British journal of sports medicine
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Observational Study
Injuries in women's international ice hockey: an 8-year study of the World Championship tournaments and Olympic Winter Games.
We report the incidence, type, mechanism and severity of ice hockey injuries in women's international ice hockey championships. ⋯ The risk of injury to female ice hockey players at World Championship and Olympic tournaments was about half of that observed in the men's Championships. Full facial protection decreases the risk of lacerations and should be continued in all future female tournaments. More effective prevention strategies for knee, ankle and shoulder injuries are needed in women's ice hockey. Improved concussion education is necessary to promote more consistent diagnosis and return to play protocols.