Atom age player has already recover from two head injuries

Concussions can happen at anytime, any place and at any age. Just ask Karen and Piers Samson.

The Richmond couples 11-year-old Nathan plays for Seafair Minor Hockeys Atom A2 team. He is still a season or two away from body contact becoming a prominent part of the game but that doesnt mean he needs to be more aware of the potential for head injuries.

Nathan has already suffered two concussions and neither happened during a game.

The first was at a practice when he was just seven. He didnt slow down in time while chasing for a loose puck. Nathan crashed into the boards and was knocked unconscious for about 30 seconds and later diagnosed with a concussion.

Its a really hard thing for parents, explained Karen Samson, who also happens to be a registered nurse. With a broken arm or leg you can go to the doctor and see an x-ray. A brain injury is not like that and every kid is different. Youre basically relying on a seven-year-old who doesnt even know his body yet.

The Samsons were told Nathan had to be symptom free for a week before he could return to the ice. They relied on their observations of his daily routine to determine when he was fully recovered.

Of course, he wanted to right back on the ice (after a week) and we wanted him thoroughly healed, continued Karen. We were watching what he could do, when he was back to himself, even mood wise.

He was always a very athletic kid but he was sleepy, lethargic and had headaches, added Piers Samson. It was basically two weeks until he was himself again.

Nathans second concussion happened at another practice last year when he was caught looking the other way while waiting in a line during a drill. He was unexpectedly bowled over.

His head hit the back of the ice, except this time he stayed conscious. He seemed okay until experiencing concussion symptoms two days later.

He had trouble seeing and got confused at school, recalled Karen. We took him right away to (B.C.) Childrens Hospital.

Even after he fully recovered there were some emotional consequences, said Piers. The confidence he was playing with before was missing and he wouldnt go into the corners and be as aggressive. He he went to a camp over the summer that included dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of the game. Now he seems to be working harder than ever and his spirits are high.

Sure, the Samsons thought their son might be better off playing another sport or activity, but hockey is his passion. I play the piano and its like putting one in front of me and saying I cant play it. From day zero, Nathan has always been an athlete, said Karen.

The Samsons were thrilled to learn Seafair is developing a concussion protocol and hope players, parents and coaches will also have a better understanding of the injury.

Seafair is going above and beyond which is great because brains are a serious thing, said Piers. You dont play russian roulette with them.