Body checking in ice hockey: What are the risks?

Hockey is a very popular sport among Canadian children and youth. But while there are many health benefits to physical activity and playing sports, hockey-related injuries are on the rise, especially concussions. The most common reason for a hockey injury is body checking.

• The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that body checking be banned from recreational (non-competitive) ice hockey for all children and youth, regardless of age.
• In competitive leagues, body checking should be delayed until players are at least 15 years old.

Does the CPS recommend against body contact as well?

No. Body contact and body checking are different:

• Body contact is a player’s defensive move to block someone from the other team who has the puck. The player moves to stop the puck carrier anywhere on the ice by skating, angling, stick checking or with body-positioning. The defensive player does not hit the puck carrier but places his body in the way of the puck carrier. The puck carrier cannot be pushed, hit or shoved into the boards.
• Body checking is a defensive move where a player tries to separate the puck from a player on the other team. During a check, the defensive player purposefully uses his upper body to hit the puck carrier with force while moving in the opposite or same direction.

Body checking is taught based on a four-step skills development program by Hockey Canada. 

At what age is body checking allowed?

• As of September 2013, Hockey Canada states that body checking should be introduced at the bantam level (U15).
• Body checking in bantam level hockey has been eliminated in many less-competitive Canadian leagues.
• Body checking is not allowed in girls-only hockey.

How can I protect my child or teen?

• Your child or teen should always wear a CSA International-certified hockey helmet while playing hockey.
• Encourage them to wear a mouthguard. Some recent studies have shown that they may decrease the risk of concussion.
• Children who learn play and sport skills at an age- and stage-appropriate level are less likely to be injured.
• Talk to your child or teen about the importance of fair play and non-violence in sports.
• Make sure that your child or teen notifies their coach or trainer if they are injured, and only return to sport/play when it is safe to do so.
• Read our detailed information for players, parents, trainers and coaches on sport-related concussion. Everyone involved in sports should know the risks, symptoms/signs and how to manage a concussion.