Hockey injuries are on the rise, and so is the risk of laceration

This isn’t the fun part of hockey. This isn’t the highlight reel. 

This is the hard stuff to talk about. 

But it’s the important stuff. It’s why we exist as a company – to make sure that every player, from youth leagues to the pros, has the best protection available. 

Because when it comes to safety, close calls don’t count.

Hockey is faster, harder-hitting, and more competitive than ever. That also means injuries are skyrocketing. A comprehensive study of U.S. emergency department data from 1990 to 2006 revealed some hard-hitting truths: more players are getting injured, and lacerations remain one of the biggest threats on the ice.

The numbers don’t lie – lacerations are a major threat

Over a 16-year study period, more than 20,000 hockey players per year ended up in the ER due to injuries. And the fastest-growing segment? Kids. Injuries among players aged 9-14 jumped 163%, and those aged 15-18 rose 85%.

But what kind of injuries are we talking about? Lacerations were the most common injury, making up 27% of all reported cases. And if you think about it, that number is just the players who ended up in the hospital – how many more suffered cuts and near-misses that weren’t recorded?

Sharp skate blades. Exposed necks. High-speed collisions. You don’t need to be a mathematician to see the problem.

Neck injuries are more common than you think

The study also found that injuries to the face (19.1%) and mouth (3.9%) were among the most frequent, key areas that are also at risk when it comes to skate-related lacerations.

In younger players (ages 2-8), falls and stick impacts were the top causes of injuries. And among players aged 15-18, shoulder and upper-arm injuries—many of which stem from contact with the boards—were the most common.

Let’s connect the dots. Hockey players are falling, getting checked into the boards, and getting hit by sticks thousands of times per season. These are all moments where an exposed or poorly protected neck could be catastrophic.

Concussions and head/neck injuries are trending up – especially for women

The study found that while female players make up a smaller percentage of overall hockey participants, their injury rate increased by a staggering 347% over the study period. Notably, female players suffered a higher rate of concussions (14%) compared to male players (6.5%).

And what’s one of the most dangerous side effects of a high-impact collision? Falling awkwardly or uncontrolled, leaving the neck vulnerable to skate blades.

A false sense of security won’t protect players

Here’s the real kicker: most hockey players already think they’re protected. They assume their gear has them covered. But the reality? Many traditional neck guards on the market today provide nothing more than foam padding and a false sense of security.

We refuse to accept that. Our A8/A9 ANSI-rated Titanotex™ fabric sets a new standard for neck protection, offering real cut resistance where it matters most. And our Stretch ProCurve™ Collar and ArcGuard™ technology ensure a secure fit that moves with the player – no gaps, no shifting, and no need to compromise.

If you play hockey, you need real neck protection

Hockey isn’t getting any slower. The hits aren’t getting any softer. And the risks aren’t going away.

What’s changing? The way players protect themselves.

Titan Battlegear is leading the charge, making sure every player, from youth leagues to the pros, has the best protection available. Because when it comes to neck safety, close calls don’t count. Shop our protective gear.

Data source: Patients With Ice Hockey Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments, 1990–2006