Sports Injury Prevention | Ice Hockey

Ice hockey has a reputation as a dangerous sport. In recent years, however, USA Hockey has implemented rules that emphasize safety, fair play, and respect. Those changes — and improvements in protective equipment — have reduced the risks for young players while maintaining the excitement of the game.

• AC joint injuries
• Ankle sprains
• Clavicle (collarbone) fractures
• Concussions
• Groin strains
• Hip impingement
• Knee sprains and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries
• Lower back pain
• Shoulder dislocations
• Wrist fractures

In youth hockey, many injuries are minor bruises, muscle strains, and cuts. Serious injuries, such as concussions and fractures, are often the result of overly aggressive playing while others are overuse injuries.

• Repeatedly pushing off the inside edge of a skate blade can strain the ligaments around the knees. Sprinting can strain players’ hips. Both can lead to overuse injury.
• Checking, collisions, and falling can lead to concussions, shoulder injuries, wrist injuries, hip injuries, and knee injuries.

• Know and follow the rules: USA Hockey rules prohibit tactics that put players at risk.
  • Youth players (12 and under) are not allowed to body check other players.
  • Older players can body check, but only when attempting to gain control of the puck.
  • Checking an unsuspecting player from behind or to intimidate them is against the rules for all youth players.
• Be a player, not a fighter: Fighting has no place in youth hockey. Players get hurt and can get thrown out of games.
• Make strength and conditioning a priority: Strength and flexibility, particularly around the neck, shoulders, core body, hips, and knees, can help athletes both play better and reduce their risk of injury.

Protective ice hockey gear is essential. It can be expensive, but it’s often possible to find good used equipment. See if your league holds a “skate swap” or if older players are offering hand-me-downs to younger players.

• Helmets: Helmets are the most important piece of ice hockey equipment and should always be bought new. Make sure the helmet fits properly and is certified by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Check the date to make sure the helmet has not expired.
• Face masks: Helmets should include a face mask and have a protective chin cup and a chin strap. Make sure your child keeps the chin strap fastened and tightened whenever they play or practice.
• Mouth guards: Mouth guards protect teeth, lips, cheeks and the tongue, and also may reduce the risk of head and neck injuries.
• Neck guards: Neck guards protect players’ necks from skate blades, sticks, and pucks. As of 2024, USA Hockey mandates neck guards for all players younger than 18.
• Shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, shin pads, and gloves: Make sure to use pads specifically made for ice hockey. Pads made for other sports won’t offer the full protection ice hockey players need.
• Hockey pants: Hockey pants should reach the knee and should have a girdle and shell with reinforced padding over the hips and in the front, rear, and sides of the upper legs and midsection.
• Athletic supporter and cup: Essential protection for boys.
• Hockey skates: Skates should fit well, have plenty of ankle support, and have a steel or hard plastic toe cup. Be sure to test skates and break them in. Keep skates sharp: dull blades lead to slips and falls.
• Sticks: The right hockey stick should be about level with the bottom of a player’s chin when the player is wearing skates. Sticks that are too long or too short may lead to strains and soreness.
• Goalie equipment: Goalies need a special equipment with extra protection:
  • Helmet with a cage or face mask
  • Leg pads
  • Arm pads
  • Chest protector
  • Blocker glove
  • Catcher glove

As the largest and most experienced pediatric and young adult sports medicine practice in the country, the Sports Medicine Division at Boston Children's combines personalized care with innovative treatment for each athlete we treat. Whether injury prevention or recovery is your goal, we have the skills and dedication to help your child remain active in the sports they love.

Our Sports Medicine team consists of sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, podiatrists, athletic trainers, sports psychologists, dietitians, and many others who collaborate in every aspect of our patients’ care and their recovery.

The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, part of the Sports Medicine Division, offers practical strategies to help young athletes reduce their risk of injury while enhancing their sports performance. After a sports injury, our rehabilitation and strength training programs help athletes return to play stronger and healthier.