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Shawn Thornton speaks out against those ‘exploiting’ deaths of Rick Rypien, Wade Belak 09.12.11 at 11:37 am ET
By DJ Bean

Shawn Thornton doesn't appreciate how some have viewed a sad summer for hockey. (AP)

BOLTON — Bruins forward Shawn Thornton said Monday at the team’s annual golf tournament that he doesn’t care much for the connections some have made between hits to the head (including those sustained in fights) and the suicides of NHL players Rick Rypien and Wade Belak, as well as the death — an accidental overdose — of Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard.

“It kind of [expletive] pisses me off that people take this opportunity to try and exploit a certain part of the game,” Thornton said. “I think those are very, very sad instances, but I don’t think taking it as an opportunity to exploit part of the game is the way to go. Remember the people, the men they were, not what they did for a living.”

Both Rypien and Belak had been battling depression prior to their deaths. Belak was recently retired, but was found dead late last month after hanging himself. Since then, the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (something players suffering multiple blows to the head are subject to) has been brought up by those wondering whether there could be a connection between blows to the head and eventual depression.

Last season, Thornton led the Bruins with 122 penalty minutes.

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  • Jack

    I love Thornton but he’s in denial. There is a reason why the leagues are trying to prevent concussions. One of the side effects can be severe depression. Head trauma is connected to at least 2 and probably all 3 of these deaths.

  • Justin

    Jack… I agree with you but I also see Thornton’s side of the story. Ultimately, ALL athletes take a calculated risk when playing sports at any level. And yes, I do believe in taking some procautions (especially now with our further understanding of the human body) but it does bother me, and apparently Thornton, when it takes away from the game. And I mean that in multiple ways. In this instance I think the negative light that is being portrayed is a little excessive. That’s just my opinion but much like Thornton, I’d rather celebrate/mourn the person. Another thing I’d like to point out too is, if you want to make the game safer, start with the equipment. Now follow me here for a second, I play hockey… The equipment is getting safer yes but much LIGHTER. It’s allowing guys (combined with the new workout programs) the ability to skate at upwards of 30+ mph. I like the game fast, don’t get me wrong, but that’s a bit too fast. Also, go back to wood stick! There is no reason for guys to be shooting as hard as they are these days. Dropping 10 mph off of a shot would stop a lot of injuries too. My example… look how lucky Stamkos was in that series where he took a puck to the face on, I believe, a Boychuk shot. He was lucky!! Okay… gotta go back to work now… like I said, just my opionion but I do see your point too. Good luck to the B’s this year and I hope I see more Rask!

  • Mike

    WRONG these guys Belak and Rypien have battled depression their whole life long before hockey. Its an unbelievable coincidence that they were fighters.

  • gmuny2002

    Atta boy Shawn! Cause it (expletive) pisses me off too!

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