Millions of people across North America are registered to participate in Canada's national sport and pastime, ice hockey. Most young hockey players dream of joining the National Hockey League (NHL). Because of this incentive to continue striving towards their ultimate goal in their hockey career, they idolize NHL players. Therefore, young players can learn some habits from the elite, whether those habits are good or bad. Some cases are due to bad influences, such as young players adopting the bad playing habits of professionals. The main action that influences the young population is body checking. At the thought of losing a match, it's no wonder players want to play brutally and potentially hurt the opposing team in order to achieve victory. For this reason, hockey is a strong collision sport that requires a lot of skill and motivation. Although body checking is considered a useful tool for winning hockey games, it can be the cause of injuries to players. Due to the rougher play, lasting brain damage is becoming a concern and too many players are exposed to the lasting effects of head trauma. According to Michael Cusimano from July 22, 2003, the article titled "Body Checking and Concussions" states: "With the increasing incidence of head injuries in hockey, too many players are exposed to the lasting effects of such injuries, some of which are not completely resolved. resolved. carried out until the brain completes its maturation. For this reason, new equipment and regulations must be designed for use in the near future. The future of hockey protective equipment is closer than initially thought. New models of helmets and equipment help protect all skill levels...... middle of paper ......Journal." Canadian Medical Association Journal - March 8, 2011. 22 July 2003. Web. March 8, 2011. Klein, Jeff Z. "Hits to Head Pressuring The NHL To Change." the ban. Blindside Hits to the Head." News Bank. New York Times, March 11, 2010. Web. March 2, 2011. Knapik, Joseph J., Stephen W. Marshall, Robyn B. Lee, Salima Darakjy, and Sarah B. Jones "EBSCOhost: Mouthguards in Sport Activities." EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page, February 2007. Web, March 8, 2011. "Sympatico CBC News Ottawa, March 8, 2011". March 8. 2011. .