HEAD AND FACIAL INJURIES INHEAD AND FACIAL INJURIES IN

JUNIOR “A” ICE HOCKEY:JUNIOR “A” ICE HOCKEY:A Prospective Comparison of FacialA Prospective Comparison of Facial

ProtectionProtectionMichael J. Stuart MDMichael J. Stuart MD

AynsleyAynsley M. Smith RN PhD M. Smith RN PhDSusan A.Susan A. Malo Malo MA MA

Tracy FischerTracy FischerDirk Dirk R. LarsonR. Larson

4.7 x4.7 x greater risk with greater risk with no no protectionprotection compared to a compared to a visorvisor (half-shield)(half-shield)

NoNo eyeeye or or neckneck injuries injuries occurred to occurred to players wearing players wearing fullfull protection protection

This study demonstrates This study demonstrates that both that both fullfull and and partialpartial facial protection facial protection significantly significantly reduce injuries to the eye and reduce injuries to the eye and faceface without increasing neck without increasing neck injuries and concussions.injuries and concussions.

ConclusionConclusion

Rule ChangeRule Change All players are required All players are required to wear to wear full facial full facial protectionprotection.. Players Players 18 18 years of age years of age

and older may wear a and older may wear a half shield (visor) if they half shield (visor) if they sign a waiver.sign a waiver.

RecommendationRecommendation

It is strongly recommended It is strongly recommended that that all playersall players including including Seniors wear facial protection Seniors wear facial protection (HECC certified (HECC certified full face full face masksmasks).).

The helmet and half shield must The helmet and half shield must not not be worn (tilted back) so that the be worn (tilted back) so that the bottom of the visor is above the tip bottom of the visor is above the tip of the nose.of the nose.

(violation = (violation = misconduct penaltymisconduct penalty))

Correct Helmet PositionCorrect Helmet Position

Enforcement ofEnforcement ofexisting rulesexisting rules

Focused stretching & Focused stretching & strength training strength training programsprograms

Sportsmanship &Sportsmanship &mutual respectmutual respect

Body contact and Body contact and body control skillsbody control skills

Full facial protection &Full facial protection &mouthpiecemouthpiece

Improved equipment designImproved equipment design

Rink modificationsRink modifications

increased ice surface sizeincreased ice surface size force-dissipating boardsforce-dissipating boards

1.1. Have FunHave Fun

1.1. Have FunHave Fun2.2. Play HardPlay Hard

1.1. Have FunHave Fun2.2. Play HardPlay Hard3.3. Play SmartPlay Smart

1.1. Have FunHave Fun2.2. Play HardPlay Hard3.3. Play SmartPlay Smart4.4. Play FairPlay Fair