Ice hockey pucks are rubber projectiles that can carry >180 J of kinetic energy during a slap shot. When striking the temporal region of the skull, pressures capable of fracture can occur. Despite this risk, there is very little research on the topic. In this study, five helmet models, representing various material and shell compositions, were fit to a Hybrid III headform and subjected to puck impact at 24.2 m/s (PI24) and 33 m/s (PI33). The linear and angular kinematics of the headform and dynamic load distribution at the contact site were measured using 9 accelerometers and 25 force sensors. The cumulative strain damage measure (CSDM) was calculated using the SIMon (Simulated Injury Monitor) brain model. Thick‐shelled HDPE helmets using different EPP foams tended to perform similarly, whereas the combination of thin polycarbonate shell and lightweight foam performed poorly, particularly at PI33, for both acceleration‐derived values and CSDM. Helmets with VN liners appeared to exhibit reduced CSDM as compared to models with EPP liners or a plastic cylinder array. The quantification of this impact type provides insight into current helmet effectiveness during this impact modality which may place players at risk of mTBI injury or scalp lacerations.
Keywords:
Ice Hockey, Helmet, Impact, Injury