Former NHLer Greg Johnson diagnosed with CTE five years after death

On Wednesday, the family of former NHL center Greg Johnson released the results of an analysis of Johnson’s post-mortem brain tissue by the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF), with the findings showing that Johnson was diagnosed with CTE.

The widow and daughter of Johnson released the results almost five years to the day that Johnson died by suicide at the age of 48.

The decision was made to raise awareness of the long-term effects of head impact and concussions in hockey.

“This diagnosis took my breath away,” Kristin Johnson, Greg Johnson’s wife of over 20 years, said in a release. “Greg’s death shattered our world, and we never once thought this disease was something he struggled with. He experienced very few symptoms that we knew of, but he spoke of his concussions often. I remember the exact moment he told me his heart condition forcing him to retire was a blessing because he couldn’t take another hit. He knew his hockey career had a profound impact on his brain.”

According to the release, the National Institutes of Health says CTE is partially caused by repeated traumatic brain injuries. Studies also say that a post-mortem diagnosis of CTE should not be pointed at as the reason for suicide.

“I had no idea what CTE even stood for when my dad took his life,” Carson Johnson, Greg’s oldest daughter, said. “Now understanding that the hits he endured throughout his hockey career damaged his brain, I want all athletes to understand the risks and I want the NHL to start acknowledging it exists and do more to protect its players so other daughters don’t have to lose their fathers.”

Johnson was known as a solid two-way forward during his 12-year NHL career, not necessarily the enforcer type, just a hard-working player. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators. Johnson was on the inaugural Preds team that came into the league in 1998. He played the final seven years of his career in Nashville, serving as captain as well.

He also took home a silver medal with Team Canada at the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer.

According to the CLF, 17 of 18 NHL players who have been studied in North America have been diagnosed with CTE. The CLF HelpLine is available for former hockey players and their families struggling with suspected CTE symptoms. It provides free, personalized support to patients and families through peer support, doctor recommendations and other resources.