Sports 24 SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF When Cole Ouellette took a hit during last years Richard Bell Memorial Tournament, he walked away from the rink feeling groggy. The next morning, Louis Ouellette did what any parent would do. He asked his son how he was feel- ing. OK, Cole told his father. So they headed back to the rink for the next game. During the game, Cole took what his father described as a glancing blow. It wasnt even really a hit, Louis said. But it was enough to knock Cole out of the lineup for the next two weeks. As a member of the executive of the Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA), Louis Ouellette had heard many reports of players in the organization suf- fering concussions. But even with that knowledge, he had let his son return to the ice. I kicked myself afterward, he said. I should have known more. I shouldnt have let him go back after the first hit. So Ouellette began researching concussions. Starting in the spring, he began compiling information and eventually discovered the Clinical Medicine Research Group (CMRG), which used baseline testing (ImPACT) to help determine if a player was ready to return to play. Ouellette arranged for the group to make a presen- tation to MOHAs board. The thing that struck me is they said the national womens team actually had more concussions than the national mens team, said MOHA president Mark Bentley. It just shows you dont need bodychecking to have concussions. The presentation was compelling enough to con- fvince MOHA to adopt the program. So before each o MOHAs 2,650 players in both rep and house league over the age of 10 stepped on the ice this season, they were required to complete a cognitive baseline test that is also used by the NHL, NFL and CFL. Were proud to be one of the first to get out there and pave the way and make people more aware, said fRussell Gunner, a certified athletic therapist and one o MOHAs two head trainers. Minor hockey organizations in Guelph and London Aare also using the ImPACT baseline testing, but MOH is the largest minor hockey program to adopt it. The organization is using its reserve fund to cover the $25 fee for administering the test, a total cost of more than $60,000. Money well spent, Bentley said. Weve always been proactive. We did security clearances before they were mandated and we did mouth guards before they were required. Players can do the test online in about 20-25 min- utes. By testing players reactions, memory and their ability to process information, the test establishes a baseline for comparison when the player retakes the test following a concussion. Gunner said concussions can be tricky because even if a player is symptom-free, it doesnt necessarily mean they are ready to return to action. MOHA adopts baseline testing to help prevent concussions CHECKS AND BALANCES: Zachary D'Amico of the Oakville Rangers (in white) delivers a body check to Milton opponent Marco Cordeiro during last season's Ontario Minor Hockey Association minor peewee AE playdowns. It has been estimated that one in 10 minor hockey players will suffer a concussion in a given season. OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO Scott Brittains days of playing competitive basket- ball are over. The Oakville native, a former member of the Canadian junior national team who had dreams of playing professional basketball in Europe, has been forced to quit the sport because of post- concussion symptoms. The 23-year-old Brittain had hoped to suit up this year for his second season with the McMaster Marauders, but knew halfway through the summer that his playing days were over. Its been on my mind since after the last concussion, the 6-foot-9 forward said. I never really recovered. I met with a bunch of doctors. They advised me not to play. They never actually told me to stop playing. They gave me the option. They said it was up to me. Either when I dont sleep enough or when I work out too hard, I get headaches. I kind of feel out of it. Brittain estimates he suffered 10 concussions dur- ing his playing days at Iroquois Ridge High School, Boston University and McMaster. His final one came while playing with the Marauders Jan. 21 against the visiting Lakehead Timberwolves, ending his season. My last (concussion) in Boston was far worse, Brittain recalled. But (that) was the second-worst. Prior to the concussion against Lakehead, Brittain had averaged 13.2 points and 8.8 rebounds for McMaster. At fBoston University, Brittain started 74 o 86 games, averaging 8.4 points and 5.9 rebounds. Brittain is now relegated to a coaching role with the Marauders this seaosn. Its going to be a change, for sure, he said. Ive never started the season on the bench. Ill be as positive as I can be. With files from Larry Moko, Metroland West Media Group Post-concussion symptoms force Brittain to quit basketball Either when I don't sleep enough or when I work out too hard, I get headaches. I kind of feel out of it." Scott Brittain See Players, page 25 ON THE SIDELINES: Scott Brittain (with ball), pictured in action last season with the McMaster Marauders, has been forced to quit basketball because of post-concussion symptoms. The 23-year-old former junior national teamer estimates he has had 10 con- cussions during his playing career. METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP FILE PHOTO w w w .i n si d eH A LT O N .c o m O A K V IL LE B EA V ER Th ur sd ay , S ep te m be r 22 , 2 01 1 2 4