4Check Hockey: Safer Training with Concussion-Preventing Dummies

In the fast-paced, high-contact sport of hockey, player safety is paramount. At 4Check Hockey, we are dedicated to enhancing skills while prioritizing safety, particularly in preventing concussions. Our innovative training dummies are at the forefront of this mission, providing a safer way to train and play.

The Importance of Concussion Prevention

Concussions are a significant concern in hockey, with a notable percentage of players experiencing them at some point in their careers. These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive function and overall health. Therefore, effective training methods that reduce the risk of concussions are crucial for the well-being of players.

Concussion Statistics in Hockey

• High School Hockey: Boys’ hockey has a concussion rate of 6.6 per 10,000 athlete exposures, making it one of the highest among high school sports¹.
• National Hockey League (NHL): The concussion rate in the NHL is approximately 5.8 to 6.1 per 100 games². Forwards experience a disproportionate number of concussions (65%) compared to defensemen (32%) and goalies (3%)².
• Impact of Rule Changes: Following the implementation of Rule 48, which prohibits direct hits to the head, the incidence of concussions from lateral head impacts decreased by 0.6 per 100 games³.

Youth Hockey Injury Statistics

• Emergency Department Visits: Every year in the United States, an estimated 12,590 players under 19 years old seek care in emergency departments for ice hockey-related injuries⁴.
• Injury Increase: The yearly incidence of ice hockey-related injuries among 9- to 14-year-olds increased by 163% from 1990 to 2006⁴.
• Common Injuries: Fractures and concussions are the most frequent injuries, often requiring hospitalization and surgery⁵.
• Injury Rates: Boys’ high school ice hockey has an injury rate ranging from 2.03 to 2.56 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures, with game-related injury rates between 4.18 and 6.08 per 1,000 athlete exposures.

How 4Check Hockey’s Training Dummies Work

Our custom-designed training dummies are engineered to simulate real-game scenarios without the risk of injuring another player. Here’s how they contribute to concussion prevention:

1. Controlled Environment: The dummies allow players to practice body checks and contact in a controlled setting. This reduces the likelihood of accidental high-impact collisions that can lead to concussions.
2. Realistic Simulation: Equipped with sticks and the ability to take shots, our dummies provide a realistic training experience. Players can practice stick handling, shooting, and checking with their heads up, promoting better awareness and technique.
3. Skill Development: By using the dummies, players can develop their skills without the fear of causing or receiving injuries. This encourages more frequent and effective practice sessions, leading to improved performance and safety on the ice.
4. Consistency in Training: Our program, in collaboration with Ice Hockey Systems (IHS), ensures that coaches at all levels can implement consistent training methods. This consistency helps in building better players who are well-versed in safe playing techniques.

Tips for Parents on Concussion Awareness

1. Know the Signs and Symptoms: Be aware of common concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light or noise. Symptoms can appear immediately or days after the injury.
2. Encourage Safe Play: Teach your child the importance of playing safely and following the rules. Emphasize the need to avoid hits to the head and to report any symptoms of a concussion immediately.
3. Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect your child has a concussion, seek medical attention right away. A healthcare professional can assess the severity of the concussion and provide guidance on recovery.
4. Support Recovery: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and avoids activities that could worsen symptoms. This includes limiting screen time and avoiding physical exertion until cleared by a healthcare professional.
5. Communicate with Coaches and Teachers: Inform your child’s coaches and teachers about the concussion. They can help monitor your child’s symptoms and make necessary adjustments to their activities and schoolwork.

The Broader Impact

Beyond individual training, 4Check Hockey’s approach fosters a culture of safety within hockey organizations. By equipping coaches, players, and parents with the right tools and knowledge, we are creating a community committed to reducing the risk of concussions and other injuries.

Join the Revolution

At 4Check Hockey, we believe that a safer game is a better game. Our training dummies are just one part of our comprehensive approach to making hockey safer for everyone involved. Join us in revolutionizing hockey training and ensuring that players can enjoy the game while staying safe.

For more information on our training dummies and concussion prevention strategies, visit our website.

By integrating innovative training tools and a commitment to safety, 4Check Hockey is leading the way in concussion prevention. Together, we can make hockey a safer sport for all players.

¹: CDC - Concussion Statistics ²: NHL Concussion Rates ³: Impact of Rule Changes ⁴: Dr. David Geier - Youth Hockey Injuries ⁵: Mayo Clinic - Youth Hockey Injuries : AAP - Reducing Injury Risk : CDC - Concussion Awareness Tips

Learn more

1newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org

2hopkinsmedicine.org

3activesafe.ca

4publications.aap.org

5drdavidgeier.com

6mayoclinic.org