RESEARCH
Blades, Body Checks, and Broken Bones: The Unavoidable Cost of Playing in the NHL .
Injury is an unavoidable reality in elite sport, and the NHL is no exception. Strains and sprains are common across athletics, while fractures and concussions remain significant risks in professional hockey. Lower-body injuries account for a substantial share of reported cases, with hip and pelvic injuries—particularly labral tears—frequently linked to body checking. Shoulder injuries such as Bankart lesions also contribute to missed games. Although protective equipment like helmets and visors eventually became mandatory, resistance continues around neck guards despite documented fatal incidents. Ultimately, injuries can be reduced through equipment, conditioning, and rule enforcement, but never fully eliminated.
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