Non-stop action and high-speed team play make ice hockey a popular sport. However, as fun as it is, injuries can occur, some of them very serious.
To stay as safe as possible as a hockey player or hockey goalie, follow these tips.
Stay safe and prevent injuries
What hockey safety equipment do players need?
Before playing ice hockey, it is important to get all the right equipment and make sure you know how to put it on and use it correctly. All players need:
Helmet
When it comes to preventing serious injuries, A helmet is the most important piece of equipment. Helmets must be certified by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC), include a full face mask with a protective chin guard and chin strap, and must fit properly. Keep the chin strap fastened and tight so the helmet stays in place.
roller skates
Make sure you get skates that fit you well. They should be tied tightly, so the wrong size can hurt your feet. Skates should have sufficient ankle support and a steel or hard plastic toe cap. Keep your skates sharp so they perform better and are less likely to get caught in grooves in the ice.
Shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads and shin pads
These are all hockey specific. For example, the equipment used in soccer or lacrosse will not give you the protection you need to play hockey. The leg pads (knees and shins) should have a hard plastic exterior and reach to the top of the skates.
hockey pants
Also called briseros, These should reach the knee and offer padding on the front, back, and sides of the upper legs and midsection.
Gloves
Another specific element of the sport, hockey gloves, let your hands move freely while protecting you well beyond the wrist.
Athletic supporter and cup
These items are available as part of the hockey briefs or may be sold separately.
neck protector
Also called a neck guard, this equipment protects the neck from injury (for example, from a skate blade or hockey stick). Choose one that fits well and covers as much of your neck as possible.
Cut Resistant Base Layers
Even with all the padding used in hockey, any areas of exposed skin are still vulnerable to accidental cuts from skate blades or blunt blows. For this reason, it is now recommended that All players wear cut-resistant socks, wristbands, and underwear. (Base layer t-shirts and pants).
mouth guard
This protects the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue and can help prevent jaw injuries.
What safety equipment do goalkeepers need?
Hockey goalies need completely different equipment to stay safe. If you’re going to play that position, you need a helmet, skates, a neck protector, and an athletic cup made specifically for goalies. You should also use:
throat protector
Worn in addition to a neck guard, this equipment is used to prevent a rapidly moving puck or stick from hitting the neck. It’s “flapper style,” meaning it attaches to the helmet and hangs just below the mask, so it can move freely when the helmet moves.
Leg pads
These must be of the appropriate length and Thick enough to protect against strong impacts. Wear pants and socks under leg pads to cover exposed skin.
Arm pads and chest protector
The arm pads should reach up to the wrist. Chest protectors should lightly wrap around the sides to keep the entire front well protected.
Blocker glove
This glove must let your fingers grip the stick easily but be very thick and cover most of the forearm.
catcher glove
Like the first base mitt in baseball, a catcher’s mitt should have thick padding over the wrist and palm and should reach down to the forearm.
How can I stay safe during hockey practices and games?
Before starting the season, it is advisable to have a sports physical exam. Your doctor can check for any health problems and talk about sports safety. Most schools do not allow athletes to play unless they have had a sports physical within the past year. AND be in good shape can help players avoid injuries.
It is important to feel comfortable on the ice before learning to play hockey. Can help take skating lessons and practice stopping, turning, falling, and getting up after a fall. It’s also helpful to know how to skate backwards and stop and turn while skating backwards.
To stay safe, you should:
- Always warm up and stretch before training and games.
- Follow the rules and use proper techniques. Learn to crash safely into boards and not into your head. This helps prevent spinal injuries.
- Make sure that you coach He will be at all practices and games and will enforce all league safety rules.
- In general, never hit another player in the head, never check from behind and Never use the stick as a weapon.
- Stop playing if you feel pain or get hurt. Get checked by a physical trainer, trainer, doctor or nurse before returning to the court.
- Know the symptoms of a concussionsuch as headache, dizziness, or confusion. If you hit your head or don’t feel well, let your trainer or trainer know right away. Follow the guidelines to return to the game.
- Stay hydrous drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after games and practices.
- Know the team’s emergency plan.
What else should I know?
Follow your coach’s rules of fair and safe play in practices and games. Be respectful to the referees and do not argue with their decisions. Stay calm if an opposing player does something you don’t agree with. Don’t take it personally or start a fight; Let the referees handle the matter.
It may be helpful to play different sports throughout the year to prevent repetitive stress injuries (overuse injuries). These injuries occur when someone trains too much or does the same movements over and over again.
Safety in other sports
Safety is important whether you play hockey or do another athletic activity. To help prevent injuries in other sports, check out these articles:
