Understanding the Injuries

As the season gets into the final stages before playoffs—the body of a hockey player takes its toll. It is essential as the coach to recognise if a player is hurt or injured.

If you're hurt, the old days of "suck it up, and get back out there" can still apply, but if your player has been injured, then that changes everything. The game has never been faster and more competitive as now, a simple small injury can lead to a lifetime of pain and regret.

Ice hockey is a finesse sport that requires a unique combination of speed, power, and teamwork. As a result, players are at risk for specific injury patterns—some of them avoidable.

The chance of sustaining an injury depends on many variables, including the level of participation, player position, protective equipment, violent behaviour, and personal susceptibility due to pre-existing injuries and style of play. Injuries occur much more frequently in games and increase with each level of participation.

 

 

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of hockey injuries are mild. Most injuries involve the soft tissues: bruises, muscle strains, ligament tears, and cuts. Serious injuries are possible and players should avoid dangerous tactics.

Just as you are using CoachThem to plan your practices and draw your drills for the season, you can also take the step of preparation to avoid any serious injuries:

• Obtaining a preseason screening examination by an experienced athletic trainer or physician to identify existing injuries and uncover deficiencies.
• Participating in a sports-specific conditioning program to avoid physical overload.
• Obtaining high-quality equipment that fits well and is not damaged, worn-out, or undersized.
• Following injury and treatment, a post-injury evaluation ensures successful healing and guides safe return to play.

The hardest part of any player injury is the timing of coming back to play at game speed. In some cases, that player may be the best player on the team, so the anticipation and pressure to come back early is always present. As a coach, it's your duty to make sure that that player is 100% healed and ready to play. Coming back early will always result in a worst injury hurting both the team and the player more in the long run.

 

 

Written by Robb Tallas and the CoachThem Team

 

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