Chicago Blackhawks: The Daniel Carcillo Story (Part V: The Future)

The Future

The game of hockey has not made any major changes in response to these deaths or in response to Carcillo’s efforts. The mainstream media touched just briefly on these deaths and on his cause; an injustice not only to Carcillo but also to those who lost their lives.

Fortunately, the Players Tribune took Daniel’s story and provided him with a platform. His cause gained enough traction where he began hopping on podcasts, giving speeches at conventions and making radio appearances. His movement is beginning to see a breakthrough with TSN reporting on the NHL and their viewpoints on CTE and hits to the head.

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Though we have not seen hockey make any changes yet, Carcillo’s cause is gaining momentum and will continue to. Ultimately, more news sources will pick up on what is happening in the league. It will become a talked about issue on ESPN. On NBC. And hopefully, at a meeting between the commissioner and owners regarding a change to the way they handle concussions and hits to the head.

Understanding the relationship between Daniel Carcillo and Steve Montador is imperative to understanding why the NHL must do something. Carcillo’s background proves that he is more than qualified to speak out against these issues and it’s a shame the league has not listened to him yet.

As he continues growing Chapter 5 and continues to create conversation, I imagine a change will occur in the media coverage of him and, more importantly, in the NHL Rulebook. In time, the league and the fans will realize that the safety of players is bigger than entertainment, bigger than money, bigger than having your name on the Stanley Cup.

For anyone who doubts this or doubts Daniel, look no further than to how much he cared for his friend, Steve Montador. “[I] would trade my name on the [Stanley Cup] twice over for another conversation with Steve Montador. That’s how much I care about this advocacy work.”

Daniel is a warrior through and through. His work and his worth cannot be overstated. Carcillo is already making a difference to fans and fellow hockey players. Here’s to hoping his efforts will continue to pay off and eventually change the NHL.