Hmm. Height. But usually the shorter players make up by being quick on their feet. Any pads in particular that are good? Man, I always took out the player in the passing land and let the goalie take the player with the puck. You're prolly right that maybe sometimes injuries happen by not quick being stable on your feet. In the leagues I've played in there is NO checking allowed yet I still was cross checked open ice. Go figure. I can't wait until I can get back on the ice. Hopefully soon :(. No way am I playing a foward again. Gotta go back to my first love- DEFENSE!

While playing ice hockey, there's always the risk of injury. Pyramid, you're right that quality padding still makes the difference. For defensmen, it's very important to have good quality knee/shin pads, Hockey Pants, and a good Shoulder/Chest pads, as you're blocking hard slapshots all the time.

In ammateur house leagues leagues, most of the injuries that I've seen errant slashes by someone's stick while scrambling for the puck or just losing balance while skating and falling on the ice. Another common injury is when I see an icing attempt and see 2 opposing team players race for the puck. Sometimes the 2 players will collide with each other or even crash into the boards. That's a pretty painful one. Went through that myself. Let's just say it too a while to recover from.

Hmm. I think that I've gotten injuried in all the ways you mentioned: concussion, check. Hit by a slapshot in your ankle, check. Hit with a stick, check. Why do the players ALWAYS get you across the neck?!

I have played both Defense and Right Wing when I used to play ice hockey. Injuries are common amongst both positions. For instance, while playing defense, a lot of times you are blocking shots. There are occassions, where you can get hurt while blocking a hard slapshot. E.g. getting hit in the foot while blocking a slapshot. Also, while playing defense there's still the forechecker who will try to check you after dumping the puck into the corner.

Also while playing forward there is still risk of injury too. However, you don't have to worry about blocking slapshots. Still while digging for the puck in the corner, you will have defensemen who will try to check you. And while scrambling for the puck an errant stick can hit you as well. Also while playing offense, you have to keep your head up at all times. a defenseman can check you out of nowhere, and boom, you're on the ice flat. That's what got Eric Lindros a few concussions.

To answer your question, there's risk of injury on both sides. It depends on the type of style you play. If you're a grinder forward, play the style like Darcy Tucker, yes you will injure yourself.