Protecting Hockey Spectators

Flying pucks have caused serious injuries to spectators in hockey arenas across the country. Fans can incur head and face injuries if shots deflect into the stands. In March 2000, a Manitoba man died as a result of being hit in the head with a puck while watching a hockey game in his local arena. Injuries occur in local arenas across Canada and this problem is even recognized to exist in Maple Leaf Gardens.

The absence of a national standard makes it difficult for the agencies responsible for these facilities to make decisions on how best to protect spectators. With the possibility of federal infrastructure funding being made available to upgrade such recreational facilities, the Canada Safety Council has asked the federal government to fund the development of a national standard for spectator protection at hockey games.

Safety Canada September 2000

Flying Pucks

New Spectator Safety Standard for Indoor Arenas
(update May 2004)