Concussion in Ice Hockey: How Europe is Leading the Way in Concussion Treatment

Concussions are one of the most pressing challenges in sports medicine, particularly in ice hockey, where the speed and intensity of the game put players at risk of serious head injuries. Across Europe, professional leagues are pioneering new concussion protocols and adopting innovative concussion treatment solutions like PolarCap® by PolarCool, setting a new standard for concussion treatment and recovery in sports.

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The Growing Focus on Concussion in Sports

From ice hockey to rugby and soccer, concussions in sports have become a top concern for athletes and medical teams. Traditional head injury treatment often relies on rest and strict return-to-play schedules with no treatment in the acute phase. Today, teams and leagues in Europe are now embracing evidence-based interventions to improve concussion recovery and reduce the risk of long-term issues. 

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PolarCap®: Changing the Game in Head Injury Treatment

Developed by PolarCool, PolarCap® is a portable CE-marked medical device that provides controlled, immediate head and neck cooling following a concussion. This targeted cooling treatment has been clinically validated through a five-year study led by Lund University in collaboration with the Swedish Hockey League(SHL).

Published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, the study demonstrated that players who were treated with PolarCap® had:

- Nearly 80% reduction in long-term player absences (3+ weeks) due to concussion

- Improved concussion recovery outcomes at every measured data point for athletes

- Easy integration into existing concussion protocols for medical teams

By applying immediate cooling after a head injury, PolarCap® provides sports organizations with a proven approach to concussion treatment.

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PolarCap®Adoption Across European Ice Hockey

Since the publication of the clinical study, PolarCap® has been adopted by over 70+ professional teams across Europe, solidifying its role in concussion protocols. Some of the teams currently using PolarCap® include leading organizations in the:

Swedish Hockey Leagues (SHL and HA): HV71, Örebro HK, Skellefteå AIK, MoDo Hockey, Leksands IF, Kalmar HC, IF Björklöven

Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL, Germany): Schwenninger Wild Wings, Adler Mannheim, Nürnberg Ice Tigers, Eisbären     Berlin, ERC Ingolstadt, Straubing Tigers, Kölner Haie, Augsburger Panther

Liiga (Finland): KalPa, Rauman Lukko

ICE Hockey League and Scandinavian Leagues: SønderjyskE, Vålerenga Hockey, Rungsted Ishockey Klub

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By integrating PolarCap® into their head injury treatment strategies, these teams are not only protecting players but also shaping the future of concussion recovery in hockey.

Setting a Global Standard for Concussion Protocols

European hockey’s proactive approach demonstrates how structured concussion protocols, advanced treatment technology, and immediate post-injury care can protect athletes. These best practices are setting an example for other high-contact sports like rugby and soccer, where concussion in sports remains a critical issue.

With PolarCap® and PolarCool driving innovation, head injury treatment is entering anew era—one focused on safety, improved concussion recovery, and long-term player health.

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Written by Jamie Bache
Chief Growth Officer – PolarCap®

Player safety starts with action. Let's take it together.

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