After Tragic Injuries: How To Make Ice Hockey Safer

“Two tragic spine injuries in Minnesota high school hockey games in the last month have sparked debate among parents, officials, and fans over how the rough sport can be made safer.”

“The Minnesota State High School League acted quickly announcing tougher penalties for three types of infractions that increase the risk of spine injuries: checking from behind, boarding, and contact to the head.”

“However, prevention of these kinds of injuries will take a major effort from everyone involved in youth hockey — from the leagues and officials, to coaches, parents and players themselves, experts say. It will take a combination of stricter rules, better conditioning, smarter playing techniques – and maybe an overhaul of hockey culture itself.”

Here are some specific ideas:

*  “Jack’s Pledge” was established by the  family of a severely injured player.  High school hockey players are seen pledging to play more safely on a Youtube video.

*  Players who play violently even when they haven’t received a penalty should be forced to sit out for a period of time or for the time remaining to the end of the game.  

*  To help prevent spine injuries in young players, neck  strength should be increased.  Too many players have underdeveloped necks as compared to biceps and thighs.

*  Better techniques can be taught to help players with administering and receiving checks.  Programs at USA Hockey have been assisted by The Mayo Clinic to help combat both spine and head injuries.

*  Provide instruction on proper way to crash into boards.  Most players usually holds their heads down and leans into the fall.  A “heads up don’t duck” prevention strategy is being promoted which helps with the mechanism of the injury so the player can avoid it.

Source: MSN News