Years on the Ice Linked to CTE Risk in Hockey Players
A new study from the Boston University CTE Center is shedding light on the long-term health risks associated with playing ice hockey. It presents the most comprehensive evidence to date that the cumulative amount of time spent playing is the most significant risk factor for developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The study, which analyzed the brains of 77 deceased male hockey players, revealed a startling correlation between years played and CTE prevalence. For each additional year on the ice, the risk of the degenerative brain disease increased by a significant 34%.
While the role of enforcers in CTE development has received considerable attention, this research suggests that all hockey players, regardless of their position, are susceptible.
“Ice hockey players with longer careers not only were more likely to have CTE,” said corresponding author Jesse Mez, co-director of clinical research at the BU CTE Center, “but they also had more severe disease.”
The study found that 96% of professional players, including all nine non-NHL pros, had CTE. Of the 19 deceased NHL players studied, 18 had the disease. In comparison, 46% of college, junior, and semi-pro players and 10% of youth and high school players tested positive for CTE.
“We hope this data will help inspire changes to make the game safer as well as help former ice hockey players impacted by CTE get the care they need,” added Mez, who is also an associate professor of neurology at BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
The researchers noted that while enforcers had roughly twice the odds of developing CTE compared to other players, the difference was not statistically significant after accounting for years played. This suggests that the repetitive impacts inherent in the game, regardless of playing style, are the primary driver behind CTE risk.
“Enforcers have dominated the CTE conversation, but our findings provide the most evidence for the cumulative amount of play as the predominant risk factor for CTE,” Mez said. “Enforcers had about twice the odds of developing CTE, but the takeaway here is that non-enforcers are getting CTE as well.”
“Ice hockey players skate quickly, and checking leads to impacts with other players, the ice, boards, and glass,” Mez added. “We think years of play is a proxy for these impacts that are harder to measure directly, but are likely what are leading to the disease.”
This study builds on growing evidence from other contact sports like football and rugby, further solidifying the link between repetitive head impacts and CTE.
Female Hockey Players: Uncharted Territory
It’s crucial to note that the study only focused on male players. More research is needed to understand the risk of CTE in female hockey players, as the rules around checking differ significantly between men’s and women’s games.
Limitations and Future Research
Researchers emphasized that the CTE data reported in this study should not be interpreted as the overall prevalence of the disease within the hockey player population. Because families often choose to donate the brains of loved ones who exhibited CTE symptoms, the study population may overrepresent individuals with the disease.
Future research will continue to explore the multifaceted nature of CTE, including its long-term impact on players and potential preventative measures to reduce its risk in the sport.
What measures can be taken to mitigate the risk of CTE in hockey players, given the study’s findings?
## Years on the Ice Linked to CTE Risk
**Host:** Joining me today is Dr. Jesse Mez, co-director of clinical research at the Boston University CTE Center, to discuss their groundbreaking new research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in hockey players. Dr. Mez, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Mez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** This study is making headlines for its sobering findings. Can you tell us what prompted your research and what were your key discoveries?
**Dr. Mez:** Absolutely. For years, there has been growing concern about the long-term health consequences of playing hockey, particularly in light of repeated head impacts. Our team wanted to conduct the largest and most comprehensive study to date examining the link between playing time and CTE risk. We analyzed the brains of 77 deceased male hockey players from all levels, from youth and high school to professional.
What we found was startling. Every additional year on the ice increased the risk of CTE by a significant 34%. [[1](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1066898)]
**Host:** That’s a really alarming statistic.
**Dr. Mez:** It is. And it highlights just how important it is to address this issue. We also found that professional players, regardless of their role on the team, had the highest prevalence of CTE, with 96% of those studied diagnosed with the disease.
**Host:** What does this mean for the future of hockey?
**Dr. Mez:** Our findings should serve as a wake-up call for everyone involved in the sport, from youth leagues all the way up to the professional level. We need to prioritize player safety and explore ways to reduce the risk of head injuries. This could include rule changes, improved equipment, and better concussion protocols.
It’s also crucial that we connect former players who are struggling with CTE to the resources and support they need.
**Host:** What message would you give to parents who have children who play hockey?
**Dr. Mez:** Hockey can be a great sport, providing valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship.
However, parents and coaches need to be aware of the potential risks. Make sure your children have access to proper training and equipment, and encourage them to report any head injuries immediately.
**Host:** Dr. Mez, thank you for sharing this vital information with us.[[[[
**Dr. Mez:** Thank you for having me.