a 25mm by 17mm lesion on my brain Currently, I am at risk for CTE and early dementia.» (Hinkley has had 14 fights over the past 4 QMJHL seasons, according to https://Hockeyfights.com. Also, researchers have found the more hits to the head a player receives � even subconcussive ones, which aren't usually tracked � the more likely they are to develop neurological problems.)

"Too Many Hits, Too Many Punches"

Hinkley's ordeal brings to light the grim prognosis of early-onset dementia and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) risks he now faces, triggered by recurrent unhealed concussions sustained during his career. His poignant remark, "Too many hits, too many punches," echoes a larger concern around the safety of young players in the intensely combative sport. This alarming situation catalyzed a significant rule alteration by the QMJHL, instituting a ban on fighting during the recent summer, a move aimed at fostering a safer playing field while maintaining the league's competitive spirit.

Sad day for Lane Hinkley fans 😔 We wish him the very best

Effects Of Fighting Ban Remain To Be Seen

The decision, met with mixed reactions initially, has reportedly not affected the league's essence a few months post-implementation. While the rule change arrived too late to salvage Hinkley's budding hockey journey, it's hailed as a positive stride towards mitigating long-term health repercussions for players. The narrative subtly hints at the potential ripple effect this could have, possibly inspiring other leagues to follow suit in prioritizing player safety without compromising the game's core excitement.

QMJHL introduces sanctions to ban fighting from league.

As Read On Marker Zone - QMJHL Forward Prematurely Retires After Suffering Life-Altering Concussion