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Hockey season is officially underway, and with that comes parents’ anxiety as they see their children head out onto the ice for the first time. As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond is no stranger to the safety concerns that can come with playing a sport, especially for the first time. The firm’s Managing Partner, Sandra Sizckind, offers some helpful tips to ensure this hockey season is memorable for all the right reasons.
The Importance of Mouthguards
Protect your teeth! Ziskind advised, “With student picture day coming up in the fall for many families, it’s important that you reinforce the importance of wearing a mouthguard to your children while they’re on the ice.”.
Not only will mouthguards help protect your teeth, but they also can help prevent concussions – or at the very least, limit their severity. In fact, according to research done at the University of Calgary, there is significant evidence to suggest that mouthguards reduce the risk of a concussion when worn during sports.
“As parents, we can do everything right by providing our children with a mouth guard and making sure that they bring it along to every game. The real challenge comes in making sure that they actually wear these protective devices rather than letting them hang halfway out of their mouth,” says Zisckind.
Always Wear a *Safe* Helmet
One of the best ways to guarantee your child has a safe hockey season is to invest in a helmet with superior safety technology. “While it can be tempting to save money when purchasing hockey equipment, it’s very important to find a helmet that will protect your child should they hit their head,” says Zisckind.
“Many bumps and bruises will heal, but that is not a philosophy to embrace when it comes to your head,” she added.
In addition to finding a safe helmet, it’s also essential to communicate the importance of wearing it whenever your child is heading out on the ice. This includes outdoor rinks! For helpful information on what to look for when purchasing a helmet, see this guide to ensure that the gear you plan to buy meets regulations.
Do Your Homework on Hockey Equipment
Doing your homework when it comes time to purchase new equipment is vital. Ziskind says, “When heading out to purchase new equipment for the hockey season, it’s important to speak with an expert. Many retailers will have in-house experts that will be able to point you in the right direction whether you’re looking for a helmet with top safety ratings or shoulder pads with additional protection.”
In reality, some hockey equipment manufacturers will be far more advanced in terms of safety technology than others. With the rising cost of living, buying the cheapest hockey equipment may be tempting. But your child’s safety is something you never want to cut corners on.
If you need the help of a personal injury law firm in Canada or Florida, USA, don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond today. Call 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation. We’re looking forward to an exciting (and safe) hockey season!
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
