The fast-paced, hard-hitting game of hockey can lead to a variety of injuries. The most common injuries seen in hockey are concussions, lacerations and fractures, as well as strains, dislocations and mensical injuries. To reduce the risk of injury while participating in hockey, you need the appropriate protective gear. Protective gear is designed to reduce the risk of injury without interfering with playing ability.
Helmets and Masks
According to Dr. P. Dean Cummings, writing for the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation, the face and head are the most commonly injured body parts in hockey. Helmets and face masks help to reduce the incidence of head and facial injuries in hockey. Youth, high school and college hockey players are required to wear both helmets and face masks. For professional hockey players, helmets are required. Face masks are not required, although a majority of National Hockey League players do wear face masks. Face masks are made of a thick, plastic material and can cover your entire face or just your eye and forehead region. Hockey helmets should fit snugly and chin straps should be fastened to keep the helmet in place and prevent it from falling off during a hard hit.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are worn by almost all hockey players. With a majority of injuries occurring to the head and face, the mouth is vulnerable to injury. Mouth guards are thin pieces of plastic that are specially molded to the mouth of a player. Mouth guards protect players from losing teeth should they take a puck, stick or fist to the face.
Shoulder and Chest Pads
Shoulder and chest pads are designed to provide protection the the muscles and bones in your shoulders, chest and upper arm region. These pads are especially beneficial in preventing collarbone fractures and shoulder dislocations. These pads are lightweight and allow players to move freely and quickly along the ice. Chest and shoulder protectors may come in one piece or consist of two pieces.
Gloves
Gloves protect against wrist, hand and finger injuries in hockey players, which frequently are caused when a player is hit by another player's stick or by a puck flying through the air. While the large amount of padding found in the gloves provides maximum protection, they are also soft and flexible, allowing players to maintain maximum control over their hockey stick.
Leg and Groin Guards
Hockey players also need to protect their legs and groin from injury. Leg pads are important in preventing knee injuries. Leg pads come with a knee cup and padding that wraps entirely around the leg. They are lightweight and need to be the correct length to allow for proper movement. Groin protectors are large, boxer-style cup pads with a large amount of protection for the groin and pelvic area.
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