Midget AA hockey player hit from behind during play

It was a scene that seemed all too familiar: on Sunday, October 3rd, Andrew Zaccardo of the Laval Patriots Midget AA hockey team was hit from behind by an opposing team member at the Martin Brodeur arena. Just under a year ago, Zaccardo was playing on a Lac St. Louis Tigers midget espoirs team and one of his teammates, Marc-Andre Emond, suffered a similar injury when a hit from behind sent him crashing into the boards.

 

Zaccardo suffered a broken rib and a fracture of the C-5 and C-6 vertebrae after he was hit from behind. He underwent surgery on October 4th and, while the operation was deemed a success, Zaccardo still can't move his lower limbs.

 

The Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma program, along with many other hockey experts and well-respected officials warn that in order to prevent such devastating injuries, players must never hit anyone from behind. The well-being and safety of all amateur hockey payers is of primary importance. This includes, among other things, a shared responsibility with parents and guardians to nurture the physical and emotional well-being and safety of its participants.

 

Everyone’s role is key in encouraging sportsmanship and ensuring that a fun and positive experience is had by all. To read more tips and to find resources on how to best educate kids about hockey safety, please click here.