How are the impact attenuation properties of men's and women's helmets affected after one season in professional ice hockey?

This study examined how the impact attenuation properties of ice hockey helmets change after one season of use in Sweden's highest professional leagues for men (Swedish Hockey League, SHL) and women (Swedish Women's Hockey League, SDHL). Eighteen helmets from a male team, ten from a female team, and thirteen new helmets of the same model were tested for linear and angular accelerations at front and side impact locations using a drop test on a Hybrid III headform. Results showed that helmets used by female players exhibited higher peak linear acceleration (PLA) in front and side impacts and higher peak angular acceleration (PAA) in side impacts compared to male and new helmets, although all used helmets met established safety standards with PLA below the 275 g threshold. Despite statistically significant differences, the calculated concussion injury risk differences between helmet groups were small. These findings provide data to inform recommendations on helmet lifespan and support the development of safer ice hockey helmets.