Body checking in youth hockey is an unnecessary risk depending on the age and level of play, says former NHLer Eric Lindros, whose own career ended after he suffered a number of concussions. Hockey Canada banned bodychecking under the age of 13 in 2013. Two years later, the Greater Toronto Hockey League — considered the largest youth hockey league in the world — banned it for all ages in its single A division. “There’s a big difference in physical strength, and approach … if we could wait until everyone” got to that same level of maturity that could help avoid some serious injuries. “I see that it’s gotten better … but maybe one more year” past 13 in the GTHL could be considered, he added.

Source: thestar May 31, 2017 22:41 UTC