1. Cervical Spine
when the top of the head makes contact, the torso will continue its motion (axial compression)
the resultant force can result in a fracture or a dislocation

2. Ashare Safety Symposium 1997
Cervical Spine
7 injuries from
7 injuries in 1995
5/7 with spinal cord involvement
4 in players age
(helmet & full mask)
3 in players age
(helmet)
Ashare Safety Symposium 1997

3. Ashare Safety Symposium 1997
Cervical Spine
all in the offensive zone
(behind the goal line)
all forwards
none checking from behind
Ashare Safety Symposium 1997

4. Cervical Spine
the most vulnerable position is slight flexion (head down)
serious injury can occur at walking speed
no protective equipment will prevent this injury

5. Prevention is the Key
Protect yourself by making initial board contact with another part of their body other than their head ...
when sliding on the ice or being checked near the boards  make board contact with the shoulder blade or buttock areas

6. Prevention is the Key “heads up, don’t duck”
Protect yourself by making initial board contact with another part of their body other than their head ...
when sliding on the ice or being checked near the boards  make board contact with the shoulder blade or buttock areas
“heads up, don’t duck”

7. Facial Injuries 1 facial fx 2 lost teeth 15 facial lacerations
95% of professional hockey players sustain some type of facial injury during their career.
1 facial fx
2 lost teeth
15 facial lacerations

8. FACIAL PROTECTION “Take the masks off”
n more aggressive and dangerous tactics
3 reckless abandon
3 false sense of security
3 use the head as a weapon
n less concern for high sticking
n more lenient officiating

9. FACIAL PROTECTION “Take the masks off”
4 facemasks increase the risk of more serious brain and spinal cord injuries
4 an acceptable risk of increased facial lacerations and dental trauma
T No scientific evidence available which supports this opinion

10. FACIAL PROTECTION “Put the masks on”
n risk of injury is inherent to the game
n injury prevention through coaching, education, rule enforcement, and protective equipment
n facial protection will always be part of the player development process (youth levels)

11. FACIAL PROTECTION “Put the masks on”
4 nearly eliminate eye, face, and dental injuries
4 no increased risk of brain and cervical
spine injuries
T scientific evidence available
which supports this opinion

12. “Injuries in Junior A Ice Hockey”
n most common anatomic region injured: face
n risk of facial trauma much higher in games (63x)
3 lack of uniform facial protection
Stuart MJ & Smith AM, AJSM 1995

13. No Visor
Visor