Concern about concussions has prompted the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association to ban body-checking for tweens and teens playing in recreation and house leagues.
While the image of body-bruising play has become synonymous with professional hockey, many say it's not appropriate for youngsters who could suffer serious head injury from an overly aggressive hit.
Are parents being over-cautious with this new rule, which takes effect next season? Absolutely not, concussions are serious and can have life-altering consequences. The new rules are in place to protect children, and will take nothing away from the game.
There is some concern that older teens switching to rep leagues may have trouble adjusting to body checking, but with good coaching this issue can be managed.
Meanwhile, rep players will still be able to play in a competitive environment where body checking is allowed but adults supervising games must be alert to serious head injuries.
