Staphylococci “Staph” : Can hide in hockey gear like your pads and gloves with soft cores and then easily penetrate into the skin through pores or open/healing wounds. Once under the skin, “Staph” can easily transform into a seriously dangerous infection.
Tinea Fungus a.k.a. “Ringworm” : A pesky infection that can cause patches of itchy, flaky skin over various parts of the body. Ringworm is very contagious when it is not treated right away and properly.
Mold : Can hide in or on all surfaces of gear and can cause health issues internally and externally like asthma, upper respiratory problems, skin rashes, upset stomachs and headaches. Mold is also the leading cause of gear deterioration!
Calciviridae a.k.a. “Norwalk Virus” : Harbors itself in soft padding and can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. People infected can be contagious from the moment they start feeling ill to at least three days after they have recovered.
