Injuries are a part of sports, just like wins and losses. Sooner or later, everyone suffers an injury of some sort. While not to diminish the severity of injuries suffered in other leagues, the physical nature of hockey often seems to lead to a larger degree of serious health issues.
Compounding that is the mindset that players believe they have to play through these injuries. Playing through bumps and bruises, sprains and strains is nothing new, but the rise in concussion awareness has brought to light some startling issues.
Andrew Shaw opened up recently about his battle with concussions last year, and it revealed the dangerous mindset that pervades the game of hockey.