Beyond the hockey stick: Climate lessons from the Common Era.

More than two decades ago, my coauthors, Raymond Bradley and Malcolm Hughes, and I published the now iconic "hockey stick" curve. It was a simple graph, derived from large-scale networks of diverse climate proxy ("multiproxy") data such as tree rings, ice cores, corals, and lake sediments, that captured the unprecedented nature of the warming taking place today. It became a focal point in the debate over human-caused climate change and what to do about it. Yet, the apparent simplicity of the hockey stick curve betrays the dynamicism and complexity of the climate history of past centuries and how it can inform our understanding of human-caused climate change and its impacts. In this article, I discuss the lessons we can learn from studying paleoclimate records and climate model simulations of the "Common Era," the period of the past two millennia during which the "signal" of human-caused warming has risen dramatically from the background of natural variability.

Bone bruise vs. non-displaced fracture on MRI: a novel grading system for predicting return-to-play.

OBJECTIVE: To devise an MRI grading scheme for osseous contusion patterns in elite hockey players for predicting return-to-play (RTP). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify traumatic lower extremity osseous injuries in professional hockey players. A total of 28 injuries (17 players) were identified over a 10-year period. All had MRIs acquired at ≥ 1.5 T within a mean interval of 2 days from initial injury. MRIs were retrospectively reviewed by 3 musculoskeletal radiologists for osseous contusion pattern, classified as grade 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). Grade 3 contusions were further subdivided by the presence or absence of fracture, defined as discrete cortical disruption on MRI or follow-up CT. RTP was calculated from date of injury to next game played based on game log data. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and post hoc unpaired t test. RESULTS: Mean RTP for grade 1, 2, and 3 injuries was 2.8, 4.5, and 20.3 days, respectively. Grade 3 injuries without and with cortical fractures had mean RTP of 18.3 and 21.4 days, respectively. ANOVA analysis between groups achieved statistical significance (p < 0.001). Post hoc t test demonstrated statistically significant differences between grade 3 and grades 1 (p < 0.001) and 2 (p < 0.001) injuries. There was no statistical difference in RTP between grade 3 subgroups without and with fracture (p = 0.327). CONCLUSION: We propose a novel MRI grading system for assessing severity of osseous contusions and predicting RTP. Clinically, there was no statistically significant difference in RTP between severe osseous contusions and nondisplaced fractures in elite hockey players.

In search for climate neutrality in ice hockey: A case of carbon footprint reduction in a Finnish professional team.

Mitigation actions in all sectors of society, including sports, to limit global warming have become an increasingly hot topic in public discussions and sports management. However, so far, there has been a lack of understanding and practical examples of how these organizations, especially in team sports, can holistically assess and reduce their climate impacts to achieve carbon neutrality. This paper presents a carbon footprint assessment, implemented actions for GHG emission reduction, and offers the example of a professional Finnish ice hockey team that achieved carbon neutrality. The study is based on a life cycle assessment method. The Results show that the team's carbon footprint was reduced from 350 tCO2eq by more than 50% between seasons 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 in the assessed categories. The most GHG emission reductions were achieved in the team's and spectators' mobility and ice hall energy consumption. Furthermore, the team compensated for their remaining emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. Multiple possibilities for further GHG emission reductions were recognized. The majority of the GHG emissions were linked to the Scope 3 category, indicating that co-operation with partners and stakeholders was a key to success in attaining carbon neutrality. This paper also discusses the possible limitations and challenges that sport organizations face in assessing climate impacts and reducing GHG emissions, as well as the prospects of overcoming them. Since there are many opportunities for sports to contribute to climate change mitigation, relevant targets and actions to reduce GHG emissions should be integrated into all sport organizations' management.

An in-depth analysis of wound incidence and injury status among professional athletes: A comprehensive review.

