Detroit will always be Hockeytown USA—and not just because of the Red Wings’ legendary fan base. Across Metro Detroit, players of all ages lace up their skates for early-morning practices, travel leagues, and pick-up games. But with hockey season often comes something less exciting: injuries. Each year, roughly 70,000 youth hockey-related injuries are treated in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms nationwide—and that doesn’t even include the weekend warriors who discover that getting out of bed the next morning isn’t as easy as it used to be.
I believe the key to sports injury prevention—hockey included—is education. While some injuries are simply part of the game, many are preventable with proper warm-ups, conditioning, and the right protective equipment. When combined with smart decision-making on the ice, these strategies can dramatically reduce the risk of getting hurt. Understanding the most common hockey injuries can also “lend a hand” in keeping you and your teammates safe this season.
Common Hockey Injuries
Below are the injuries we see most often in hockey players—from youth athletes to adults returning to the rink.
Muscle Strains
A strain occurs when muscle fibers tear. These injuries can be mild (“a pull”) or more severe. In hockey, strains most commonly affect the groin, thigh, hamstring, and calf.
Thankfully, most heal well with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Concussions
Concussions happen after a blow to the head and result in the brain being “jarred.” Symptoms range from mild (“getting your bell rung”) to severe, including memory loss or loss of consciousness.
Return-to-play timelines depend entirely on the severity of the concussion.
cuts and Bruises
These are, of course, part of the game. With sharp skates, stray sticks, and fast play along the boards, minor cuts and bruises are unavoidable.
Hand and Wrist Fractures
The most common hand fracture in hockey is a fifth metacarpal fracture, also known as a boxer’s fracture—not surprising given the physical nature of the sport.
Knee Ligament Sprains
Just look at the pros: ACL, PCL, and MCL injuries happen frequently.
The good news? The most common knee injury in hockey is an MCL sprain, which usually heals on its own without surgery.
Shoulder Separations and Dislocations
A shoulder separation occurs when the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder tear—often during a hard check. A dislocation happens when the shoulder’s “ball” pops out of its “socket” due to a violent force.
Most shoulder separations are treated non-surgically (many NHL players carry the telltale bump). Dislocations, however, are more prone to recurrence and may require surgical treatment.
Tips for Preventing Hockey Injuries
To stay safe in Hockeytown:
- Stay fit: Conditioning reduces fatigue and improves performance.
- Warm up properly: Stretching and mobility exercises prepare muscles for fast, powerful movements.
- Use proper protective equipment: Helmets, pads, gloves, and well-fitted skates make a difference.
- Play with control: A “level head” is one of the best injury-prevention tools. While NHL fights may be glamorized, they can cause serious problems off the highlight reel.
When to Seek Care
If you—or your kids—get hurt on the ice, don’t hesitate to have the injury evaluated. Hockey players are some of our favorite (and most dedicated!) athletes, and at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons, we have multiple ways to help get you safely back to the rink. If your injury happens after-hours or over the weekend, we also offer walk-in UrgentOrtho clinics located in Royal Oak and Shelby Township!
About Dr. Joseph Guettler, MD
Dr. Joseph Guettler, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, knee, shoulder, and elbow surgery. He is also a proud member of Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons.