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Hockey is Hockey is Hockey
FACT:
Serious injury can occur if you walk across the ice surface in outer wear (shoes, boots, etc.)
ACT:
Always walk around the rink while wearing shoes (only cross the ice surface in skates). |
Always protect your brain! Wear your hockey helmet whether playing on the ice or in the gym. Remember…"Don't Use Your Brains for Brakes!!"
Hockey Facts:
Playing recreational hockey on the ice, or in the gym is a great way to develop physical and social skills while building self-confidence. With all the benefits of hockey, people often forget about the risks of injury from falls onto the hard floor or ice.
Statistics from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (2001) identified 522 emergency room visits from injuries sustained while playing ice or ball hockey. Males suffered ninety-one percent of the injuries. Players between the ages 10-14 were at highest risk for injury (58 per cent), followed by teens between the ages of 15-19 (30 per cent). The most common injuries were fractures of the forearm, clavicle, and lower leg, followed by head injuries.
By planning it safe, everyone can enjoy the benefits of playing hockey all year round, and reduce the risk of injuries.
Safe Hockey tips:
Fact: Even coaches and experienced hockey players can fall and hit their head on the ice or any hard surface.
Act: Save your brains! Wear a CSA approved hockey helmet that fits snugly and buckle up the strap. Hockey helmets are designed to withstand multiple impacts.
Fact: People are often less concerned about injury during recreational and friendly games of hockey.
Act: Injuries can happen to anyone, anytime, any place. In addition to a helmet, an appropriate face mask and mouth guard helps prevent head and facial injuries.
Fact: It is easy to trip or fall while skating, blading or running too fast.
Act: Learn the basic skills, such as stopping, falling and getting up.
For more information call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744.
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