In honor of the Philadelphia Flyers’ Season Opener tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins, today’s blog will focus on the traumatic brain injury Ian Laperriere received last season in round one of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the New Jersey Devils. In the third period of Game 5, Ian Laperriere took a slapshot to the face by New Jersey defenseman Paul Martin.
“He was hit above the right eyebrow, suffering a gash that required 60-70 stitches. He said he did not believe he suffered a head injury, but vowed never to play another game without a visor.”
At first, doctors said there was no effect to Lappy’s brain. A second scan revealed a brain contusion, which is essentially a bruise on the brain.
No one expected Laperriere to return to the post season. He missed all 7 games of the Semifinals against the Boston Bruins, and, to everyone’s surprise, rejoined the roster on May 22nd in game 1 of the Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens.
Today, Ian Laperriere is facing retirement because of the injuries he sustained 3 minutes and 56 seconds into the third period of game 5 on April 22, 2010.
It is clear now that his return to the game last post season was far too early, probably brought on by a management staff that didn’t want to lose a star player, and a dedicated hockey player downplaying the severity of his symptoms.
Doctors have advised the 36 year old father of two to retire because of nerve damage done to his eye, and the post-concussion syndrome he is now suffering from.
Lappy seems to agree with them:
“When I get the lights going and there is movement around me, it gets worse and worse and I feel like I’m not myself. That’s what scares me, and that’s why I can’t play. They don’t want me to get hit again and I don’t want to get hit. If I feel this bad right now, how will I feel on my next hit? If I’m not sharp out there, especially with my game, I’m going to get killed.” Ian Laperriere
He is out indefinately this season, and no one knows what he will do concerning the rest of his career. It’s hard to see that he can’t play, as he has tremendous skill and even more heart. As Flyers fans, we want him to return to the game, but not at the expense of his life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries can be devastating. Ian Laperriere could be looking at the end of his career, as so many other athletes have after blows the head.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Are you a Victim?
Have you or a loved one suffered from a traumatic brain injury? Was it due to someone else’s negligence? Are you now facing physical limitations and medical bills you are not prepare to handle? Contact a traumatic brain injury attorney at the Mininno Law Office: our hard work and dedication will be necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.