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Ice Hockey Injuries

Ice hockey is a popular winter sport in the United States, with more than 500,000 registered amateur players. Injuries are prevalent in this contact sport, but they can be prevented if players wear appropriate safety gear and avoid dangerous moves like body checking (using the hip and shoulder to slow an opponent who has the puck). More than 18,000 youth hockey players were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for ice hockey related injuries in 2001-02 according to a new study. Although the percentage of ice hockey players hospitalized after injury is very low, the study suggests that youth hockey players are twice as likely to be hospitalized after injury compared to those 18 and over.

Body checking is the most commonly reported cause of injury. It is also associated with the more severe injuries. Many of the players injured by body checking collide with goal posts and the boards. Contact between opponents, usually in the form of body checking, is associated with 46 percent of all injuries and 75 percent of major injuries.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends body checking should not be allowed for children age 15 or younger.
Although body contact is allowed in women’s ice hockey, body checking is not in most cases. Many adult recreation leagues also limit body checking.

Safety gear and changes in the rules of play have significantly reduced both the numbers and severity of injuries related to ice hockey. Many head injuries have been prevented by the use of helmets and the elimination of body checking. A reduction in eye injuries has occurred through the addition of full face guards on helmets and stricter enforcement of penalties for “high sticking.” Neck guards have reduced the number of both soft tissue and spinal injuries.

Currently most youth leagues and some high school leagues require these safety measures.

The most common ice hockey related injuries are sprains and strains, cuts and lacerations and contusions. Injuries to the upper extremities, such as arms, hands, and wrists, account for a high percentage of all injuries.
Helmets and face shields are proven to significantly reduce head and face injuries, while mouth guards are proven to prevent dental injuries.
Injuries may still occur if equipment is used improperly. Helmets must have a proper fit and be fastened securely with no more than a two-finger breadth between neck and chinstrap.
Protective gear works, but it does not make a player invincible. While a helmet and visor will protect the head and face, the neck and spinal cord are still prone to serious injury from hard hits or falls.

Physical conditioning is the best preventative strategy for injury prevention.

Higher rates of injury in later periods of games and in the later minutes of each period indicate fatigue plays a role in increasing the risk of injury.
Injury occurrence patterns point out the need for proper physical conditioning during the preseason and maintenance during the regular season.
Make sure your hockey program is well rounded and includes strength, flexibility and endurance training.
Regardless of level of physical conditioning, players require a proper warm-up to help prepare the body for increased physical demands and to help prevent injuries.

Make sure first aid is available at all games and practices.

Youth Hockey Concerns

Help your children have a great time on the ice with these safety tips:

Check safety gear and equipment regularly for wear and tear.
Purchase a foam-lined helmet specially designed for ice hockey.
The helmet should fit snuggly. Check the chinstrap frequently.
A full face mask can protect your child’s face and eyes.
Insist your child uses a mouth guard.
Shoulder, chest, elbow, leg, knee and shin pads, as well as padded gloves should be worn. Groin protection is recommended for boys.
Ice skates should fit your child and provide ankle protection.
The hockey stick needs to fit the player. Measure with skates on.
Goalies need special protective gear to stop high speed slap shots.
Teach your child good sportsmanship.
Children should warm up before playing.
Before the game begins inspect the rink for hazards.
It is important that your child learn to practice how to fall properly.
Teach your child “heads up, don’t duck!” Players who duck their heads in collisions are more likely to sustain spinal cord injuries. Players should learn to protect themselves by making board contact with anything other than their heads.
Checking should not be allowed for players under the age of 15.
Children should not play through pain. Seek medical evaluations for any injuries.
Encourage children to take plenty of rest breaks and stop when they get tired.

With their focus on PPT – Performance, Prevention and Treatment -- the specialists at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine can help you get back in the game after an ice hockey injury. Call them today at 814-866-3466.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.