This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the incidence, characteristics and management of wounds and injuries among professional ice hockey athletes, with the specific focus on the emerging population of Chinese female players. An extensive literature search was conducted across several databases to gather data on injury patterns and wounds, causes, severity and prevention strategies in ice hockey. Special attention was given to studies involving female athletes and unique challenges faced by players in developing regions like China. The review also examined the impact of training modalities, protective equipment and medical interventions on injury rates. The findings reveal a significant seasonal fluctuation in wound incidence, with marked reduction following the preseason period. This trend underscores the effectiveness of adjusted training programmes and essential role of medical teams in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Analysis did not show significant difference in wound rates between technical and physical training sessions, suggesting that injuries are pervasive risk across all training activities. Skating, collisions and inadequate warm-ups were identified as the leading causes of wounds, highlighting areas for targeted preventive measures. The distribution of wounds across various body regions pointed to knee, lower back and wrist as the most vulnerable sites, necessitating focused protection and training adjustments. Ice hockey, particularly among female athletes in China, presents complex injury landscape characterized by the wide range of wounds. The study emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to injury prevention that includes training modifications, enhanced protective gear and strategic medical oversight. By addressing the specific causes and patterns of injuries identified, stakeholders can better protect athletes from the inherent risks of the sport, promote safer play and extend career longevity.

Describing the Flick Movement Kinematic Biomechanically and Investigating the Effect of Thrower's Ten Exercises in Underwater Hockey Players.

CONTEXT: Analyzing flick movement kinematics biomechanically is important to prevent sport-related injuries in underwater hockey players since the aquatic-based flick movement is completely different from land-based flick movements. The study aimed to describe the flick movement kinematic biomechanically in underwater hockey players. Moreover, this study further aimed to investigate the effect of the Thrower's Ten exercises on flick movement kinematics in underwater hockey players. DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Seventeen underwater hockey players (age: 26.2 [4.3] y; sports age: 6.2 [4.5] y) were included. First, 2 underwater cameras using motion capture video analysis MATLAB were used to biomechanically analyze the angular changes on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and body while players were performing the flick movements. Players were then recruited to the Thrower's Ten exercise program for 6 weeks. Flick movement kinematics and flick-throwing distance were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks. RESULTS: The flick movement kinematic patterns demonstrated increased shoulder flexion (from 102.5° to 144.9°), wrist extension (from 9.5° to 10.8°), and upper-extremity rotation (from 5.7° to 56.8°) while decreased elbow extension (from 107.7° to 159.2°) from the stick met the puck until the competition of the movement. The Thrower's Ten exercises improved the elbow extension (P = .04), wrist extension (P = .01), body rotation (P < .001), and flick-throwing distance (P < .001) from baseline to 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study describes the underwater flick kinematic technique biomechanically and interprets preliminary findings for the first time. Thus, 6 weeks of Thrower's Ten exercise program provides more body muscle movements than the smaller ones during the flick movements and higher flick-throwing distance in underwater hockey players.

Maximum strength and power as determinants of on-ice sprint performance in elite U16 to adult ice hockey players.

In ice hockey, speed strength is one of the major physical key performance indicators, which is significantly influenced by maximum strength. The objective of this study was to evaluate the age-dependent relationship of off-ice maximum strength and vertical jump performance with on-ice linear sprint performance, considering age and performance level. Ninety-one male youth and adult professional ice hockey players (age: 19.3 ± 5.49 years) were recruited and divided into four age groups: under 16, 18, 21 years old and professional elite players (Pro) (i.e., > 21 years). They were tested in maximal isometric strength, squat jump (loaded and unloaded), countermovement jump and on-ice sprint performance (15 m and 30 m linear sprint; 15 m flying linear sprint). Statistical analysis revealed that on-ice sprint performance correlated with isometric strength performance (r = |0.34|-|0.63|) and with off-ice jump performance (r = |0.61|-|0.77|) without an influence of age group or performance level. However, performance differed between age groups and performance level, the largest differences being found between the youngest age group (U16) and the Pro group (g = 0.966-3.281). The present study shows that maximum strength influences on-ice sprint performances in ice hockey players, as well as performance differences between age groups and professional players. Strength and jumping performance should therefore be included in regular performance testing in ice hockey. Since performance differences are observed for almost all strength and speed-strength performances of the youth teams to the Pros, training of these variables is strongly recommended to improve in the transition phase from junior to elite level.

The mechanical response to hockey-specific running gait: implications for the objective monitoring of (p)rehabilitation.

