Hockey Puck Research Articles

Injury rate and characteristics in Japanese male professional ice hockey players: prospective study of 60 players over 10 seasons

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the injury rate and characteristics in Japanese male professional ice hockey players.MethodsThis study involved an inclusive cohort of male ice hockey players from a Japanese professional...

From Innocuous Contact to Sudden Death in Sports: An Overview of Commotio Cordis

Commotio Cordis (CC) is a rare but potentially fatal condition that occurs when a blunt impact to the chest causes ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden cardiac death. CC is most common in teenage males who participate in sports, but it can occur in people of all ages. The mechanical distortion of the myocardium caused by trauma can lead to inappropriate depolarization and myocardial firing, which can cause arrhythmias. Immediate identification and defibrillation are crucial to reducing mortality rates. Currently available screening tools for CC, such as the electrocardiogram (EKG), stress EKG, or echocardiogram, lack sensitivity for primary prevention. The pathogenesis of CC is influenced by a variety of factors, including the location, velocity, shape, and hardness of the impact object, as well as biological characteristics like gender, chest wall flexibility, and genetic susceptibility. The ion channels involved in arrhythmia generation in CC are thought to be stretch-activated channels (SACs). Diagnosis is based on a history of chest wall blunt trauma, and treatment includes immediate supportive care and defibrillation according to BLS and ACLS protocols. The currently available chest wall protectors have not been shown to prevent CC, and improving sports equipment may help reduce the incidence of CC. A famous American football player incident in which he collapsed after making a tackle during the first quarter of the Bills' game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023, is a notable case of commotio cordis (CC) in a football player. This incident is unusual because helmets are not typically associated with CC, which is usually caused by external blunt force trauma to the chest with small balls, hockey pucks, or even a blow. The player, who fortunately survived the event, was relatively older than the recorded mean age for CC and has a more rigid chest wall. It is unclear whether this case is an exception or if helmets can pose a risk for CC in certain circumstances. The case highlights the need for continued research and awareness of CC to improve prevention and management strategies for sudden cardiac arrest in sports. Despite being an ancient condition, CC remains a tragic event, and further research is needed to improve preventive measures and reduce mortality rates.

Ice hockey puck tracking through broadcast video

Ice-hockey puck tracking is a non-trivial task in hockey video analysis as it highlights the puck in the video for broadcasting, tactical play analysis, or referee assisting. However, difficulties, such as high speed, low texture features in images and constantly changing shape, make well-developed object tracker fail to track the puck. This paper introduces a real-time online-learning ice hockey puck detection and tracking system solely depending on video input to tackle this problem. The proposed approach categorizes pucks into free-moving and control-moving states, using a combination of contour fitting, correlation filter, and motion estimation techniques to detect and track them. A thorough analysis is performed focusing on the tracking scenario using broadcast video. To our knowledge, this is the first approach addressing detection and tracking nearly invisible high-speed pucks when shooting actions take place. Experiments with a comparison between a previous work targeting puck tracking show promising results in detection and tracking the ice hockey puck through broadcast video.

Enhanced Foam Package Design for Drop/Impact Using Accurate Predictive Simulation

The interconnections and chips of the internal components of electronic devices need to be protected to prevent damage during shipping, handling, and daily use. This paper studied an investigation into the abilities of foam as an outer packaging material to protect the detector device. This detector device is required to withstand a high-speed impact, 30 mph, and to avoid moisture damage. The finite element model of foam was validated by a compression experiment. The prediction simulation of foam samples was performed by using the validated foam model to obtain the correct stress-strain properties of foam samples. Different shapes, textures, and designs of foam outer packaging were investigated, which include tennis ball shape vs hockey puck shape, inner dimple texture vs outer pimple texture, and monotonic foam layer vs double foam layers. The different foam material combinations of packaging were also compared by using the predicted stress-strain properties of foam in ANSYS/LS-DYNA to study the effect on reducing the out-of-plane deformation of the printed circuit board (PCB).

An efficient mode-of-deformation dependent rate-type constitutive relation for multi-modal cyclic loading of elastomers

We develop a 3D nonlinear viscoelastic model for filled elastomeric solids that exhibit good predictive capabilities across multiple deformation modes and strain rates using at most 11 parameters. Through the analysis-driven construction of the rate of dissipation within the rate-type thermodynamic framework of Rajagopal and Srinivasa (2000), we reduce the number of parameters and also introduce the mode-of-deformation-rate dependent viscosity (ηm(K3)) into the constitutive relations. The special form of ηm(K3) accounts for higher values of viscosity in tension as compared to that of other modes of deformation. The broad spectrum of relaxation times exhibited by the elastomers are characterized by categorizing it into short, medium, and long relaxations, each assumed to be associated with one of the three natural configurations. The strong mode-dependent response exhibited by HNBR50, where the compression–relaxation is faster than tension–relaxation, is predicted accurately only when all the natural configurations are active. In contrast, the response of NR is predicted by using just two natural configurations because the polymer molecules are restricted to two extremes of the relaxation spectrum as a consequence of the high affinity between carbon black and the polymer molecules. The entire model is implemented in Abaqus/Standard through the user subroutine UMAT that interacts with an external solver, DDASPK, which solves for the internal variables. We show that the analytical form for the consistent Jacobian can be derived, and establish the efficacy of the implementation by simulating non-homogeneous shear on a hockey puck geometry made of HNBR50 with a concave lateral surface. The simulation shows good agreement with experimental data.

