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.
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.