As I start to settle back in after a few weeks in Europe, I wanted to quickly check in.
The World Championships in Germany turned out to be a tremendous experience for me not only as a General Manager of Team Canada, but as a hockey fan in general. It was incredible to see how popular hockey is in Europe, and how passionate the fans are. Although I was disappointed in the outcome for our team, I was not disappointed in the team itself. Our team was young and inexperienced, but they were talented and a great group of guys. My goal going in was to select a young team and focus on development. I think our players gained valuable experience on an international level and a better understanding of what the World Championships are all about. I think we will look back on this team in a few years and realize what a great group we assembled.
The excitement surrounding the IIHF World Championship was contagious, and the excitement for The Messier Project and the M11 by the hockey community overseas was incredible. Many leaders in the international hockey community were familiar with The Messier Project and expressed great interest the M11 and support for our mission.
It was exciting to see how well-received the M11 has been — even though it is not yet for sale in Europe — and the possibilities for The Messier Project around the world. The fact that word of The Messier Project has spread so far so fast is proof that we are really making an impact, encouraging conversation, and gaining traction in our quest to address the issue of concussion in hockey and build better head protection.
Thanks for checking in and please feel free to send in your comments and/or questions.
- The Captain
May 30th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Mark and Mary Kay,
First I need to thank you for everything, shouting from your bully pulpit and helping true change happen. For those of us who have been shouting into the wind on this issue for years you have done so much in a relatively short period of time.
I have a question though, goalie masks..the back of the mask just does not protect the back of that noggin. How many netties have we seen get concussions when the back of their heads hit a post or cross bar? Are there any plans for the goalie masks to be looked at for possible redesign? Although the mask probably has a multitude of issues that the standard helmet does not I have to believe that somehow that salad plate in the back could be improved upon.
Thank you,
Jane Rickard
Call of the Wild, ChicagoNow.com