Hockey Puck Strike Rates and Injuries at National Hockey League Games: A Retrospective Analysis of Data from Six Seasons.

This paper provides a large-scale, per-National Hockey League (NHL) season analysis of hockey puck strike (HPS) injury data and also provides estimates of injury frequency and severity. The study's goal was to quantify and describe the rate and type of spectator HPS injuries at NHL games. This was a retrospective review of summary data reports for patients evaluated by on-site health care providers over six seasons (2013-2018). Data were obtained from a single Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agency. Location of study was one US-based NHL venue. There were 51 HPS recorded. This accounted for 0.93% of total patient contacts translating to a patient per 10,000 (PPTT) of 0.116. This was compared to a PPTT of 12.6 for all patient contacts. The average age of a patron with a HPS was 31 years old. There was an even split between male and female patrons with HPS. The most common location for a HPS was the head or face (75%) followed by upper extremity injuries. Laceration was most frequently diagnosed followed by contusions and pain. Approximately one-quarter of people struck by hockey pucks were transported to the hospital, with the transport to hospital rate (TTHR) being 0.027, compared to the total TTHR of 2.7. Hockey is a safe sport to watch, although HPS are the spectator hazard of concern given that pucks can travel into the stands at 100mph. Most injuries are minor and occur only one percent of the time; but when they do occur, these fans tend to need transport to the hospital. Finally, HPS tend to occur along the lateral sides of the rink where the glass level is lower and there is no protective netting.

Stress Concentration of Hybrid Occlusal Splint-Mouthguard during a Simulated Maxillofacial Traumatic Impact: 3D-FEA.

Mouthguards (MG) are protective devices that can reduce the risks of facial trauma. However, many athletes do not use them. Additionally, MG wear with coincidental parafunctional activity has not been considered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution as a consequence of a direct impact comparing a conventional MG with a novel hybrid appliance (HMG). Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, a human skull was modeled with the teeth inserted into their respective alveolus. The models were divided according to the MG type (conventional or hybrid). The geometries were exported to the computer-aided engineering (CAE) software and the materials were considered isotropic. Fixation was defined at the base of the maxilla. The load was applied using a hockey puck. The total deformation (mm) and the von Mises stress (MPa) results were obtained for the MGs (conventional and hybrid), upper teeth, lower teeth, and maxillary bone. Despite the presence of an MG, it is still possible to observe generated stress in all structures. However, the hybrid design was more efficient than the conventional design in reducing the displacement during the impact and consequently the stress on the upper teeth, lower teeth, and maxillary bone. Higher stress magnitude was more concentrated at the inner portion of the hybrid design than the conventional device. The HMG appliance decreased the stress concentration in the teeth and in the bone, limiting the areas susceptible to injuries to the regions directly impacted by the hockey puck. Although the novel HMG may mitigate injury, some stress will still result, and any possible injury should be evaluated by a dental professional.

Noise control of a seasonal outdoor ice rink

This presentation discusses our involvement with community noise complaints, measurements, and noise control related to an outdoor ice rink. This seasonal rink operates November–-March each winter season and is erected over municipal basketball courts. Residences in multiple municipalities border the rink and are potentially affected by rink noise, including amplified music, Zamboni operation, whistles, hockey sticks on ice, and hockey pucks impacting boards. Pre- and post-noise control data are presented that show the effect of temporary measures applied in this challenging environment.

Do You Hear What I Hear: The Balancing Act of Designing an Electronic Hockey Puck for Playing Hockey Non-Visually

Blind hockey is a sport that is gaining popularity in the United States after having an international presence for years. In blind hockey, a modified puck is used that emits sounds via ball bearings that rattle inside the puck when it is moving. The modified puck’s lifetime is minimal due to its lack of durability, and it does not provide feedback when the puck stops moving. This article presents an evaluation of multiple prototypes that investigate the appropriate acoustic profiles for an electronic version of a puck that has the ability to overcome some of these challenges. Our approach leverages the use of alternative 3D printable materials and the implementation of four distinct sound profiles: the league-standard puck in blind hockey, a 3.5kHz piezo buzzer, an 800Hz sine tone, and simulated white noise. We present the design and prototype of the pucks, along with benchtop and user validation tests of the prototypes, comparing them to the league standard puck with a focus on acoustic performance. Participants rated the white noise sound profile highest in pleasantness and loudness and the LSP highest in localization. The white noise sound profile was associated with lower angle and distance errors. Of the prototypes produced, the white noise prototype puck appeared to demonstrate the most promise for playing hockey non-visually. We close with a discussion of recommendations for future electronic hockey puck designs to support blind hockey moving forward.

