SEDL / STP / STP1050-EB / STP24031S

Injury Rates in Amateur, College, and Professional Hockey

Castaldi, CR
University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT

Sparacio, L
Team Trainer, Springfield Olympics Junior Hockey Club, Enfield, CT

Wood, AS
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

Bernard, J
Sturham, Dickenson, and Bernard Insurance Co., Princeton, NJ

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1989

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Abstract

Although it is widely believed that the game of ice hockey is becoming rougher and that injury rates are correspondingly on the increase, a review of long-term studies tends to show the opposite. Injury rates in amateur and college hockey are presently on the decline, with the exception of spinal cord injuries, which are increasing at an alarming rate. Blinded eye injuries in the over 30 age group are also increasing. Trends in the rate of injury in professional hockey are inconclusive, based on available studies.