Ice hockey is a relatively rough game that can result in different physical injuries if one is not careful and well-protected. Hockey players use special equipment that enable them to play the game and also protect themselves from sports injuries such as bruises and serious fractures.
The game of ice hockey is played on a hard surface of ice and rigid boards surround the rink. The puck used in the game can be shot at high speeds of over 100 miles per hour and players also collide at high speeds, often intentionally, posing great potential for minor or major accidents. In order to protect themselves from these hazards, hockey players use a wide range of protective gear. This includes the helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouth guards, shin guards and neck guard. The ice skates that the players use are made using a thick layer of leather to protect the feet and lower leg from injuries. In the earlier days, skates were metal blades tied to regular shoes.
The helmet combo comprises of a helmet and a face cage or a visor that protects the face from direct impact from the puck or a hockey stick; or any other injury that may be caused during play. Players also use a mouth guard even when they wear the helmet to ensure upmost safety. Hockey helmets are made from vinyl nitrile, a durable material that can withstand the impact of direct hits, hockey sticks or falls. Today, a helmet is mandatory equipment for all ice hockey players.
Hockey players also use neck guards to protect their necks and throats from injuries from skates, sticks and pucks. Although they are not mandatory for the players, as it restricts the neck movement, neck guards are mandatory for goaltenders to prevent neck injuries.
Ice hockey is an extremely physical game. Ice hockey players use shoulder pads, torso and spine protection gear for defense from flying pucks and collisions among different players. Shoulder pads are broad and rigid but they do not obstruct movement of the player, instead they offer great protection to the upper body, collar bone, upper arms, chest and back. Some shoulder pads have removable rib guards for additional protection.
Players also use elbow pads to protect their forearm and triceps. Elbow pads are very important for all hockey players because they protect the elbow joints and arm bones from serious injuries and fractures. Some elbow pads have extensions in order to protect the complete upper arm. These pads are secured using Velcro straps. Other important equipment and safety gear includes hockey gloves to protect the hands, hockey pants or hockey shorts that incorporate the thigh, pelvic, hip and tailbone pads, belts or suspenders, jockstraps for males and pelvic protectors for ladies, shin guards and a hockey stick that is made of wood or from composite materials. The sticks come in various styles and dimensions based on the size of the player.
Author Resource:
Players Bench offers hockey equipment at fantastic prices with excellent customer services. Our hockey store carries anything from hockey shoulder pads and helmets to hockey skates and sticks. We have the lowest prices guaranteed.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")