When you play hockey, you inevitably get a bruise or two. These are usually more annoying than harmful, but there is more than one kind of ‘scratch’ in hockey. Some are incredibly significant and can even determine the end of the game. So what exactly is a healthy scratch in hockey? Let’s have a look.
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How Do You Scratch?
Whether you are playing hockey for fun or for sport, most games have rules about how you can and cannot interact with the opponent. The rules apply to both gloves and body protectors. When you make contact with the puck or an opposing player, you should always aim to control it, not to hit or injure them. This is why in some sports, particularly hockey, there is a ‘clean’ or ‘safe’ area close to the goal line where players can’t intentionally stickhandle the puck or make contact with their opponent. In other sports, like basketball, this area is often farther back from the end zone, or nonexistent. This ‘clean’ area in hockey acts as a buffer between you and the opposition. Some hockey players even wear body protectors that are designed to guard against head injuries, so you want to make sure that you do not hit your head on anything while playing. When you do make contact with the puck or an opponent, whether it is intentional or not, you have to pay attention to what kind of injury you have caused. This is a very important distinction because not all injuries in hockey are created equal. There are some that are really significant and can even be career-ending, while others are relatively minor and do not require surgery or a long recovery period. The kind of scratch you receive depends on a number of factors, including how hard you hit your opponent and where you hit them. Different positions on the ice also make a difference, as well as whether or not the play was on even terms. For example, a charging player is likely to get a much bigger ‘scratch’ than a stickhandling player because they are usually the ones who start fights and rough-house with other teams’ players. You can also be sure that there will be plenty of opportunities for your team’s trainer to examine your ‘scratch’ during pre-game warm-ups, so be sure to show them what happened as soon as the red light turns on.
What Is The Biggest Scratch You Have Received?
While we are on the subject of injuries, let’s compare the biggest ‘scratch’ that each league participant has ever received. Based on the data tracked by Hurtworld, a hockey-specific virtual injury game, the biggest ‘scratch’ that NHL players have ever received was via hit from behind by Eric Lindros while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers in 1997. According to Lindros, who was playing against the New York Rangers at the time, the impact from the hit caused him to suffer a mild concussion. In 2011, the biggest ‘scratch’ that an NHL player received was via hit from behind by Brent Seabrook while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Seabrook’s momentum from a hit caused him to slam his shoulder into the chest area of the player he was trying to hit, knocking the wind out of them. The biggest ‘scratch’ that an NBA player has ever received was from behind by Isaiah Thomas while playing for the Sacramento Kings in 2016. According to a report by TMZ Sports, the hit knocked the wind out of Thomas, sending him to the hospital for observation. And last but not least, the biggest ‘scratch’ that a WNBA player has ever received was from behind by Tiffany Cain while playing for the New York Liberty in 2015. The hit knocked the wind out of Cain, making her turn around and run for the bench. While playing for the Seattle Storm in 2019, Natasha Avella received a ‘scratch’ that was so big that it required her to be stretchered off the court. The play did not result in any fouls or penalties, but the result was that a stretcher was needed to take her off the court. In the case of the latter three players, the impact was so great that it required medical attention. So as you can see, there are countless significant ‘scratches’ in hockey that one could receive, both offensively and defensively, which makes it a truly unique and interesting game to play!
What Is The Difference In The Way You And Your Opponent Can Interact?
While we are on the subject of injuries and how they are tracked, let’s discuss the differences in the way you and your opponent can interact. In most sports, you are allowed to hit your opponent with your hands and arms. This is usually referred to as body checking or checking from the body. In some sports, like soccer and hockey, you are not allowed to ‘body check’, or even ‘check’. To check or body check someone in hockey means that you put your hands on them, or wrap your arms around them in a bear hug. This is a big difference, as not allowing body checking in hockey makes for a more even playing field. Injured players cannot take part in any physical contact, so it is important that all players know the rules regarding contact in and out of the play. One more thing, if you have ever played soccer or hockey you know that the fall of the ball can be significant. This is because in most sports, especially football, the fall of the ball results in the ‘checking’ of the receiving player. In some sports, such as baseball, basketball, and hockey, the ball is considered to be a live and in the air at all times. This means that even when it is on the ground, a player can still be awarded a point for the fall of the ball. Just something to be aware of!
How Serious Are The Injuries You Can Receive?
While we are on the subject of injuries, let’s discuss how serious they can actually be. This will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the impact and where you are hit. Let’s have a look at each position on the ice and discuss what is meant by ‘serious’.