There can be little doubt that hockey is one of the most dangerous games in modern sport. Every week there seems to be yet another top hockey player sustaining an injury that threatens their ability to play the game in the future.

However, despite the odds that the majority of players will receive an injury at some point in their career, it remains a hugely popular sport with more people flocking to play hockey than ever. So although hockey can provide more than a few physical obstacles to a long career, it seems that the sheer pleasures offered by the game outweigh the potential short-lived nature of a professional hockey career.

For anyone with an interest in playing hockey on a full-time basis, it can be important to consider the risks endemic in the sport, and also realise the ways in which certain players have managed to sustain their careers, and even find a life beyond hockey.

Many hockey fans would seek to emulate the successful career of the likes of Barry Melrose. The hockey star made his name as a defenseman with the likes of Toronto Maple Leafs, but upon retirement, Melrose began a coaching career with Seattle Thunderbirds and Tampa Bay Lightning. And since leaving coaching, Melrose has even enjoyed success in the media with many television and movie roles, but he managed to remain in the hockey domain thanks to his commentary on the ESPN and NHL Networks.

Of course, it’s not always so straightforward. Other ex-hockey players such as Greg Mueller of German team Munich Hedos went on to find fame as a professional poker player. Those concerned about their hockey future could look to follow in Mueller’s footsteps thanks to the likes of the Lucky Nugget casino site that can help newcomers understand a range of gaming details such as the difference between European and American roulette, and also provides a range of other easily-playable casino games.

However, for those in the midst or at their beginning of their hockey career, the best options are always to maintain peak physical fitness. Thankfully there are a host of online sources such as Men’s Fitness who provide a comprehensive resource of hockey training tips that should help players stay in top condition. And as always, despite the extreme nature of hockey as a sport, it’s always important to respect yourself and the other players in the game to ensure that you and your team are able to last the distance.