Safety tips

  • Ensure everyone plays by the rules. No amount of equipment can prevent all injuries.
  • Stretch and warm up prior to each practice and game, as well as do a cool-down, to help prevent injuries.
  • Skate heads-up when approaching the boards to prevent neck injuries.
  • Take head injuries seriously. To prevent brain damage, organized amateur hockey in Canada requires that any player get a physician’s permission to return to full play after suffering a concussion. See our concussion section for more detailed information.
  • Body checking is banned at the U13 hockey level and below to help prevent injuries on the ice.

Protective equipment

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group logo
  • Wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet with a compatible full face mask. This is mandatory in organized hockey.
  • Replace helmets every five years. They are designed to withstand falls on ice and the multiple impacts expected during hockey play, but they have this recommended limit.
  • Other recommended protective gear includes gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, mouth guards and, for boys, an athletic support.
    Ensure all protective equipment is in good condition and fits properly.
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