Oblique impact of ice hockey and plastic pucks with a rigid surface

The collision of a disk with a rigid surface is analysed in this paper assuming that the disk slides throughout the collision at glancing angles or grips the surface at other angles of incidence. Experimental results are presented for an ice hockey puck and a plastic disk, showing that there is no rolling involved, as assumed in previous studies. Measurements are presented of the outgoing speed, angle and spin as a function of the angle of incidence, and the results are described in terms of the normal and tangential coefficients of restitution plus the coefficient of sliding friction. The experiment would be suitable for use in a student laboratory.

Two-dimensional collisions of disks and spheres

An oblique collision between two spheres or two disks is usually analysed by ignoring the friction force between the objects. In the present paper, effects of the friction force are examined explicitly to analyse oblique collisions between two circular objects. Two distinct collision modes are described, one where the friction force is due to sliding friction and one where static friction dominates. Experimental results are presented for oblique collisions of two ice hockey pucks. This type of collision could be investigated as a student project, for example by colliding two coins on a smooth horizontal surface or two pucks on an air table.

Forces and conservation laws for motion on our spheroidal Earth

We explore the forces and conservation laws that govern the motion of a hockey puck that slides without friction on a smooth, rotating, self-gravitating spheroid. The earth's oblate spheroidal shape (apart from small-scale surface features) is determined by balancing the gravitational forces that hold it together against the centrifugal forces that try to tear it apart. The earth achieves this shape when the apparent gravitational force on the puck, defined as the vector sum of the gravitational and centrifugal forces, is perpendicular to the earth's surface at every point on the surface. Thus, the earth's spheroidal deformations neutralize the centrifugal and gravitational forces on the puck, leaving only the Coriolis force to govern its motion. Motion on the spheroid therefore differs profoundly from motion on a rotating sphere, for which the centrifugal force plays a key role. Kinetic energy conservation reflects this difference: On a stably rotating spheroid, the kinetic energy is conserved in the rotating frame, whereas on a rotating sphere, it is conserved in the inertial frame. We derive these results and illustrate them using CorioVis software for visualizing the motion of a puck on the earth's spheroidal surface.

Laryngeal fractures in professional and semiprofessional ice hockey players.

ObjectiveInjuries in professional ice hockey players are common, however significant laryngeal trauma is rare. Here, we present a case series of professional and semiprofessional ice hockey players to demonstrate the mechanism and nature of laryngeal injuries they sustain during play, and to recommend best practices for treatment, prevention, and return to the ice.MethodsA retrospective case review was done of hockey‐related laryngeal injuries between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary laryngology practice. Only semiprofessional and professional hockey players were included.ResultsIn total, four cases were included. All cases involved trauma from a hockey puck to the neck. No cases were the result of punching, fighting, high sticks or routine checking. Notably, 1 of 4 presented with severe airway compromise, requiring urgent intubation, whereas most presented with pain or a significant voice complaint. Two patients required operative intervention with open reduction and internal fixation of significantly displaced fractures. One patient experienced significant mucosal disruption with cartilaginous exposure at the posterior vocal complex requiring microflap. The average return to ice was 6 weeks for those who required operative intervention and 4 weeks for those who were managed conservatively. One patient had persistent mild dysphonia and all others had a return to baseline phonation. None were wearing neck guards or other protective equipment at the time of injury.ConclusionThough voice and airway injuries are rarely sustained by ice hockey players, they may require urgent intervention. We recommend that protective equipment be worn and improved to prevent laryngeal trauma.Level of Evidence4

On ice or on air?: how an egregious glowing hockey puck crossed the line into augmented reality

Our article provides a media genealogy of FoxTrax—or the ‘glowing hockey puck.’ Focusing on its role in the digitization of sports media and augmented reality, we frame FoxTrax as a story of ‘becoming-media,’ which Joseph Vogl conceptualizes as the ways in which an object, in the act of becoming a medium, ‘[transforms] apparatuses, symbolic orders, or institutions.’ By transforming the hockey puck into an information-bearing device, FoxTrax inaugurated an augmented reality distinct from the visual reality of the game on the ice. Traces of FoxTrax are now ubiquitous in televised sports, including American football’s 1st & Ten artificial first down lines, sailing’s LiveLine, tennis and cricket’s Hawk-Eye broadcast enhancement tools, and baseball’s FoxTrax pitch locator. These technologies not only change how sports look; they reshape sporting events as data visualisation systems. In this revision of sports, infrastructure and equipment such as the arena, puck, and camera mediate the visible by processing invisible information as augmented reality.

