The NHL Stadium Series Game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings is coming up this Saturday, and Columbus fans are buzzing about it. There are tailgates planned, pregame parties and pep rallies, concerts, and more. The weather forecast as of now, is calling for a high of 42 with winds at 10 to 20 MPH, and considerable cloudiness. Bundle up!

Fans are getting themselves ready for a long day outside, and have started prepping for it by getting hats, gloves, hand warmers, and everything they can think of to keep themselves warm. The tailgates better have coffee and hot chocolate!

But what about the players? Are there any preparations they have to make to get themselves ready for an outdoor game?

THN Columbus had the pleasure of getting a couple of questions answered by a professional from Hospital for Special Surgery. Mohammad Saad, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist at HSS in New York City was kind enough to answer a few questions we had regarding this topic.

We also spoke to a doctor with HSS last year about Adam Fantilli's skate-cut injury.

Adam Fantilli's Injury Could've Been Much Worse Adam Fantilli's Injury Could've Been Much Worse

THN Columbus: Is the game prep any different for outdoor games vs. indoor games? i.e., workout routines, diet?

Saad: Hockey players tend to be creatures of habit and each player treats their pregame preparations methodically. Most players arrive at the arena around three hours prior to puck drop to start their pre-game routine. They generally like to stick with what is familiar, regardless of whether they’re at home or on the road. For outdoor games, like the stadium series, you can expect players to approach the game similar to how they would prepare for a road game. The team’s training staff is always prepared with the necessary equipment for players to complete their pre-game workouts and treatments and the team dietician ensures they have familiar foods that will keep them fueled for the game.

THN Columbus: If the game isn't as cold as they expect, is the preparation any different for the players?

Saad: Depending on the temperature on the day of the game, preparation may look a little different. Playing in an arena allows for a controlled environment that is ideal for on-ice competition that may be more difficult to maintain outdoors. Usually, the ice is kept around 24 degrees Fahrenheit, and the rink level is a similar temperature. If the outdoor temperature is warmer, this could impact the condition of the ice and require more frequent grooming and resurfacing. As a result, players may need to be more careful with the patches of soft ice that could develop. With warmer weather also comes higher body temperature during competition. As a result, players may need shorter shifts and be more diligent about hydration to avoid cramps and fatigue.    

THN Columbus: What types of injuries are most prominent in these types of games? 

Saad: The nature and demands of hockey allow for the possibility of a variety of upper and lower extremity injuries. Some of the most common injuries include ligamentous injuries of the knee, strains of the groin, and lower back, dislocations and soft tissue injuries of the shoulder and elbow, concussions, and facial injuries. When the game transitions to the outdoors, the condition of the ice would be a variable that would most contribute to a possible increase in injury risk. Melting ice could result in poor footing which could contribute to more stress on the hips and knees when quickly changing direction. Losing the edge of the skate could affect a player’s ability to stop before the boards or absorb the impact from another player leading to more upper-body injuries. Ultimately the variable most within a player's control is how well they hydrate if conditions are warmer than expected. Proper hydration can help prevent muscle sprains and strains during the game.

THN Columbus: Is there anything the players can do to prevent cold weather-related injuries? 

Saad: If the weather is especially cold on game day, players can help minimize the risk of injury by ensuring they warm up appropriately prior to hitting the ice. Cold muscles and tendons tend to have less tensile strength which means they aren’t able to withstand as much pulling force. As a result, this could put them at a higher risk of becoming strained or tearing. Cold temperatures also slow down the chemical reactions necessary for muscle contraction and force generation. In general, a cold muscle is weaker and more prone to injury. With how frequently hockey players are coming off of the ice between shifts throughout a period and with the longer breaks between periods, it will be crucial for players to stay warm/loose and avoid getting too tight during their time off of the ice.

The Stadium Series Game at Ohio Stadium was announced over a year ago, and we're almost there. The time flew by and fans are ready for it. Hopefully, you are making your own preparations for the pregame and game. It's going to be a long day out in the cold for a lot of fans. 

As far as the Blue Jackets and Red Wings, they will be taking all the necessary precautions to stay healthy during the game. 

What’s Next? The Jackets welcome in the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

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