Non-disclosure of injuries keeps at least one fan away
By Letter to the Editor on June 9, 2018.
I’ve become concerned lately about the WHL and NHL using the terms upper and lower body injuries regarding players. Teams use these terms to hide injuries from opponents but end up hiding them from the press and especially the fans paying for tickets. The fans have a right to know what is going on with the players, and what the exact injury is. With this non-disclosure about injuries and the current state of the WHL schedules it’s no wonder I choose to stay away from hockey games. Derrick Colleaux Medicine Hat 5-4
I believe you would stay away from all junior games for any reason Mr Colleaux. As you stated, …
“I’ve become concerned lately about the WHL and NHL using the terms upper and lower body injuries regarding players”
Well that wording has been used for many, many years now and for good reason. As the game evolved (for better or worse) opponents began targeting said injuries. It was Pat Quinn in 1999 who first used the term and he said he was tired of answering to reporters about the “exact” injury, plus it began helping injured players.
Aside from that, there is nothing in the collective bargaining agreement that requires any specificity be included in injury announcements.