Hockey is a fast-paced, full contact sport, which makes hockey players prone to injuries. What most people may not be aware of, is that back injuries are prevalent among hockey players, even for those who play in leagues that don't allow contact or body checking (using the body to knock an opponent with the puck against the boards or to the ice).

Hockey players are constantly bent over, looking down at the puck, aiming, and hitting it. This constant bending motion can cause aches and pains in the lower back. And of course, ice is slippery, so there is always the risk of back injury from slipping and falling. For hockey leagues that do allow contact, impact with other players can twist your back and cause injury.

Hockey braces can help prevent back injuries on the rink. Here are two back braces our brace coaches recommend for hockey: