NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine will be among the featured speakers Monday at a Randolph seminar about concussions.
(Charles Agel/Associated Press/File 1997)
In Randolph, tackling concussions head on
NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine will be among the featured speakers Monday at a Randolph seminar about concussions.
(Charles Agel/Associated Press/File 1997)
Hockey coaches, officials, players, and fans from all over Massachusetts will gather in Randolph Monday to learn about ways to prevent concussion injuries in the sport they love.
The free seminar, called “Play Smart: Concussion Prevention in Youth and Interscholastic Hockey,’’ will feature a panel of concussion specialists, as well as appearances by National Hockey League legends Tony Amonte, Ted Donato, Pat LaFontaine, and Bob Sweeney.
LaFontaine is among the featured speakers.
“I went through post-concussion syndrome twice,’’ he said. “It’s a very difficult thing.’’
LaFontaine will talk about his experiences in the NHL and how he dealt with his injuries. The Hall of Famer said he hopes the event, sponsored by South Shore Hospital, will increase awareness about concussions, and help make the game safer for the next generation of hockey players.
Another main speaker at the symposium will be Jason P. Mihalik, a nationally recognized specialist who helped develop a smartphone app that helps parents and coaches identify and treat concussions in young athletes. Mihalik will talk about the latest medical research on concussions.
Other speakers include Steve Clark, assistant athletic trainer for the Northeastern University men’s hockey team, and Dr. Janet Kent, director of South Shore Hospital’s concussion management program.
“Our goal is to have attendees leaving feeling they now know what they can do to reduce the likelihood of concussion in youth and interscholastic hockey,’’ said Kent, in an e-mail.
A light dinner will be served, and there will be a free drawing to win a Boston Bruins jersey autographed by the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, as well as a pair of tickets to a Bruins game.
The seminar will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lantana, 43 Scanlon Drive in Randolph.
All members of the youth hockey community - coaches, referees, athletic directors, league organizers, school leaders, emergency medical providers, and parents - are invited to attend. Reservations are required because seating is limited.
To register, call 781-624-2335.
Emily Sweeney can be reached at esweeney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney. 
© Copyright 2012 Globe Newspaper Company.
