Body Checking in Pee Wee Hockey

In brief: Two separate studies were done to determine the effects of body checking at the Pee Wee level. Study 1 evaluated eight of the smallest and eight of the largest players from leagues that allowed body checking. The players were measured for height, weight, grip strength, maximal skating speed, impact force during a body check, and speed of skating at impact. Significant morphologic differences (p <.05) between small and large players were reflected in forces of impact. Study 2 investigated the incidence and types of injuries sustained among players competing in leagues with body checking and without. In the checking leagues 55.5% of all injuries were due to body contacts, and serious injuries occurred six times more often than in nonchecking leagues. In addition, body checking accounted for 88% of the 25 fractures recorded during one hockey season.