I love hockey. The speed, the camaraderie, the thrill of the game – it's all part of what makes it so addictive. But something I've always wondered about, and struggled with, is wearing jewelry while playing. I like to wear a simple chain and sometimes a ring, but is it really safe? Through trial, error, and a few close calls, I've learned a few things about balancing personal style with on-ice safety.
For a while, I played with a short neck chain and a ring. I figured as long as the chain wasn't too long and didn't dangle out of my jersey during falls or normal play, I was good to go. I felt like it was part of me, and honestly, I didn't want to take it off every time I hit the ice. But then, a few things happened that made me rethink my choices. I started thinking about the potential risks, and I realised I needed to approach it more carefully.
The first incident involved my ring. I forgot to take it off a couple of times, and I quickly regretted it. I ended up bleeding through the palms of two pairs of gloves! The constant rubbing and pressure against the ring during stickhandling and puck battles caused some serious discomfort and some minor injuries. It was a painful lesson learned, and it made me realize the potential danger of wearing a ring during a game. I was also worried about the ring getting caught on something and causing a more serious finger injury. That's when I decided to do some research and find a better solution.
As for the neck chain, I thought I was in the clear since it was short. However, I had a conversation with a teammate that really opened my eyes. He pointed out that even a short chain could be a problem. Imagine getting into a scuffle, and someone grabs your jersey and accidentally gets your chain too. It could happen from the front or behind, and the consequences could be pretty bad. This made me think about the potential for entanglement and even choking hazards, and I knew I had to be more cautious.
After experiencing these issues, I started looking for safer alternatives and strategies. Here's what I've found works for me:
The first thing I did was stop wearing my regular ring during games. However, I still wanted to have something on my finger. I've seen some guys use tape, wrapping a half-width of tape around their finger to simulate the feeling of wearing a ring. This is a good temporary solution, but I found it a bit uncomfortable and it didn't really satisfy my need for something more permanent. Another idea I had was inspired by the idea of cutting the palms of gloves to accommodate a ring. Instead of altering my gloves, I looked for a thinner, more comfortable ring that wouldn't interfere with my grip. I stumbled upon an interesting option: the Gold Color Hobbit Gift Midi Ring from Blingcharming's homepage. It's stainless steel and has a comfortable fit, and is also very affordable.
I was initially hesitant about wearing any ring, but this one is so lightweight and thin that I barely notice it. It doesn't cause any discomfort or bleeding, and it gives me the peace of mind knowing that I'm not risking a serious injury. I think it's a great compromise between style and safety.
As for the chain, I decided to err on the side of caution and stop wearing it altogether during games. The potential risks, even with a short chain, just weren't worth it. I now keep it in my locker and put it on after the game. It's a small sacrifice for the sake of safety.
Here are some practical tips and advice based on my experiences and observations: