Ice Hockey Safety

Ice hockey is a popular winter sport in the United States. However, there are more than 20,000 ice hockey-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments each year. As with any sport, it’s important to wear safety equipment and follow all rules to prevent injuries.

Ice Hockey Injury Facts

• The most common types of injuries are cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, sprains and strains.
• Most concussions are the result of either a fall or from contact with the boards or another player.
• Injuries to the face, wrist/hand/finger, shoulder/upper arm and lower leg/ankle/foot are the most common.
• Almost 1 in 4 ice hockey injuries are to the face or mouth.
• Most face and mouth injuries are from contact with the stick or the puck.

Ice Hockey Safety Tips

• Always wear the appropriate safety gear- both in games and in practice.
• It is recommended that players:
  • Use full face shields, mouth guards and neck guards during games and practice.
  • Wear helmets with face masks and shields whenever they are on the ice.
• Make sure all equipment fits properly.
• Safety equipment should be in good repair.
• Before playing, learn the proper uses and limitations of the protective gear.
• Know and follow all game-play rules.
• Officials and coaches should always enforce the rules.
• If body checking is permitted, learn and practice the proper way to give and receive checks.
• Checking from behind is illegal and should never be allowed.