We were unable to find any published studies of girls' hockey injuries. Ten of the girls were under age 11. When an injury occurred, a certified athletic trainer recorded detailed information on a standardized injury form. All injured players received a follow-up phone call 1 to 2 weeks after the injury to verify information and document recovery times. In addition, score sheets from each game were collected to assess the number and type of penalties assessed.
Penalties provide information on style of play and can be classified as instrumental or aggressive.
Instrumental penalties are defined as infractions to gain a tactical advantage and include holding, tripping, and interference. Aggressive penalties, which are assessed when the player's aim is to intimidate or cause injury, include roughing, charging, checking into the boards, and checking from behind. Human subjects approval was granted by the University of Minnesota Human Subjects Committee, and written consent was obtained from each of these players and one of her or his parents. None of the injured girls required medical attention beyond that given at rinkside, and all were able to return to the ongoing game. Girls' injuries resulted from falling and being hit by a puck or stick.