Henri Richard, a Montreal Canadiens icon, was diagnosed with stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death, according to a recent study. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by repeated head trauma, such as concussions. The disease can cause memory loss, depression, and other cognitive and behavioral problems.
Richard, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 84, played for the Canadiens from 1955 to 1975 and won 11 Stanley Cups during his career. He was known for his speed and skill on the ice, but also for his willingness to play through injuries. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Canadian Concussion Centre in Toronto, found that Richard had accumulated significant brain damage over the course of his career.
The study used post-mortem brain scans to examine the brains of former professional hockey players who had suffered from CTE. The researchers found that Richard’s brain showed signs of severe damage, including abnormal protein deposits and shrunken areas of the brain. The researchers noted that Richard’s brain was one of the most severely damaged that they had ever seen.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati, said in a statement that the findings highlight the need for better concussion prevention and management in sports. “This study underscores the urgent need for more research into the long-term effects of head trauma in sports,” she said. “We need to do more to protect our athletes from these devastating brain injuries.”
The study also raises questions about the NHL’s handling of head injuries during Richard’s career. The league has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of concussions and other head injuries, with many former players suing the NHL over its alleged failure to protect them from brain damage.
Richard’s family released a statement following the release of the study, saying that they hoped it would raise awareness about the dangers of head injuries in sports. “Henri was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who dedicated his life to hockey,” the statement read. “We hope that this study will help prevent other families from experiencing the pain and suffering that we have endured.”
Overall, the study’s findings highlight the need for more research into the long-term effects of head trauma in sports, as well as better concussion prevention and management. While Richard’s legacy as a hockey icon will continue to be celebrated, his tragic diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting athletes from brain injuries.
