What lessons can we pull from hockey?

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:42:41 -0500

Yesterday afternoon, a surprising announcement was by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Number 9, Pascal Dupuis said he had to stop playing hockey immediately due to continuing issues with a blood clot he suffered during a game 2 years ago. Super Duper remains one of my favorite hockey players. He's on and off ice actions put him in a class ahead of a lot of others and it truly was a sad day for Penguin fans.

Yet, as I listened to the coverage coming out of Denver as the Pens wrap up a 12 day road trip returning to Pittsburgh on Friday to face the LA Kings; I started to think of the countless Veterans who sustained injuries and continue on. Now, before I continue, I'm not trying to compare hockey to the military or to say way Dupuis went through and continues to go through is any less of an injury because he suffered it on the ice rather than the sands of the middle east. No, what I am saying though is do we, as Veterans sometimes ignore our injuries so as to not leave our team, our family behind? Do we put ourselves in more danger with the whole "drink water" mentality? Are we often afraid to speak up about what we are going through physically and mentally because we are fearful of being "benched"?

The decision for Dupuis to stop playing his sport could not have been an easy one for him or the organization. He's been one of the key players and has been instrumental in many of the Pens successes. And I'm sure we can all sit back and think of one or two guys/girls we served with that we can say the same of. The ones that just got the job done regardless of the situation that they found themselves in. But sometimes, we may just have to step back and that personal inventory because at the end of the day, nothing lasts for ever.

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=791588

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 8:44 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:44:17 -0500

Very smart of Dupuis. He can't play hockey if he's dead, and a blood clot will kill a person!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 9 at 2015 8:51 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:51:07 -0500

When I first saw your post SGT Ben Keen my first thought was "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth."
Loosing teeth is a common sight in hockey; but, the lasting impact of body slams, head checks, and other confrontations that are akin to warfare on ice take a toll on hockey players and their family members who watch them suffer.
I expect team doctors have a wealth of experience in treating head and body injuries of hockey athletes and wannabes.
It is interesting that Concussion is being released this season with Will Smith in the lead role. I think there is an interest in the culture in the impact of head and injuries and the denial of their importance within sports and to a lesser degree the military.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 9:23 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:23:08 -0500

My reaction to the headline was: 360 degree security & toughen up...two things many people in modern society could use.
Now, having read the entirety of the post, I agree we must all take an honest assessment of where we are in our lives. Clint Eastwood's movie character said, "a man should know his limitations." Sometimes that means we have to give up something we love...a sport, a career, a hobby, etc. That being said, as you age, it's about quality of life. I counsel recruits almost monthly that are pursuing a career in law enforcement to not hide injuries incurred in training. It is better to deal with it and try to mitigate the impact to training than to ignore it and potentially have it be career ending or worse due to it going untreated. The same is true in the military. Unfortunately, I believe this trend will get worse now that the VA has given the military access to service members records. Whereas before, a service member could seek treatment for service connected injuries and it did not show up during annual medical reviews, that is no longer true. Therefore some service members are apt to forego treatment for fear of being forced into a medical review board. An honest self assessment is necessary to ensure that readiness is not being compromised and long term quality of life is not being endangered.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 12:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 12:28:34 -0500

In 2007, Dupuis was a member of the Minnesota Wild. I brought my (then) 2 year old little girl to her first hockey game for her birthday. When she was little, one of her first words was "GOOOOAAAALLL!!!"
She was so excited. The game ended in a loss, and she was crying inconsolably. The concept that there would be another game in a couple of days hadn't really registered. We were moving towards the exit near the player tunnel, when Pascal stopped, came back, gave her a hug, and signed her little Wild jersey.
Pascal Dupuis spent 30 seconds, and bought two fans for life.
We were sad to see him traded to the Rangers later that season, but Anja still has that Jersey.

I wish him all of the best and pray he can go on to have a long and normal life.
Good luck #11!

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Dec 11 at 2015 2:25 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 02:25:06 -0500

SGT Ben Keen the first thought that came to mind was sharpen your blades, no high sticking and enjoy the rest in the penalty box. Hockey is about the worst sport for injuries and recuperation. No one wants out of the game. Then I read the of your post. I think parallels can be drawn to the warriors; no one wants to sit out the fight watching his/her buddies get slammed. I also believe it's easy to minimize injuries when you are young and disregard the long term consequences. You admit you have a problem, the next thing you know, you're listed as not mobility ready and who wants that label. It is such a mix up where if you mention a problem you are treated differently and sent home. I think the constant weighing in each person's situation gets exhausting. To report or not report. And down the road if you didn't report, no disability comp no matter the long term effects. And head injuries don't always blossom immediately. I speak from experience; I've had several and the recovery is tougher and longer each time.