Study Links Longer Ice Hockey Careers to Increased Risk of CTE

Research finds a 34% increase in odds of developing CTE for each year played, with nearly all professional players studied showing signs of the disease.

• Boston University researchers analyzed the brains of 77 deceased male ice hockey players, finding that 96% of professional players had CTE pathology.
• The study revealed that the likelihood of developing CTE rises by 34% for every additional year spent playing ice hockey.
• CTE was present in 18 of 19 former NHL players studied, with severity of the disease correlating with longer playing careers.
• Non-enforcers were found to be at significant risk of CTE, challenging the perception that the disease primarily affects enforcers.
• Ice hockey joins football and rugby as sports showing a strong link between years of play and CTE risk, emphasizing the dangers of repetitive head impacts.

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