[Mark in Idaho]

What is the common denominator between these sports greats?

NFL players Defensive Back Junior Seau, Safety Ray Easterling, Defensive Back Safety Dave Duerson,

The NHL's Tough guy Wade Belak, Enforcer Derek Boogaard, Forward and fighter Derek Boogaard

They were all hard hitting and often got hit hard and they all died before their time in the recent past.

The NFL players hit their opposing player targets hard, often using their helmets for additional effort.

The NHL players were known for hard play and fighting.

They also had a history of depression and even dementia. Most were diagnosed with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) where their brain has shrunk (atrophied) as a result of repeated concussions and sub-concussions.

These are just the tip of the iceberg of athletes who have had their lives changed as the result of concussions and sub-concussive impacts.

When some of us try to convince others of the need to end their contact sport obsessions, this is the reason. As we live with the struggles of PCS, it is hard to explain how frustrating our lives can be, especially during the down parts of the PCS roller coaster ride.

I don't mean this to be morbid but when so many end their own lives, it shows the depth of their personal struggles.

[camyam73]

Also, it's the WAY they ended their lives. Suicide via gunshot to the chest, ensuring their brains were untouched and able to be used for research into concussions and mTBI.

[Mark in Idaho]

A few OD'ed on a mix of drugs and alcohol. Hand guns are are primarily illegal in Canada.

["Starr"]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

A few OD'ed on a mix of drugs and alcohol. Hand guns are are primarily illegal in Canada.

We do have restrictions on hand guns in Canada and of course you require your license, but its not quite true that hand guns are illegal here.

Starr

[Mark in Idaho]

The hoops one must jump through to get a permit to own a handgun in Canada make it very difficult to own one. A back-country hunting guide cannot even own a handgun for defense from bears. He can try to justify having one to go target shooting but still has hoops to jump through and then can only have it while to and from target shooting. There are easier ways to end it than to try to get a handgun in Canada.

I looked up all the Canadian gun laws to see how I could transport a handgun or two to Alaska on the ALCAN Highway. Even Canadian citizens have to jump through too many hoops.

Either way, those hockey players found a way to end their anguish.

["Starr"]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

The hoops one must jump through to get a permit to own a handgun in Canada make it very difficult to own one. A back-country hunting guide cannot even own a handgun for defense from bears. He can try to justify having one to go target shooting but still has hoops to jump through and then can only have it while to and from target shooting. There are easier ways to end it than to try to get a handgun in Canada.

Getting the permit is not that hard, yes, there are forms and yes, you must take and pass the course to get your license. Transporting firearms requires a separate permit. But unless you have a criminal record, its not that big a deal.

And most back country hunting guides I know generally prefer long guns for bear protection anyhow.

And yes, there are easier ways to end it... no matter where you live.

Starr, Canadian citizen and holder of a variety of gun permits