Jm. Bjorkenheim et al., INJURIES IN COMPETITIVE JUNIOR ICE-HOCKEY - 1437 PLAYERS FOLLOWED FORONE SEASON, Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica, 64(4), 1993, pp. 459-461
During one season we followed 1437 ice-hockey players, 9-18 years of a
ge, participating in a junior league. We found 128 injuries (9 percent
) that caused the player to miss at least one training session or game
. One third of the injuries were a result of foul play. The most commo
n types of injury were contusions, sprains, and lacerations. However,
fissures and fractures were surprisingly frequent, reflecting foul pla
y with the stick and improper use of the protective equipment. Thanks
to the mandatory use of a completely-covering face protector, there we
re few maxillofacial injuries. The highest yearly incidence of injurie
s was found in the older players. Prevention of ice hockey injuries is
multifactorial, including stricter rule enforcement, improved protect
ive equipment, and better understanding of the forces involved.