The study to be fair Stewy was done the same way they test Football helmets...head to head collisions which isn't something you see often in hockey. Most of the concussion causing hits are done to the side of the head (in hockey anyway) an elbow here, a blindside hit there etc. I am not saying hockey helmets are the best but I find the independent testing a bit skeptic that's all. I do know that hockey equipment companies spend millions of dollars each year testing their helmets and even though they aren't perfect they know the game better and know the types of hits hockey players take more than an independent study. There is no such thing as a concussion free helmet and there never will be.
- Stripes77
Valid points to be sure. The main message I take away from my own research (reading all the studies and articles I could find) is that the studies are but one factor in a complicated equation. In collision sports there will be concussions, you're absolutely right about that. However, the technology and know-how exists to make them safer.
What will it take for the manufacturers to make substantial improvements? Who will lead that charge? I'm not smart enough to have the answers to those questions but I'm sure of this, it is not going to be the NHL. They are an entertainment industry with the sole goal of being profitable. Maybe if we reverse the process by driving innovation from the perspective of youth safety we could get enough people pushing to influence the manufacturers.
I am not optimistic. Unless there is sufficient financial gain for the manufacturers it seems there is little hope of positive change in the near future.