According to British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Ice Hockey has been ranked third in emergency room visits. When choosing to play the sport, players take a serious risk every time they step on the ice. Between collisions with the ice, the boards and with other players, injuries in Ice Hockey are unsurprisingly prevalent. It is crucial to think about the ways in which ice Ice Hockey can be dangerous for young adults, and take action to make sure that you are properly protected out on the ice.

Injuries:

Some common injuries that occur from aggressive game play are lower back problems, neck injury, foot injury, tendonitis, head injury, black eye, broken teeth, frostbite, cuts & bleeding, spinal cord injury and broken bones. The most serious injuries that result from Ice Hockey are concussions (15%) and spinal cord injuries which average at about 2 or 3 a year. Almost all injuries that are caused by playing hockey are called “contact injuries.” In youth leagues, contact in Ice Hockey is typically forbidden on the ice. Contact hockey is considered the most dangerous version of the sport. Professional leagues such as the NHL play contact hockey. This allows the players to physically check each other and use their bodies for defensive and offensive play. However, the players may not involve their stick or take blows at another player’s face. Playing contact hockey can result in bruises, broken bones and concussions, which makes it a very dangerous part of the sport.

Prevent the Danger:

There are three ways in which you can prevent yourself from getting any serious injuries while out on the ice.

Equipment:

Having the correct equipment with enough padding and protection can lower your risk of getting an injury. You must make sure that you are always wearing your gear when you are out on the ice and that you are wearing it properly. Even if your equipment feels bulky and uncomfortable, you must be able to adjust and adapt to wearing it at all times.

Physically Prepare:

By doing the correct training before heading out on the ice, you can take a ration of the pressure off your body for when you suffer from a hockey injury. One of the most important parts of the body that hockey players should make stronger is their backs. By concentrating on making firm and flexible thighs and posterior muscles, they can prevent back strain and put more pressure on their legs. Make sure you do an ice skating warm up before playing in a game and perform stretches on the inside bar of the arena.

Take Frequent Breaks:

In order to avoid getting frostbite and other circulatory problems. A great tip that hockey professionals and coaches use is before playing, add dollops of petroleum jelly on your lips, wear layers under your uniform, and flex your hands frequently on the ice.

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