Field hockey is characterized by a unique dribbling position which has been associated with a prevalence of low back pain and lumbar injury. To quantify the biomechanical response of the hockey-specific running gait, twelve field hockey players completed treadmill running at speeds of 6, 9 and 12 km·hr-1 with a normal running gait and whilst manipulating the hockey stick to replicate dribbling. Mechanical loading was quantified using tri-axial accelerometery at L4, and muscular activity was measured for biceps femoris (BF), gluteus medius (GM) and quadratus lumborum (QL) of each limb. Running with the stick elicited greater mechanical loading in the medio-lateral (p = 0.001) and antero-posterior (p = 0.003) planes, and increased peak (p = 0.004) and mean (p = 0.002) EMG response of QL (p = 0.004). The greater planar mechanical loading and QL activation in response to hockey-specific running technique support epidemiological observations of lower back pain prevalence. The sensitivity of uni-axial mechanical loading to the hockey-specific running posture provides an efficacious means of objectively monitoring mechanical loading in-vivo, whilst the QL activation response has implications for (p)rehabilitative interventions. Running posture and speed can be considered as discrete progressions when considering training load.

Prevalence of symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder in field hockey players of German first and lower leagues.

BACKGROUND: While several studies on mental health of elite athletes were published in recent years, few compared the prevalence with the general population and none included field hockey players. AIMS: To analyze the prevalence of symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder in field hockey players of different skill levels and to compare it to the general population. METHODS: Male and female hockey players from different leagues were asked to answer questions on player characteristics, the Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-seven players (incl. 54 first and 28 second league players) participated in the study (response rate 97.4%). More than a third (n = 64; 35.0%) reported to be affected by an injury/health complaint, but 157 (86.3%) were able to train and play without limitations. The CES-D score indicated depression symptoms in more female (n = 15; 18.3%) than male (n = 5; 4.8%) players (χ2=8.8; p < 0.01). No male and one female player had symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Players who played 60 or more matches in the previous 12 months had on average significantly higher depression (t = 2.3; p < 0.05) and generalized anxiety scores (t = 4.2; p < 0.001) than players who played fewer matches. The prevalence of depression and of generalized anxiety symptoms was similar to or lower than in the general population. Although 20 (10.7%) players had depression symptoms, only 4 (2.2%) received psychological counseling or psychotherapy. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to provide routine screening of mental health problems and low-threshold access to adequate treatment for elite athletes.

Epidemiological analysis of concussions in youth ice hockey players: A national emergency department database study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the epidemiology of concussions in youth ice hockey players. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was used to gather data. Concussions occurring during ice hockey participation in youth patients (4-21 years old) from 2012 to 2021 was gathered. Concussion mechanisms were grouped into 7 categories: head-to-player, head-to-puck, head-to-ice, head-to-board/glass, head-to-stick, head-to-goal post, and unknown. Hospitalization rates were also tabulated. Linear regression models were used to assess changes in yearly concussion and hospitalization rates over the study period. Results from these models were reported using parameter estimates [with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] and the estimated Pearson correlation coefficient. Additionally, logistic regression was used to model the risk of hospitalization across the different cause categories. RESULTS: A total of 819 ice hockey related concussions were analyzed between 2012 and 2021. The average age of our cohort was 13.4 years, with 89.3% (n = 731) of concussions occurring in males. The incidence of head-to-ice, head-to-board/glass, head-to-player, and head-to-puck concussion mechanisms decreased significantly over the study period (slope estimate = -2.1 concussions/year [CI: (-3.9, -0.2)], r = -0.675, p = 0.032), (slope estimate = -2.7 concussions/year [CI: (-4.3, -1.2)], r = -0.816, p = 0.004), (slope estimate = -2.2 concussions/year [CI: (-3.4, -1.0)], r = -0.832, p = 0.003), and (slope estimate = -0.4 concussions/year [CI: (-0.62, -0.09)], r = -0.768, p = 0.016), respectively. Majority of patients were discharged from the emergency department (ED) to their home, as only 20 people (2.4%) were hospitalized over our study period. The majority of concussions were due to head-to-ice (n = 285, 34.8%), followed by head-to-board/glass (n = 217, 26.5%) and head-to-player (n = 207, 25.3%). The most common cause for hospitalizations due to concussions was head-to-board/glass (n = 7, 35%), followed by head-to-player (n = 6, 30%) and head-to-ice (n = 5, 25%). CONCLUSION: The most common mechanism of youth ice hockey concussions was head-to-ice in our 10-year study period, while head-to-board/glass was the most common cause of hospitalizations. IRB: This project did not require review by the institutional review board.

