Ian Kennedy discusses NHL commissioner Gary Bettman disputing a link between hockey and CTE, the women's Div. IB worlds, a NCAA news and more.

Growing the Game is Ian Kennedy’s weekly feature examining the global game, how social issues impact the sport, and how hockey’s important cultural shift continues to evolve.

Bettman Again Denies Link Between Hockey and CTE

The NHL and commissioner Gary Bettman have said throughout the past few years that there is no definitive link between chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by head trauma, and the game of hockey. Bettman again disputed the link this week.

"We listen to the medical opinions on CTE, and I don't believe there has been any documented study that suggests that elements of our game result in CTE," Bettman told NPR this week. "There have been isolated cases of players who have played the game (who) have had CTE. But it doesn't mean that it necessarily came from playing in the NHL."

The exchange came as Morning Edition host A Martinez questioned Bettman on fighting in hockey. Following the interview, NPR posted links to preliminary research conducted at Boston University, finding that risks for CTE may increase each year a person continues to play hockey.

Jesse Mez, an associate professor of neurology at the BU School of Medicine, said statements that deny any link between CTE and hockey do not protect the interests or safety of players.

"It should be in the NHL's purview to try to reduce head impact, so I don't think it's useful to make statements that there seems to be no relationship (between hockey and CTE),” said Mez. “There should be a desire to help to address the health and safety of players.”

Over the years, many deceased former NHL enforcers have been diagnosed with CTE, including Wade Belak, Derek Boogard, Bob Probert, Jeff Parker and Todd Ewan.

David Hoff Honored as Paralympic Coach of the Year

USA Hockey’s David Hoff was recently recognized as the Paralympic coach of the year by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

“We are fortunate to have David leading our national sled team and he is most deserving of this recognition,” said Dan Brennan, GM of the USA National Sled Hockey Team, in a USA Hockey news release. “He brings a unique demeanor and style that gets the best out of our players and puts them in an environment to succeed.”

Hoff helped guide Team USA to a Paralympic gold medal in 2022, going a perfect 4-for-4 in Bejing. Hoff also led USA to win the inaugural IPH Cup in Czechia and a Para Hockey Cup championship.

The Hockey News Launches All-Women’s Hockey Site

With the continued growth of women’s hockey, professionally and on the international level, The Hockey News launched an all-women’s hockey site last week.

The outlet will cover NCAA, U Sports, PHF, PWHPA and IIHF women’s hockey, as well as other news, prospect reports, signings and information from around the women’s hockey world.

Women’s Div. IB Worlds Taking Shape in Korea

Korea and Italy currently sit atop the IIHF Division IB women’s World Championships taking place in South Korea this week.

The two teams faced off to open the tournament, with Korea beating Italy 2-1 in overtime. After both teams scored second-period goals, Korea broke the deadlock in the extra frame, with Heewon Kim scoring the winner. Eun-Bee Huh was spectacular in net for Korea, stopping 39 shots in the win. Martina Fedel, who plays U Sports hockey for the University of Guelph, turned aside 23 shots in the loss.

Both teams won their second games, pushing them to the top of the standings. Also picking up wins early in the tournament to stay in contention for promotion were Great Britain and Slovenia.

Kim Davis Speaking at R.I.S.E. Hockey Summit

Kim Davis, the NHL’s executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs, is set to give a keynote address this weekend at the R.I.S.E. Hockey Summit on Diversity and Belonging.

Davis has been involved in the NHL’s diversity and inclusion efforts since being appointed to her current role in 2017.

The event, taking place in Ottawa, is also planned to feature panel discussions surrounding how coaches can make safe and inclusive spaces for athletes, as well as allyship in hockey.

Two Programs Added to NCAA Women’s Hockey for 2023-24

Two programs, one new and one returning, will join NCAA Div. I women’s hockey for the 2023-24 season. Assumption University will join as a new program, gaining membership to the New England Women's Hockey Alliance, the NCAA’s newest recognized conference.

The school operates primarily Div. II level, but their Greyhounds hockey team will enter the Div. I ranks guided by coach Jack Sweeney.

After multiple seasons away, Robert Morris University will also re-join the NCAA women’s hockey ranks this coming season. Robert Morris has quickly built a roster using the transfer portal to bring in veteran players, including Shailynn Snow from St. Lawrence, Madison Primeau from Syracuse and netminder Emma Gorski from Merrimack.