Mooseheads player fights back after concussion
The Halifax Mooseheads start the second round of the playoffs tonight against the Olympiques. The Mooseheads have had an incredible season, setting numerous team and league records in the process.
Marty Frk is one of the major reasons they have done so well, scoring 84 points this season. But he knows what it is like to be down and out.
Last season Marty suffered a terrible concussion and was forced to sit out for over 3 months. The 19-year-old winger said it was the toughest time of his life.
Recovering from concussion
Even after he was cleared to play Marty struggled to find his form. Throughout the remainder of last season he never really got into the groove. In the playoffs he fell into a slump that saw him post just 1-point and a minus-7 rating in the last 7 games.
Frk says that the return to the lineup was almost as tough as the time he spent out with a concussion. Fortunately for him, Frk has made a full recovery and has established himself as one of the elite players in the league. Drafted 49th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2012 NHL Draft, the hockey world has big expectations for Marty.
Others not so lucky
Concussions can end careers. Many of us remember the fate of Eric Lindros. He led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup finals in 1997, but was forced to retire early due to a concussion he suffered in the 2000 playoffs.
The world was reminded of the dangers and difficulties of concussions when superstar Sidney Crosby was sidelined for months due his injury. In fact I think Crosby’s concussion actually helped raise public awareness about the serious consequences of concussions: what I like to call “The Sidney Crosby effect“.
We can only hope that the sporting world pays more attention to the plight of these athletes and implements appropriate precautions, testing and takes the right steps to ensure that injured athletes are not exposed to unnecessary risks. Sometimes the best play may be to take the star player out of the game following a big hit.
Like many Haligonians I am happy that Marty Frk is back in the lineup, scoring goals and making big plays. Hopefully this young man goes on to succeed in the NHL and avoids repeating his dreadful concussion experience.
Best of luck Marty and Go Mooseheads!
