Ice Hockey UK are assisting England Ice Hockey (EIH) in an exciting injury surveillance research project, which also includes a leading university medical expert.
EIH Head of Medical Ali Emery will work alongside IHUK Chief Medical Officer Dr Matt Robbins and Dr Ashley Jones from Leeds Beckett University to carry out the study.
In September, an online questionnaire we be launched to ask ice hockey players of all levels about their previous injury history.
Athletes from as many leagues and age groups are being urged to fill in the questionnaire in order to build a comprehensive picture of injury trends in UK ice hockey.
From this questionnaire, researchers will also be able to see which injuries occur most often, how these injuries are occurring, how long players are injured for and how injuries are managed within the sport.
At least one research paper will be published from the above information and this will be part of a longer research venture which will help to make recommendations to help enhance player welfare and reduce injury risk and injury burden.
Ali Emery said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this research project. For years, there has been the need for injury research in UK ice hockey to help identify the injuries our players are at risk of.
“Once we have this information, we can then make more informed changes on how to reduce these injuries, or manage them.
“From here, it also opens up many more opportunities for further research to help implement further changes to continue to enhance player welfare across all ages.”
Dr Ashley Jones said: “Currently, there is a paucity of evidence detailing injury rates in UK ice hockey. This information is desperately needed to enhance medical provision practices, coach education and player welfare.
“We hope the ice hockey community help us by completing this survey – the information will help continue to move this brilliant sport forwards.”
