Hockey injuries.

Hockey, Canada's national sport, is probably the world's fastest team sport. The nature of the game makes injuries a common occurence. This article reviews the literature on hockey injuries and identifies some of the changing trends over the past 15 years. Severity and incidence of injuries increase with the age and skill level of the player. There are fewer lacerations, eye injuries, and head injuries since helmets and facial protectors have become mandatory in minor hockey. However, there has been an increase in spinal cord injuries. Physicians who provide medical coverage for older adolescent and adult competitive élite hockey players should be proficient at assessment and acute care of patients with life-threatening injuries.