By Aaron Reinhardt, Physical Therapist, Hockey Dad, and Lifelong Hockey Player

Hockey is fast, physical, and thrilling—but that same intensity makes injuries part of the game. As a physical therapist, hockey dad, and player, I’ve seen it from every side: the bench, the clinic, and the ice. I’ve taken the hits, guided my son through a high-school SLAP tear, and helped athletes of all ages return to the sport they love.

If you’re a player—or the parent of one—here’s what you need to know to stay strong and healthy this season.

The Most Common Injuries in Hockey

Skating, checking, pivoting, and shooting all place heavy demands on the body—and injuries can happen in an instant. These are the ones I see most often in the clinic:

1. Shoulder Injuries
Big hits and falls often lead to shoulder trouble—most commonly AC joint sprains, rotator cuff tears, and labral injuries.

2. Knee injuries
Sudden stops, awkward landings, or collisions often result in MCL/LCL sprains, meniscus tears, or ACL/PCL injuries. These are some of the toughest for athletes to bounce back from.

3. Hip & groin strains
Because skating demands so much hip flexibility, hip flexor and groin (adductor) strains are extremely common—especially in younger athletes building strength and speed.

4. Concussions & neck injuries
A blow to the head or a whiplash effect can cause more than a headache. We use stabilization training and vestibular therapy to safely guide recovery from concussions and neck strain.

5. Low back pain
Skating and shooting involve constant bending and twisting, which can lead to lumbar strains and stress injuries—especially during long seasons.

6. Foot, ankle, hand, and wrist injuries
Falls, skate problems, or puck impact often cause these. I see everything from ankle sprains and tendon issues to wrist sprains, thumb ligament injuries, and fractures from slashes or blocked shots.

I’ve experienced several of these myself—a finger fracture, knee strain, bruised kidney, and groin strain. These aren’t just medical terms. They’re real injuries that change seasons, careers, and lives.

How Position Affects the Type of Injury

Each position in hockey places unique demands on the body, leading to distinct injury patterns:

  • Goalies are highly vulnerable to hip impingement, labral tears, groin strains, and lower back pain due to constant lateral movement and deep flexion. Repeated impact also puts their knees and shoulders at risk.
  • Defensemen absorb heavy contact and block shots regularly. As a result, they frequently experience shoulder separations, wrist and hand fractures, and an elevated risk of concussions—particularly when retrieving pucks along the boards.
  • Forwards depend on explosive acceleration and quick changes of direction. This skating style commonly contributes to groin and hip flexor strains. Forwards also experience a high rate of shoulder and wrist/hand injuries from constant stickhandling and shooting.

Can You Catch Injuries Early?

Often, hockey injuries occur suddenly without warning. However, persistent soreness, tightness, or unusual fatigue should not be ignored. Playing through minor aches can escalate them into serious injuries. With early intervention—whether rest, physical therapy, or targeted strength work—small issues can be managed before they become season-ending problems.

What College Hockey Players Get Right—And What You Can Learn

At the collegiate level, such as programs at ASU, players benefit from a full support team: athletic trainers, strength coaches, and physical therapists working in unison. This integrated care approach maximizes recovery, minimizes injury risk, and allows athletes to perform at a consistently high level.

The key lesson for younger players? Don’t stay silent. Many injuries seen in college athletes could have been prevented if addressed earlier. Speaking up when something feels off often leads to a quick fix—whether a movement adjustment, recovery strategy, or simple treatment. Athletes who respond early to warning signs tend to enjoy longer, healthier careers.

What Makes the Biggest Difference in Preventing Injury

Flexibility, core strength, and footwork are foundational. Since contact is inevitable, your body must be prepared to withstand it. Strong, balanced athletes are better able to absorb collisions and recover quickly.

This is where performance training becomes a difference-maker. By developing mobility, strength, and neuromuscular control, players reduce injury risk and improve resilience. A body trained to handle stress responds more effectively when unexpected situations occur on the ice.

How to Stay Healthy All Season Long

Hockey will always be demanding, but athletes can control how their bodies respond. Consistent training, early treatment, and proactive injury management help keep players on the ice and out of the clinic.

Above all, remember this: your body is the most important piece of equipment you own. If something doesn’t feel right, act quickly. The sooner you seek help, the faster you can return to performing at your best.

Stay out on the ice longer and get a free movement assessment today!