Too Rough for Bare Heads: The Adoption of Helmets and Masks in North American Ice Hockey, 1959–79

On November 1, 1959, a flying hockey puck broke the nose of goalie Jacques Plante. Thereafter, he insisted on wearing a face mask, a decision that signaled a broader introduction of safety equipment into North American ice hockey. This paper examines how head and facial protection became a standard requirement for playing hockey in North America at amateur and professional levels of the sport. During the mid-twentieth century, national governing bodies confronted growing safety concerns amid rising participation in organized hockey. Yet in the absence of league-wide mandates, players generally did not sustain helmet use. From the 1950s through the 1970s, masks for goalies and helmets and facial protection for skaters were mandated to protect against injuries. In the context of contemporary concussion concerns, the history of debates over hockey head and face protection illustrates the array of social, cultural, and organizational factors behind measures to protect athletes’ health.

Do Antibiotic-Impregnated Intramedullary Dowels Assist in Eradicating Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty? Pro

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) spacer constructs for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections of the knee continue to evolve from the original hockey puck designs. Countless techniques have since been described for augmentation of ALBC spacers with the use of intramedullary (IM) dowels. The use of IM dowels has become a vital addition to any knee spacer construct. ALBC IM dowels are an excellent vessel to provide targeted local antibiotic treatment to high-risk areas like the medullary canal while increasing the overall therapeutic antibiotic elution. In addition, IM dowels provide needed stabilization to the relatively unstable intra-articular spacer component, thereby reducing spacer-related complications like displacement and fracture. Therefore, we recommend regular use of IM dowel augmentation to ALBC spacer constructs.

Evaluation and Management of Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Ocular injuries occur at a high rate in the United States and are a common complaint in the emergency department (ED). The CDC estimates that the annual rate for all-cause ocular injuries presenting to the ED is approximately 37.6 per 10,000 (1). The personal impact of ocular injury is an obvious one which necessitates urgent evaluation and possibly emergent ophthalmologic evaluation for vision preserving intervention. Specific sports and recreational activities increase the risk of injury; these include sports involving projectiles (i.e., target shooting, racquet sports, hockey pucks, lacrosse) as well as combat sports (i.e., martial arts, boxing, wrestling). Sideline physicians should be aware of the sports setting and be prepared for ocular injuries with the proper sideline equipment. Prompt recognition, management, and referral can lead to decreased morbidity in this select population.

News Briefing

University working on litmus test to determine dog aptitude Campus receives shooter threats before finals week Berkeley settles free speech lawsuit with student group Students seek protection with hockey pucks

Once more, with feeling

Smart Prosthetics For prosthetics to be as natural and functional as possible, they need to replace lost sensing. Wu et al. developed a small, scalable sensor that converts applied pressure into pulses of corresponding frequency, conveying information in a way our brains can understand. Shaped like a tiny, flexible, hollow hockey puck, the sensor measures the change in magnetic impedance when the top of the puck is pressed. The sensor has a low detection limit and high sensitivity and shows stable-frequency pulse generation at a pressure lower than the sensing threshold of human skin. Sci. Robot. 3 , eaat0429 (2018).

Oral injuries related to Ice Hockey in the province of Alberta, Canada: Trends over the last 15years.

Ice hockey players of all ages experience oral and dental injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of ice hockey-related oral injuries, time lost due to oral injury, and mechanisms of oral injuries in the province of Alberta during a 15-year period (2001-2016). Hockey Alberta, the governing body for minor ice hockey associations across the province, collects injury report forms from injured participants in sanctioned events. Fifteen years (2001-2016) of this database was examined for total respondents suffering oral injuries. Data on total injuries, estimated time lost, and injury mechanism were analyzed. Overall, 12433 ice hockey-related injuries were recorded. The oral region was the third most common body part (16% of total injuries) to be injured after the arms and legs. Oral injuries have been occurring at a relatively constant rate each year from 2001 to 2016, with a maximum of 174 and minimum of 99 reported. Oral injuries usually result in a short absence from the sport of 1week or less and tend to occur through being struck by a stick or the hockey puck. This differs from total injuries, which tend to occur through collisions with the boards or other players. Rates of oral injuries in Alberta due to ice hockey comprise a significant portion of the injuries that players sustain. Oral injuries occur mostly when a player is struck with a puck or stick, and the rest of the body is injured primarily through collisions. Dental practitioners can help ice hockey athletes prevent oral and dental injuries through encouraging the use of mouthguards (custom over boil and bite) and continuing to wear full-face protection.