League unsure over how to approach role of fighting in the game and addiction and depression off the ice
The National Hockey League recognizes that concussions and addictions are a concern for players, but isn’t sure what to do.
This is what seems apparent from emails among the league’s top brass discussing the role of fighting in the NHL and whether it contributes to problems for players off the ice. Following the death of three former enforcers in the league from suicide or addiction in 2011, league commissioner Gary Bettman showed a reluctance to link head injuries and fighting to off-ice issues, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly and then-league executive Brendan Shanahan felt otherwise.
Over four months in 2011, hockey pugilists Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak were found dead — Boogaard from a drug overdose and the other two from suicide.
