As the debate over fighting in the National Hockey League (NHL) continues, evidence shows that many players are paying a steep price long after they leave the ice. From brain trauma to mental health struggles, former players who made a career out of dropping gloves are dealing with severe consequences.
Many former enforcers, including Daniel Carcillo, Derek Boogaard and Wade Belak, have struggled with brain injuries and mental health issues
A 2017 study by researchers at Boston University examined the brains of deceased hockey players and found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. The study found that prolonged exposure to concussive hits was linked to memory loss, mood swings and cognitive decline.
In 2011, former players Boogaard, Belak and Rick Rypien, all died within months of each other, bringing attention to the potential link between fighting and mental health struggles. Boogaard, who died of an accidental overdose, was later found to have CTE.
All three players were enforcers, playing a physical, demanding and challenging role on the ice.
Despite efforts to stop fighting in the NHL, it remains part of the game. Some argue that it’s dangerous and the policies should change.
Dr. Charles Tator, a neurosurgeon and concussion expert at the University of Toronto, warns that repeated blows, whether they cause a concussion or not, can have lasting effects.
“A single fight might not seem like much, but the damage is often cumulative,” he told the University of Toronto Magazine in 2010. “Even if a player doesn’t suffer a concussion every time they fight, the repeated blows they take throughout their career can lead to long-term consequences.”
Daniel Carcillo, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, has become a vocal advocate for brain health in hockey after suffering multiple concussions in his career.
“I knew what I was signing up for, but back then we didn’t fully understand the long term effects,” Carcillo said. “ Guys today are more aware, but it’s still a tough decision to take it out of the game completely.”
Carcillo has been open about his own struggles, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts after retiring from hockey.
“ I went through some dark times after I left hockey, I was dealing with symptoms I didn’t even recognize at first. Mood swings, memory loss, just feeling completely lost. And I know I’m not alone. There are so many guys suffering in silence,” he said.
To address this, Carcillo now hosts one-on-one consultations with individuals impacted by brain injuries and mental health conditions, as well as workshops focused on healing from trauma.
He believes initiatives like this can help former athletes, first responders and other individuals navigate their experiences and live fuller, healthier lives.
“I wanted to help players get through whatever issues they were going through and help them find a new purpose with life,” he said.
Despite his efforts to support former players, Carcillo believes real change needs to come from the top and that means the league taking stronger action.
“If we know the risks and we have the science, then why aren’t we doing more?” Carcillo said. “How many more guys have to suffer before things change?”