More than two dozen Valencia youth hockey players, ages 13-16, representing two local hockey teams participated in a neurocognitive baseline assessment Monday at Valencia High School.

Players submit to testing prior to the beginning of season which could help in the diagnosis for any concussions sustained during games. By providing physicians in advance, pre- and post-injury comparisons, treating players who suffer concussions will be easier to diagnose and manage, according to health officials.

Recent studies have uncovered the serious long-term brain injuries caused by improper concussion diagnosis and treatment.

“Head coach Pavel Sisak is focused on safety for his players and aware that concussion is always a possibility in hockey and other contact sports,” said Mike Smith, one of the Flyers’ team managers, “even when players wear protective gear.”

Providence Health Services provided the testing at no cost for the Valencia hockey teams as a service to the community to assist in treatment for concussions, making it the first sports medicine community outreach by Providence in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The test was conducted by Saif Usman, M.D., Sports Medicine Specialist, with Facey Medical Group, overseeing the local program. Providence has established a network of primary care sports medicine physicians and neurologists specially trained in the treatment and management of concussions.

After California passed law taking effect this year, athletes under 18 are better protected by  the new requirements for concussion safety protocols. The Orthopedic and Sport Medicine Institute of Providence has become committed to providing free assessments to youth athletes in the communities they serve.  

“This bill places California at the forefront of improving concussion management at the youth sports level,” said Mike Chisar of the California Athletic Trainers’ Association. “It will help ensure the appropriate steps are taken so our coaches, parents and athletes are educated on the signs and symptoms of concussion, and help minimize the risk of serious injury.”

The new law intent is to ensure youth sports are safer by educating families and players on the signs, symptoms, and proper treatment of concussion injuries.

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