“Since 1996, more than 30 NHL players have had their careers ended because of concussions. I’m one of them! Parents, coaches, players and officials, I encourage you to take the time to learn about this very important issue. Together, we can help reduce the number of concussions and spinal cord injuries in our great game.” -Keith Primeau, Chief Relations Officer for Play It Cool™ and former Captain of the Philadelphia Flyers Play It Cool™ is a unique intervention program aimed at reducing injuries in minor hockey. Our goal is to lower the risk of concussions and spinal cord injuries on the ice by teaching kids how to play safe, to play better, to Play It Cool™. History Play It Cool™ is a dynamic program that is updated based on best available knowledge and information . First created by Mitron in the early 2000's, in partnership with the Canadian Spinal Research Organization, Play It Cool™ started out as a simple booklet and CD package of safety tips and drills for coaches and parents. In 2004, a team of researchers, led by Lakehead University, continued to develop the program and established the current online facilitated curriculum to educate coaches, parents, players and officials about injury prevention and safe hockey behaviours. We are excited about our new up and coming virtual hockey school for safe play, a learning tool for the entire hockey community! We have an eight-week, online certification course for coaches, developed by our team of university researchers. We are still in the field testing stage, but once the program is complete it will be available for coaches on this website. Play It Cool™ also offers an interactive, e-learning website for players, coaches, parents and officials, with the latest information on concussions and spinal cord injuries, how to take a hit, give a hit and be safe on the ice. But it’s not all work and no play. As the website gets up and running, kids will be able to log on to learn about their favourite NHL players, win prizes, while enjoying fun, interactive activities. Plus, we’re hitting the road this winter, taking Play It Cool™ to 16 different communities across Canada. There will be clinics, coaching schools, education seminars, prizes and more. Check back here for Community Day locations and dates!