President's Perspective

Last year, when Hockey Canada allowed bodychecking for boys as young as nine years old, the Canada Safety Council protested. My January 2004 column anticipated that injuries from checking would drive insurance costs sky high, even where checking is not allowed — assuming any insurer would provide coverage.

In June, the City of Toronto announced its insurers will no longer cover minor hockey. Hockey Canada will insure teams under its purview, but only for pre-approved games and practices. For adult hockey, renters must sign release waivers. Anyone renting city rinks to play hockey privately must get their own insurance, but many insurance companies will not cover hockey with bodychecking. Even for non-contact, insurance is very costly, in the range of $600 for one hour.

Hockey associations must reconsider their stand on bodychecking. It is endangering not only the players but the sport itself.

Hopefully it’s not too late to change direction and save our national sport by making it safer.

Safety Canada, October 2004