Intraoral Ultrasound in Early Stage Tongue Carcinoma.

Preoperative assessment of depth of invasion (DOI) is critical in the surgical management of early stage carcinoma tongue. Intraoral ultrasound (IOUS) has been recently described as a cost-effective alternative to MRI in the accurate measurement of DOI. We describe the technique of IOUS in different types of lesions (surface, ulcerative, and exophytic); and provide key imaging pearls for the routine use of this novel ultrasound application.

Protective equipment in youth ice hockey: are mouthguards and helmet age relevant to concussion risk?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence rates and odds of concussion between youth ice hockey players based on mouthguard use and helmet age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within a 5-year longitudinal cohort (2013/2014 to 2017/2018) of male and female ice hockey players (ages 11-18; n=3330 players) in Alberta (Canada), we analysed the relationship of equipment and concussion in both a prospective cohort and nested case (concussion) control (acute musculoskeletal injury) approach. The prospective cohort included baseline assessments documenting reported mouthguard use (yes/sometimes, no use), helmet age (newer/<2 years old, older/≥2 years old) and important covariables (weight, level of play, position of play, concussion history, body checking policy), with weekly player participation throughout the season. The nested case-control component used injury reports to document equipment (mouthguard use, helmet age) and other information (eg, mechanism and type of injury) for the injury event. Multivariable mixed effects negative binomial regression (prospective cohort, incidence rate ratios (IRRs)) and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression (nested case-control, odds ratios (OR)) examined the association between equipment and concussion. RESULTS: Players who reported wearing a mouthguard had a 28% lower concussion rate (IRR=0.72, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.93) and 57% lower odds of concussion (OR=0.43, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.70) compared with non-wearers. There were no associations in the concussion rate (IRR=0.94, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.15) and odds (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.86) between newer and older helmets. CONCLUSIONS: Wearing a mouthguard was associated with a lower concussion rate and odds. Policy mandating use should be considered in youth ice hockey. More research is needed to identify other helmet characteristics (eg, quality, fit) that could lower concussion risk.

Psychological characteristics of developing excellence in talented female field hockey players.

Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs) are a range of psychological factors that play a key role in the realisation of potential. We examined PCDE profiles across a female national talent development field hockey programme in North America. Two-hundred-and-sixty-seven players completed the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire version 2 (PCDEQ-2) prior to the competitive season. One-hundred-and-fourteen players were classified as juniors (under-18) and 153 as seniors (over-18). Eighty-five players were classified as non-selected (not-selected to their age-group national team), and 182 as selected (selected to their age-group national team). A MANOVA showed multivariate differences based on age, selection status and their interaction, within this already homogenous sample, suggesting that sub-groups within this sample vary depending on their overall PCDE profiles. ANOVA showed differences in imagery and active preparation, perfectionist tendencies and clinical indicators between juniors and seniors. Furthermore, differences in imagery and active preparation, and perfectionist tendencies, were observed between selected and non-selected players. Subsequently, four individual cases were identified for further analysis based on their multivariate distance to the average PCDE profile. The use of the PCDEQ-2 at group- and particularly at individual-levels seems an important tool to support athletes as they navigate their development journey.

Identification of "sleeping" talent using psychological characteristics in junior elite ice-hockey players.

Scouts search for "sleepers" who may be initially overlooked but ultimately exceed expectations. The psychological characteristics of those players are often neglected because they are difficult to observe, but hold promise to identify sleepers given for example the self-regulation and perceptual-cognitive skills that those developing players might need to flourish. The aim of this study was to examine whether sleepers could be retrospectively identified using psychological characteristics. Ninety-five junior elite ice-hockey players (aged 15-16) were assessed on self-regulation and perceptual-cognitive skills before the yearly draft. Seventy players were drafted after the second round (37th or later). Three years later, professional scouts identified 15/70 sleepers they would now pick if given the chance. Those identified by the scouts showed higher self-regulation planning, and had distinguishable gaze behaviour (fewer fixations on more AOIs) when performing a video-based decision-making task than other late-drafted players (84.3% correct classification; R2 = .40). In addition, two latent profiles differentiated by self-regulation were found, with the profile with higher scores including 14/15 players selected by the scouts. Psychological characteristics were successful in retrospectively predicting sleepers, and may in future help scouts to make better selections of talent.

