With hockey balls reaching a top speed of 100mph, it is essential that all hockey players wear some kind of protection whilst playing the game and training. Although sprains and muscle injuries are the most common injuries in hockey, contact with a hockey ball or stick can cause bone fractures, eye injuries, concussion, and broken teeth. There is a big difference in the hockey safety equipment needed for the goalkeeper and the field players.
Injuries are not uncommon with hockey but with strict PPE (personal protective equipment) worn by all players significantly reduces the risks. All protective equipment for hockey players has to undergo many steps such as ergonomics and impact testing to make sure that they are fit for use and will protect the player as efficiently as possible.
Hockey Player Equipment
Hockey players need to protect their bodies because they are still at risk of being hit by the ball or stick during the game.
Masks – Masks can be worn in short corner plays by defenders if they choose to. These are usually made from high impact resistant plastic and are transparent clear or with a hint of colour. There are no regulations that require players to wear full face hockey masks, but it can massively decrease the risk of facial injuries.
Mouthguards – Mouthguards are a great way to protect the players teeth, cheeks, tongue, and lips. They are a requirement in many hockey leagues. Mouthguards can come in many styles and shape either to match the team kit or to stand out and be individual. They absorb shock and provides impact protection for the teeth and jaw.
Gloves – Hockey gloves are used as a form of protection for the hands, as well as offering warmth and grip. Hockey gloves come in a wide range of different colours and sizes, some offering more protection than others. Players will choose their hockey gloves depending on their position in the game; for example, hockey keepers and defenders will need gloves with a lot more protection than players in other positions.
Shin Guards – Shin guards are made of hard plastics and foam that wrap around the shin. These are used in a range of sports but do prove to be very beneficial in hockey. This is because the ball and the sticks are used around shin level meaning that area is the most likely to become injured with a high-speed hit from a ball or a stick. Shin guards reflect the damage and impact with the hard-plastic outer layer and soft inside.
Ankle Guards – Ankle Guards are not something that are required to play hockey, but it is beneficial to use them, as the other protective pieces do not cover the ankles. Shin guards are used to protect players legs, padded shoes are used to protect players feet, masks are used to protect a player’s face, but that still leaves the ankles vulnerable.
Hockey Goalkeeper Equipment
Hockey goalkeeping safety equipment is slightly different to the rest of the players. This is because the ball is aimed directly at the keeper meaning they have to protect as much of their body as possible to prevent injuries.
Leg Guards – Leg guards are large pieces of lightweight foam that dramatically soften the impact of the ball and fit in front of the leg from the bottom of the leg to above the knee.
Kickers – Kickers sit on the foot, covering the front and side whilst being secured around the back using straps. They are made out of the same foam as the leg guards and hand protectors.
Hand Protectors – Hand protectors are specific for each hand and slightly different depending on which side is the goalkeeper's dominant hand. The non-dominant hand will have an area for the hockey stick to be placed so none of the hand is exposed.
Protective Shorts – Protective shorts are an essential part of a hockey goalkeepers clothing because they shield the thighs and the hips. Protective shorts consist of large hip and thigh padding that wrap around to form an overall protective layer.
Groin Protection - Even wearing protective shorts and leg guards, the groin and crotch is exposed area does not have any extra protection. This part of the body is extremely sensitive and if a hockey ball impacts this area at speed it can cause severe damage. Therefore, specific groin protection is worn under all hockey goalkeeper clothing but still on top of the underwear.
Body Armour – Like the rest of the body, the chest and abdomen need to be protected from the hockey ball. Body armour consists of soft padding on the inner layer and harder padding on the outer layer. It is worn on top of a base layer or compression top and is covered by a smock.
Neck Guard – The neck is a very sensitive part of the body and must be protected. Neck guards are used for this area, made from foam and plastic which can be easily put on and removed. All neck guards help minimise damage, but they cannot ensure there will be no possible injures and should not be used after severe impact.