19-Year-Old Star Ends Hockey Career Early Due to Health Issues

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Dawson Mckenzie
October 31, 2023 (9:53)

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In sad news, this 19-year-old hockey player decided to end his playing career due to extensive injuries.

Junior Player Retires Before Reaching Pro Due to Head Injuries

While every hockey player's career eventually comes to an end, for Lane Hinkley, this end came far too quickly. The 19-year-old decided just 4 games into his 4th QMJHL season that enough was enough, and he was done.

The reason for retirement, Hinkley explained, was repeated head traumas. Hinkley is a physical defenseman, having been in 14 fights over 4 QMJHL seasons and constantly throwing hits. Unfortunately, this physicality has already caught up to him, as he explains.

"Too many hits, too many punches, too many concussions that I didn't properly heal from. The doctor said my MRI showed there is a 25mm by 17mm lesion on my brain Currently, I am at risk for CTE and early dementia."

Concussion and Head Trauma Injuries Continue to be Studied

TSN investigative reporter Rick Westhead discussed Hinkley's decision on X.com, discussing the potential impacts of concussions and CTE on players.

Researchers have found the more hits to the head a player receives � even subconcussive ones, which aren't usually tracked � the more likely they are to develop neurological problems."

This is terribly sad news for Hinkley, and sheds a light on how important potential rule changes can be in creating a safer and healthier game for hockey players. With the QMJHL changing its fighting rules, this could prolong the next player like Hinkley's career.

As seen on Markerzone - "QMJHL Forward Prematurely Retires After Suffering Life-Altering Concussion"