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Minnesota Hockey Announces Concussion Clinics

By Minnesota Hockey, 09/22/14, 1:50PM CDT

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National Dizzy and Balance Center to provide free baseline concussion tests to youth hockey players in Minnesota.

St. Paul, MN – September 22, 2014 – Minnesota Hockey today announced, in conjunction with National Dizzy and Balance Center, that they will be hosting concussion clinics for players and parents on November 10-11. The clinics will provide attendees with vital information in regards to the education and management of concussions, which continue to be one of the primary safety concerns in youth hockey.  

Each player over age 10 that attends the clinic will receive a free baseline concussion test from National Dizzy and Balance Center’s (NDBC) concussion specialists. NDBC utilizes a baseline neuropsychological test called ImPACT that provides an objective evaluation of a child’s cognitive abilities prior to injury.  These baseline tests play a critical role in allowing physicians to accurately monitor an athlete’s recovery as they progressively return to play following a concussion.

"Concussions are still a major concern in youth sports,” said Jennifer Ginkel, Clinical Administrator for National Dizzy and Balance Center. “That’s not to say kids shouldn’t play contact sports, but too many people still don’t understand how important it is to kids’ safety that we treat these injuries appropriately. It all starts with ensuring every kid over age 10 has a baseline test on file, and we are really excited to provide that service at no cost for youth hockey players in Minnesota."

Four clinics will be held on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 starting at 6 p.m. each night. Each clinic will last approximately one hour.

“The safety of youth hockey players is of utmost importance to Minnesota Hockey,” said Glen Andresen, Executive Director of Minnesota Hockey. “With an increased focus on the issues surrounding concussions, these clinics will have numerous benefits as far as keeping kids safe and educating parents. This is a tremendous value that NDBC is providing for our members and we are very thankful.”

While players are undergoing their ImPACT test, parents will be encouraged to participate in a free educational session focusing on concussion education. NDBC’s experts will provide detailed information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion, the importance of proper management of a concussion and what to look for in a concussion specialist.

Parents and coaches interested in the clinic for their player or team are encouraged to call 952-913-2907 to secure a seat. NDBC will be hosting all of the clinics at their Edina location and will be handling the scheduling of all participants. 

National Dizzy and Balance Center (NDBC) is a unique outpatient clinic system. NDBC, takes a multidisciplinary approach towards concussion treatment and management. They have a team of physicians, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, audiologists, and physical therapists specifically trained in the field of treating brain injuries and concussions. 

Minnesota Hockey, a USA Hockey affiliate, is the governing body of youth hockey in Minnesota. With over 67,000 registered players and coaches, it is the largest state governing body for hockey in the United States.

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