June 15, 2025
Whether it’s flying across the ice at top speed, pulling off a perfect pass on wheels, or the pure thrill of a goal off the post and in — few sports offer the same mix of speed, skill, teamwork and fun as Inline and Ice Hockey.
Hockey builds confidence, community, and lifelong mateships. That’s why so many of our kids love it — and why we love cheering them on.
But against the backdrop of this amazing sport, a troubling pattern has emerged in our local hockey communities in the last few months — and it’s one that’s affecting our kids in a very real and serious way.
The Cost Some Kids Are Paying
A teenager from Nelson has been off school for almost 2 months after sustaining a concussion playing hockey, with all sorts of other life complications. Another teenage player I know is still grappling with significant symptoms six months after their head knock.
Other kids from Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and likely elsewhere have been sidelined due to concussions from hockey, just in the last month. And this isn’t isolated: talk to any parent group on the sidelines at a rep-level game and you’ll hear similar stories of brain injury — of confusion, headaches, light sensitivity, mood swings, and the long road to recovery.
But this post isn’t about scaring anyone away from the game — far from it. It’s about helping kids stay in the game, safely.
After hearing of several of these incidents close to home, a group of us parents started digging into the equipment we rely on to protect our kids — and we were shocked at what we found.
The False Sense of Security
Let’s be honest — when our kids head out onto the rink, we trust their helmets to do the job. But how many of us understand the difference between one helmet and another? I certainly didn’t.
Many popular helmets on the market — including ones sold widely in New Zealand — don’t actually provide great protection against concussion.
For example, one of the most common models seen in youth inline hockey here is the Bauer IMS 5.0. It’s affordable, was widely stocked until recently, and often bundled with beginner gear packages. But in independent safety testing, it ranks as one of the least protective helmets available.
That’s not an opinion — it’s the verdict of a comprehensive study by Virginia Tech, a university renowned for its research into sports headgear safety.
What the Virginia Tech Study Tells Us
Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab has been evaluating sports helmets using rigorous testing protocols that simulate real-world impacts. The lab rates helmets using a STAR (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) evaluation system, assigning a score based on how well each helmet reduces concussion risk. Helmets receive a rating from 0 to 5 stars — with 5 stars indicating the best available protection.
The Bauer IMS 5.0 received a 1-star rating, as did the CCM Tacks 70.
Compare that to something like the Bauer Re-Akt 85, which received a 4-star rating. The difference in concussion risk between these models is stark — and often the price difference is much smaller than you’d expect, especially if you’re already investing in top-end skates or sticks.
Sadly, no helmet currently available in NZ scores 5-stars.
This isn’t to single out Bauer — they manufacture both the low-rated and top-rated helmets. It’s more a reflection of how the market works: helmets are often purchased based on price, looks, or convenience — not safety.
Why It Matters More as Kids Get Older
At younger levels, the game is relatively slow-paced, and most kids haven’t yet developed the strength and speed that make collisions dangerous. But by the time players reach (for example) 14U in Inline / U16 in Ice, or start playing rep-level hockey or entering competitive leagues like KIHL Junior, the intensity ratchets up quickly. Speed increases, shooting power skyrockets, and the size difference between players can be significant.
The impacts your child might face at age 10 are nothing like the ones they’ll encounter at 14 or 15 — especially as they start battling in the corners, racing at full tilt, and shooting harder than ever before.
This is the critical age where investment in quality protective gear becomes less about comfort or budget, and more about safeguarding your child’s ability to learn, play, and function normally off the rink.
What You Can Do as a Parent
Here are a few steps you can take, right now:
1. Check Your Helmet’s Safety Rating
Visit the Virginia Tech Hockey Helmet Ratings and search for your child’s helmet. If it’s rated 1 or 2 stars, consider upgrading — especially if they’re playing Ice and/or Inline Hockey at a high level or training frequently.
2. Prioritise Fit and Age of Helmet
The VT Ratings aren’t the be-all and end-all of helmet safety — in fact there is criticism of their methods from some quarters. And even the best-rated helmet can underperform if it doesn’t fit properly.
A helmet should sit snug, not move during play, and should be replaced after a significant impact or every few years (foam degrades over time). Older helmets — even top-rated ones — can become less effective.
3. Educate Your Child
Talk to your young player about the signs of concussion and why they shouldn’t “tough it out” or play through head injuries. Many kids don’t realise how serious these issues can be — or how long the effects can last.
4. Spread the Word
If you’re involved in your club or team, consider raising this topic at your next meeting. Coaches and gear coordinators may not be aware of the differences in helmet safety. A simple conversation could lead to safer outcomes for many more kids.
This is especially important for older grades and kids playing at a competitive level — that’s when they’re most at risk.
But Aren’t All Helmets Certified?
Yes — most helmets sold in New Zealand will meet either HECC or CSA standards. But those certifications only test for catastrophic protection (like skull fractures) — not concussions.
That’s why third-party testing like the Virginia Tech study is so important. It gives us a realistic picture of how helmets protect against brain injuries, not just fractures. And it’s why some models that are fully certified still rank very poorly in real-world concussion protection.
Helmet Fit: Why It Matters (More Than You Think)
Even the highest-rated helmet won’t work if it doesn’t fit properly. A loose or improperly adjusted helmet can shift during play, exposing the head to more force and greater risk. In fact, poor fit is one of the most common contributors to helmet failure during impact.
A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training examined helmet fit among youth ice hockey players aged 11 to 18. The research found that only 23% of players met all helmet fit criteria, despite 90% rating their helmet fit as “excellent” or “good.” Notably, players with inadequate helmet fit had a higher likelihood of sustaining concussions compared to those with properly fitted helmets. Other studies have found the same.
Here’s how to ensure a proper fit:
- Snug all over: The helmet should sit level on the head, not tilted up or down. It must fit snugly around the entire skull, without pressure points.
- No wiggle: Shake your child’s head — if the helmet wobbles, it’s too loose. Adjust the size or padding until there’s no lateral movement.
- Chinstrap matters: The chinstrap should fit securely under the chin, with just enough room to slide one finger between strap and skin.
- No gaps at the back: A common issue is space between the back of the head and the helmet shell. This is unsafe and indicates poor sizing.
- Cage fit: If your child wears a cage, make sure it doesn’t force the helmet up or down. It should work as a unit, not as a compromise.
Pro tip: A professional fitting from your local hockey shop can make all the difference.
Mouthguards and Concussion Prevention
While helmets are crucial, mouthguards can also play a role in concussion prevention. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that youth ice hockey players who wore mouthguards had a 28% lower concussion rate compared to non-wearers.
The study suggests that mouthguards may help in reducing concussion risk, although they are not a standalone solution.
The Real Cost
We know helmets can be expensive, and most families don’t have endless gear budgets — especially in the current environment. But when you stack up the difference — an extra $100–150 for a higher rated helmet — against weeks or months off school, ongoing headaches, missed tournaments, and emotional struggles? The value becomes pretty clear.
And remember, helmets are one of the only pieces of gear you cannot borrow or go cheap on. Unlike gloves or jerseys, they directly impact your child’s brain health.
A Community-Wide Conversation
As parents, coaches, and supporters of youth sport, we all have a role to play. This isn’t about blame or fear — it’s about information and action.
We’ve seen too many young players sidelined for too long, and many more who might be at risk without even knowing it. The more we talk about this, the more informed our choices can be — and the safer our kids will be out there doing what they love.
Let’s keep the conversation going.