Contact injuries in field hockey and the potential role for personal protective equipment.

Field hockey is played with sticks and a hard ball. It is fast-paced, with athletes playing together in close proximity. Athletes may be at increased risk of sustaining injuries through contact. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of contact injuries in field hockey. Data were collected during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Irish Hockey League seasons. This study included two methods of data collection among male athletes: self-reported injuries and via those reported by the teams' physiotherapists. Injuries were defined as any physical complaint sustained during field hockey, supplemented by medical attention and time-loss injuries. Only contact injuries were included for analysis. Overall, 107 contact injuries were incurred, giving rise to an injury incidence rate of 3.1/1000 h, and accounting for 33.1% of all injuries. Athletes had an absolute risk of 0.372 of sustaining a contact injury. Contusions (48.6%) were the most common type of contact injury, while injuries to the head/face (20.6%) were the most frequently reported location. Contact injuries represent an important proportion of all injuries. Rule changes to mandate the use of personal protective equipment in field hockey may assist in reducing the absolute risk and severity of contact injuries in field hockey.

International performance level in adult ice hockey: The role of the talent environment in youth.

Despite a growing interest in conducive talent development environments (TDE), the relationship between TDEs and the performance level in adulthood remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the relationship of the micro-environment of former Swiss junior national team ice hockey players with their performance level in adulthood. With quantitative, retrospective data from n = 106 players born between 1984 and 1994, patterns of four factors club, family, peer, and school were built for early (13-15 years old) and late (16-19 years old) youth. The results revealed four structurally and mainly individually stable clusters for both developmental stages in youth. The cluster of the moderately above-average supported players between 16-19 years old demonstrated above-average values in all factors of the micro-environment and are more likely to reach international playing level in adulthood, whereas the structurally weak supported players are linked to a later regional playing level. These results indicate that simultaneous support across all four factors of the micro-environment in youth (club, family, peers, and school) is important to reach an international playing level, while low support in one or more area reduces the chance thereof. Thus, creating supportive environments across the board should be considered for a successful talent development.

Microdosing Sprint Distribution as an Alternative to Achieve Better Sprint Performance in Field Hockey Players.

Introduction: The implementation of optimal sprint training volume is a relevant component of team sport performance. This study aimed to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of two different configurations of within-season training load distribution on sprint performance over 6 weeks. Methods: Twenty male professional FH players participated in the study. Players were conveniently assigned to two groups: the experimental group (MG; n = 11; applying the microdosing training methodology) and the control group (TG; n = 9; traditional training, with players being selected by the national team). Sprint performance was evaluated through 20 m sprint time (T20) m and horizontal force−velocity profile (HFVP) tests before (Pre) and after (Post) intervention. Both measurements were separated by a period of 6 weeks. The specific sprint training program was performed for each group (for vs. two weekly sessions for MG and TG, respectively) attempting to influence the full spectrum of the F-V relationship. Results: Conditional demands analysis (matches and training sessions) showed no significant differences between the groups during the intervention period (p > 0.05). No significant between-group differences were found at Pre or Post for any sprint-related performance (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, intra-group analysis revealed significant differences in F0, Pmax, RFmean at 10 m and every achieved time for distances ranging from 5 to 25 m for MG (p < 0.05). Such changes in mechanical capabilities and sprint performance were characterized by an increase in stride length and a decrease in stride frequency during the maximal velocity phase (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing strategies such as microdosed training load distribution appears to be an effective and efficient alternative for sprint training in team sports such as hockey.

Maxillofacial injuries among ice hockey players: a retrospective study from a Finnish trauma Centre.

