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
Cervical Spine
 7 injuries from 1988 - 1994
 7 injuries in 1995
5/7 with spinal cord involvement

4 in players age 16 - 20
(helmet & full mask)
 3 in players age 30 - 36
(helmet)
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
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
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
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
“heads up, don’t duck”
Facial Injuries
 95% of professional hockey players
sustain some type of facial injury during
their career.
1
2
15
facial fx
lost teeth
facial lacerations
FACIAL PROTECTION
“Take the masks off”
n more aggressive and dangerous tactics
3
3
3
reckless abandon
false sense of security
use the head as a weapon
n less concern for high sticking
n more lenient officiating
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
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)
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
“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
No Visor
Visor