Thread: What is the best way to protect throat against shots?

Hey all,

that recent Alex Burrows throat-shot made me think, what kind of neck protection do you use (if any)? What do you recommend? Does wearing a neck guard make a difference at all when puck hits you hard in the throat?

I play roller only and have never worn any neck protection, but since I face some heavy (slap)shots here and there, I would like to minimize the chances of getting my throat smashed. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

We were at the game last night when that happened. I said to Calo, "that's why I wear a cage." The cage has saved me a few times. That was a blistering shot though and I dont think there was much that Burrows could have done to get out of the way.

Originally Posted by Wing

What do you recommend?

Getting the **** out of the way.

Throat protectors help a little. It's more for a state of mind. Best thing would be a face cage... which usually hang a little over the throat. Next to the face cage, a quick reaction time, and turtling if you have time, and shoulder pads (gives protection to the lower neck/collar bone)

dont stand in the way when the shot is comming from someone who does not understand the meaning of hitting the freaking net.

Jet and Joe are right.

I used to use a collar protector, I'm really big on diving in front of shots and the diving poke check type thing....for me it was always more about the fear of a skate hitting me in the neck. They work pretty good, certainly better than nothing, but I kindda got away from them when I started playing again last year.

I mean, hockey is a rough sport so there's no way to gaurd against everything. Either adjust your style of play to not put yourself in those situations or try one of those collar pads, they're pretty cheap. The good news is its few and far between that kind of thing happens...but that little biscuit does have a penchant for finding a way to hit you in places where you aren't covered from time to time.

When I put myself infront of a shot, I always drop my head down so that my cage meets my shoulder pads and put my arms infront of my chest to cover any unpadded areas, that usually works for me. Close the legs to a little as I did have one that came up and hit me in the gooch-al area behind my cup.

Yea what most said, don't block shots.

If you are really concerned you might consider a goalie one.
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If you're blocking shots, if you have a cage, just put your head down. Or put your hand over your throat.

I was sitting right there when he got hit, and it was a pretty freak fluttering shot that hit him. Understandable that you're think of your safety, though.

I block shots as much as I can. Dive a lot to do it, too, even just in LGK games. Just be aware of your sensitive areas, and get a free hand there. Saved me a few times. Hand got hurt, but better than an intestine or throat-shot.