In this episode of The Science of Hockey, we explore a rare and serious case of blunt trauma from a slash to the back of the knee, uncovering an underlying vascular condition—popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). Learn how one incident revealed a hidden danger that could have ended a young player’s career and what it means for athlete safety moving forward. Keywords: popliteal artery injury, hockey trauma, slashing, PAES, vascular sports injuries.
Slashing is often brushed off as part of hockey’s physical nature—but what if it hides a more serious threat? This episode highlights a case of popliteal artery trauma linked to an undiagnosed entrapment syndrome. We examine how blunt trauma and anatomical anomalies intersect, and what this means for player evaluation and protective gear.
Main source: Double Major for Slashing: Management of Blunt Popliteal Fossa Trauma in Ice Hockey in the Setting of Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome
Brij M. Singh, Irina Galimova, Tej M. Singh
Clin J Sport Med. 2022 Sep; 32(5): e543–e545. Published online 2021 Sep 8. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000970
PMCID: PMC9415213

This episode dives into how artificial intelligence is being used to analyze elite ice hockey gameplay. Using neural networks and layer-wise relevance propagation, researchers are uncovering the most critical moments that influence game outcomes—offering new insights into player decision-making and team dynamics.
Machine learning is changing how we understand hockey. In this episode, we explore how neural networks break down elite performance, highlighting which actions and game states matter most. Discover how AI could reshape coaching, scouting, and strategy.
Main source: Neural network and layer-wise relevance propagation reveal how ice hockey protective equipment restricts players’ motion
Rebecca Lennartz, Arash Khassetarash, Sandro R. Nigg, Bjoern M. Eskofier, Benno M. Nigg
PLoS One. 2024; 19(10): e0312268. Published online 2024 Oct 15. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312268
PMCID: PMC11478874

Hip and groin pain in professional ice hockey players is more common than many realize. In this episode, The Analyst dives into the data behind the prevalence, duration, and impact of these injuries—regardless of position. Keywords: hip pain, groin injuries, ice hockey, player health, injury prevention.
Over 50% of professional ice hockey players report hip or groin problems each season. In this episode, we explore the science behind these injuries, their long-term effects, and why they’re often overlooked. Keywords: hip injuries, groin pain, hockey epidemiology, overuse injuries, sports medicine.
Main source: High prevalence of hip and groin problems in professional ice hockey players, regardless of playing position
Tobias Wörner, Kristian Thorborg, Frida Eek
Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2020; 28(7): 2302–2308. Published online 2019 Nov 16. doi: 10.1007/s00167-019-05787-7
PMCID: PMC7347705