Need knee advice

[htmsnyder]

There are a lot of threads on knee injuries, but I hoping someone can help with preventing those injuries. I've only been playing for about a year and a half. I've dislocated one knee once, and damaged both MCLs at the same time once. How do I prevent this? I got hurt when guys have crashed into my net. Is there something I should be doing to protect my knees when they crash? I did have one crash me somewhat recently and I came out of it ok. There wasn't time or space to get out of the way, so I bent my knees so that when he hit me, it didn't blow them backwards. One of the guys thought I was trying to block the player with my pads. LOL. I was just trying to protect my self. This time I was on my feet. When I messed up both knees, I was in a b-fly. Is there any way to protect yourself when you're in this position? I thought maybe there was something that I hadn't figured out yet. I don't play on a team, nor can I afford a goalie coach, so I am trying to figure this out as I go. Unfortunately, it seems to hurt that way. Thanks.

[MaskedMadman]

I've never gotten hurt from a player crashing into me, but my guess would be when you're in the B-fly, your knees are already under a bit of stress, and adding a collision like that probably doesn't help. I would say if you see a collision is imminent, try and relax and get in a position to where your knees have some play so they can move. If you have your knees in a position where moving them (or them being forced to move) will cause great stress, you are probably going to be injured. Try and stay relaxed and brace yourself for the impact, but don't tense up, or lock your knees.

[blacksv1]

If you want to keep playing this game, you better strengthen your knees. The best way to prevent injury is by strengthening your legs. Start doing some squats and lunges regularly and stretch often! I do the butterfly stretches almost daily which help my hips also. Avoid doing leg extensions and curls. IMO they are unnatural movements and add stress on your joints. I've only hurt my knee once (hyperextension) in my life, but my nickname isn't Richter for nothing...

[htmsnyder]

Thanks! Good ideas. Guess I have some work to do. Was kinda hoping that it was just some technique I was doing wrong and would be a quick fix. Nothing seems to come quick for this though. Except the puck!