The NHL as part of its defense in a concussion lawsuit filed by former players has "demanded documents and correspondence" from three researchers who have "drawn a link between playing in the NHL and a degenerative brain disease," according to Rick Westhead of TSN.ca. The subpoenas "demand" Boston Univ. Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy co-Dir Chris Nowinski, BU CTEC Dir of Clinical Research Robert Stern and Neuropathology Core Dir Ann McKee "hand over research
related to concussions, as well as any communications with NHL
officials, current and former NHL players, NHL player agents, and the
family members of players." The researchers have "been given an Oct. 1 deadline to comply." NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said that the subpoenas were "sought because the researchers are fact witnesses with relevant information." The subpoenas "come months after Nowinski was critical of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on social media." Also this week, the NHL "asked a judge in its concussion lawsuit to dismiss the claims" brought by former NHLers Dan Fritsche, German Titov and Bob Bourne. The players have "refused to fill out fact sheets detailing their medical and employment histories as required by the court" (TSN.ca, 9/24). In Boston, Bob Hohler notes five years have passed since the BU CTEC "first diagnosed a former NHL player, the late Reggie Fleming, with CTE." The center has "since diagnosed" late NHLers Bob Probert and Derek Boogaard "with CTE" (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/25).
