Face protection in recreational hockey players

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to determine the percentage of recreational hockey players who do not wear face protection while playing hockey. METHODS: We randomly surveyed recreational hockey players at two indoor hockey rinks in Evandale, Ohio. Data were collected on face protection, injuries, demographic variables, and attitudes about protective gear. RESULTS: We surveyed 190 players. Their mean age was 34 +/- 8.7 years, and 99% were male. The average years of hockey experience were 17. Twenty percent of respondents reported using no facial protection either at the time of a past serious injury or currently. Those without face protection were significantly more likely to report having had a past facial laceration (odds ratio [OR]=3.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.0--5.8) or facial bone fracture (OR=10.1, 95% CI=1.23--83.4). On the other hand, 69% of those wearing face protection reported that they felt they could "play more aggressive" with the protection, and they had a higher rate of past injuries other than facial injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty percent of the recreational hockey players reported using no facial protection at the time of a prior serious injury, and players not using facial protection were more likely to report a facial laceration or facial bone fracture. Most players who wore face protection, on the other hand, reported that they played more aggressively and, over time, experienced more serious injuries. Language: en