OBJECTIVE: Ice hockey players are at risk of a variety of injuries. In our investigation, we aimed to evaluate the types of facial fractures, injury mechanisms and need for surgical intervention in professional and recreational ice hockey players. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients presenting to a tertiary trauma centre with any ice hockey-related facial fracture during the period from January 2013 to July 2020. The primary outcome variable was the need for surgical treatment, and the primary predictor variable was the injury mechanism. Demographic and clinically relevant variables were statistically evaluated and presented. RESULTS: Of 66 total patients, the most frequent fracture type was isolated mandible fracture (56.1%). Males were overrepresented (98.5%) in the patient population. Puck strikes were the most common mechanism of injury (74.2%). Surgical intervention was performed in nearly half of the patients (48.5%), and was significantly more common in younger patients (p = 0.006). Associated dental injuries were present in 27.3% of the cases and they were significantly associated with puck strikes (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Mandible fractures and puck strikes, the most common injury site and fracture mechanism respectively, sustained by ice-hockey players required surgical intervention in the majority of cases.

Concussion and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Deaths: Coroners' Inquests as a Catalyst for Public Health Reforms.

Deaths of participants in sport from the effects of concussive injuries and from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) raise confronting social issues and challenges for tort law. An uncertainty that often needs to be addressed in such cases is proof of the causes of the former athlete's symptomatology, especially when they may be multifactorial, some or all of which were not directly related to sport. Accounts from the person prior to their death and from family members can be vital sources of such information. Coroners' analyses of evidence in concussion-related deaths constitute an important opportunity for perspectives which can form a sound empirical basis for changes to sporting practices, rules and administration. This editorial reviews a series of biographical and autobiographical accounts of sportspersons with concussion and CTE. It also identifies a corpus of coronial decisions from England, New Zealand, Canada and Australia which have addressed the risks posed to athletes from concussive injuries. It highlights recommendations made by coroners in relation to management of concussion in sport and argues that there is considerable scope for further valuable recommendations based upon their investigations during inquests.

Super-Exponential Growth in Models of a Binary String World.

The Theory of the Adjacent Possible (TAP) equation has been proposed as an appropriate description of super-exponential growth phenomena, where a phase of slow growth is followed by a rapid increase, leading to a "hockey stick" curve. This equation, initially conceived to describe the growth in time of the number of new types of artifacts, has also been applied to several natural phenomena. A possible drawback is that it may overestimate the number of new artifact types, since it does not take into account the fact that interactions, among existing types, may produce types which have already been previously discovered. We introduce here a Binary String World (BSW) where new string types can be generated by interactions among (at most two) already existing types. We introduce a continuous limit of the TAP equation for the BSW; we solve it analytically and show that it leads to divergence in finite time. We also introduce a criterion to distinguish this type of behavior from the familiar exponential growth, which diverges only as t → ∝. In the BSW, it is possible to directly model the generation of new types, and to check whether the newborns are actually novel types, thus discarding the rediscoveries of already existing types. We show that the type of growth is still TAP-like, rather than exponential, although of course in simulations one never can observes true divergence. We also show that this property is robust with respect to some changes in the model, as long as it deals with types (and not with individuals).

Epidemiology of Rink Hockey-Related Injuries.

CONTEXT: Determining the rate of injuries related to a certain sport is accepted as the primary step toward designing, implementing, and evaluating injury prevention programs. The aim of this study was to examine the injuries sustained by semiprofessional Spanish rink hockey players and to compare data per playing position. DESIGN: Observational and retrospective. METHODS: Athletes from 21 teams were surveyed via a self-reported questionnaire to screen for incidence, injury burden, location, tissue, and onset of injuries. RESULTS: Overall, 101 time loss injuries were reported across 22,241 hours of exposure, giving rise to an incidence rate of 4.5/1000 hours. The main body regions injured were the hip/groin, shoulder, thigh, and head, accounting altogether for 47.5% of all injuries. Musculotendinous injuries were the most frequent, comprising 27.7% of all injuries. Incidence accounted for 3.1/1000 hours during training and 23/1000 hours during games (P < .001). A high number of injuries were caused by contact (46.5%). No differences were found for any of the variables analyzed between outfield players and goalkeepers. CONCLUSION: The injury incidence in rink hockey is moderate, occurring mainly due to a contact mechanism. Preventative measurements should be implemented in rink hockey with a special concern for injuries affecting the hip/groin and head.