‘In addition to this known concussion, it’s virtually guaranteed that Martin received multiple subconcussive blows to the head, which can cause just as much long-term brain damage as major concussive episodes. Plus, in hockey, body checks can lead to head trauma. “A quick jolt to the body can result in a movement of the brain inside the skull,” Stern says. “Checks can also cause the head to fall to the ice, or to hit against the boards.”‘