Understanding Post-Career adjustment in Ex-Professional Ice Hockey Enforcers: Concussion history and chronic pain

Abstract Abstract: Media reports of difficulties with post-career functioning and death in ex-professional hockey enforcers have led to concerns within the ice hockey community. The purpose of the study was to interview 10 ex-professional ice hockey enforcers and integrate their lived experiences into the narrative on post-retirement problems experienced by these athletes. Based on the existing literature, it was hypothesised that ex-professional hockey enforcers would be at high risk for development of symptomology consistent with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). A mixed methods analytical approach informed by Pragmatic and Indigenous methodologies was employed. Participants had a significant history of fighting in their sport (range 100–250; mean = 218.5). All had significant concussion histories related to their careers in hockey. One participant reported problems post-career associated with concussions sustained while playing hockey. Five participants reported issues with chronic pain that mildly impacted their sleep and/or daily functioning. The majority reported relatively good post-career functioning. In summary, the hypothesis that ex-professional hockey enforcers are at high risk for developing symptomology consistent with CTE was not supported. The pattern of results is in opposition to the commonly held perspective that fighting in hockey leads to a cascade of events that results in poor post-career outcome.