Minor League Hockey Jerseys, Concussion prevention should be the number one priority in the game of hockey. Everyone involved in the game, whether it be parents or fans, players or coaches, rule makers or officials and equipment manufacturers should be concerned. Common sense with regard to the proper use of equipment and compliance with the rules of the game should prevail. Stiffer penalties and suspensions for non compliance are required for those not respecting the rules and other players.
Concussions in hockey are not new but have been around since the early days of the game. Hockey is a fast paced game allowing body contact and played on a hard surface surrounded by equally hard boards. As a result head injuries are more common than is necessary. Younger athletes and those with prior head injuries are more susceptible to serious concussions.
Concussion prevention in hockey should start with the equipment that the players wear. Studies have shown that proper equipment, fitted and worn correctly will diminish the likelihood of significant head injury. Four types of equipment should be worn:
1. Hockey Helmet - Helmets have been mandatory in the NHL for incoming players since 1979 and earlier for minor leagues. When selecting your helmet make sure it fits snugly to maximize protection and be sure it is HECC certified (there will be a sticker on the helmet). Make sure your chin strap is tight enough so it Minor League Hockey Jerseys won\'t come off in the heavy going. There are helmets utilizing new technology so be sure to research before purchase.
2. Face Cages or Visors - Visors and cages come in many different varieties. Full facial cages are compulsory at the minor league Minor League Hockey Jerseys level but sadly not at the professional level. Besides providing facial and eye protection they have also been shown to help in the prevention of concussions. Full visors offer more protection than partial visors but are not as good as the cages.
3. Mouth Guards - Although there haven\'t been any definitive studies there is evidence that proper fitting mouth guards provide protection against concussions in hockey. Mouth guards are available at sporting goods stores but they are no way near as effective as those customized to fit. They are of absolutely no value if the player skates around with the mouth guard hanging out of his mouth.
4. Neck Protectors - Neck protectors have been shown to significantly decrease the incidence and severity of \"whiplash\" induced concussion. Although not commonly worn at any level of hockey they are certainly a piece of equipment which warrants consideration.
Of course, as much Minor League Hockey Jerseys as good quality gear worn in the proper way will help to lessen the occurrence and severity of head injuries it will never fully prevent them. The athletes themselves must also take responsibility. They are not bullet proof. Being aware of an imminent check will allow time to brace for the hit and keeping the head up will prevent being blindsided. The athletes must also learn to respect each other and pull away from hitting another player caught in a vulnerable position. More severe punishments for blatant offences will also assist in concussion prevention in hockey.
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