Fmr. Flyer discusses traumatic brain injury

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A former Flyer known for not shying away from fights took part in a panel on traumatic brain injury.

He was called 'Boxcar Eddie Hospodar,' a nickname he earned because some likened the force of his hits to be like a runaway train.

On Friday, Hospodar discussed the lingering effects of a career marked by bruising hits at Penn Medecine's 'Mind Your Brain Conference.'

He also talked to Action News about realizing what those affects are.

"If you don't know about it, you think that you're the crazy person. When you learn about it, you say, 'Oh I know what my weaknesses are and I can try to make myself better," said Hospodar.

Hospodar says in his playing days, players were routinely sent back on the ice after what were likely concussion inducing injuries.

These days, he says, the NHL is better about knowing and treating the problem.

The conference aims to connect those with brain injuries to services that can help them recover.