Hockey Canada News Release October 1, 2007:

A new type of violence has found its way in to amateur hockey and is cause for great concern within the minor hockey system in Canada. Locker boxing is an activity that takes place when players put their hockey helmets and hockey gloves on with the intention of punching each other in a vicious manner - often in the head area.

Hockey Canada does not condone this type of behaviour or any other type of fighting between players either on or off the ice. With increased awareness and education concerning concussions in sport, it is becoming more apparent that any type of blow to the head area has the potential of causing severe injury regardless of whether or not a player is wearing a helmet. Concussion injuries can cause lengthy loss of playing time, end player’s careers, and recent evidence suggests that the cumulative effects of multiple concussions can have a detrimental effect on the lives of young athletes’ long term.

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As parents of young hockey players we are asking you to work with coaches and team leaders to eliminate this type of behaviour both in the dressing room and in areas where this behaviour can potentially occur by implementing prevention plans and rules both in the hockey setting and at home against locker boxing. This combined with player education with respect to concussions and the dangers of locker boxing will help to eliminate this type of behaviour.

Hockey Canada asks all involved with the game in leadership roles including parents to assist in ensuring that these types of behaviours are eliminated and hockey continues to offer a safe, fun, and positive experience for all involved.