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Young Hockey Players: Are They Safe on the Ice?

By Jason Rhodes, MD, Children's Hospital Colorado, 11/12/18, 12:00PM PST

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Protective equipment is the first step to keeping young players safe, but good early coaching also helps prevent injuries.

Regardless of the level of a young hockey player or team, wearing appropriate protective equipment is the best defense against injury. Find out if you’re doing the right things to keep the hockey player in your life safe.

It’s all about the gear

Simply wearing the right equipment has dramatically reduced the risk of eye and dental injuries, concussions, and lacerations (cuts), which are commonly associated with ice hockey.

At a minimum, all hockey players should wear:

  • Helmets and face masks with a mouth guard
  • Shoulder pads
  • Elbow pads