Key Takeaways

• Virginia Tech Helmet Lab tested 33 youth hockey helmets, awarding 10 helmets a five-star rating and six a four-star rating
• The ratings address a market of approximately 800,000 youth players in the United States and Canada combined
• Parents of youth hockey players drove demand after showing strong interest in the lab’s 2015 adult hockey helmet ratings
• The Hockey Equipment Certification Council remains the only widely used benchmark, certifying helmets meet ASTM standards without performance-based ratings
• Youth hockey helmets represent the 13th sport or industry-specific headgear rated by the lab since its launch 15 years ago

Independent Performance Data Enters Youth Hockey Market

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab released its first ratings for youth hockey helmets on December 16, providing parents and program operators with performance-based safety data for 33 helmets currently on the market. The lab applied its STAR (Summation of Tests for Analysis of Risk) framework to award ratings from zero to five stars based on impact protection.

“It includes every helmet we could get our hands on, including some that are no longer being manufactured but that players might still be wearing,” said Steve Rowson, the lab’s director and a professor of biomedical engineering. “The goal is simply to provide moms and dads and other stakeholders in the youth hockey community an independent resource so they can make an informed decision and purchase a helmet in the context of impact protection.”

The complete list of rated helmets, including advertised retail prices, is available at the Helmet Lab’s webpage.

Market Demand and Player Population Drive Research

The lab’s decision to test youth hockey helmets came directly from market response to its 2015 adult hockey helmet ratings. Rowson noted that parents of youth players showed the strongest interest in those varsity ratings, signaling clear demand for youth-specific data.

The youth hockey market substantially exceeds the adult player population. According to USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, approximately 800,000 youth players participate in the United States and Canada. The International Ice Hockey Federation reports an additional 275,000 players throughout Europe.

Testing Methodology Adapted for Youth Players

Virginia Tech researchers leveraged existing literature on impact exposures in youth hockey and utilized equipment from previous youth football helmet testing, including a youth-sized test dummy. The testing protocol accounts for lower impact energies associated with youth play compared to adult hockey.

Currently, the Hockey Equipment Certification Council provides the only widely used benchmark for hockey helmets. The council certifies that helmets meet American Society for Testing and Materials safety standards but does not produce performance-based ratings that compare helmet protection levels.

Broader Context for Safety Equipment Standards

The youth hockey helmet ratings continue the lab’s 15-year track record of developing independent consumer guides that double as development roadmaps for manufacturers. This summer, the lab updated ratings for bicycle, varsity football, and youth football helmets in response to measurable safety performance improvements in those categories.

Rowson emphasized that while the research aims to help individuals select better headgear, the ratings also encourage helmet manufacturers and sports organizations to prioritize safer product development.

via: News VT

YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.

About Youth Sports Business Report

Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.

Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.

Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:

• Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
• Youth Sports events and tournament management
• NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
• Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
• Sports technology and data analytics innovation
• Youth sports facilities development and management
• Sports content creation and digital media monetization

Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.

Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.

Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.

Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry 

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn

Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

About Play Up Partners

Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

Why Sponsor Youth Sports?

Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.

What Does Play Up Partners Do?

We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.

Our Approach

Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

• Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
• Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
• Elevate the youth sports ecosystem

Our Vision

We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.

Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing

Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?

We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.

Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Las Vegas police are asking the public if there are any additional victims of a man accused of sexual assault.

Officials with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department have arrested Sergio Reyes Rojas, 44, for sexual assault. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on five charges: three counts of sexual assault against a child less than 16 years old, one count of child abuse or neglect and one count of kidnapping a minor.

Detectives say there may be additional victims as Rojas has ties to valley youth sports programs. The Nevada Youth Soccer Association told FOX5 Tuesday that they are aware of Reyes’s charges and he has been suspended indefinitely from all youth soccer activities.

The association says he’s also been reported to US Soccer and to the SafeSport program for further attention.

“We have also been informed by the club that he had headed that he has been replaced in his administrative and coaching capacities,” the association says.

Anyone who may have been a victim of Rojas or has information about this crime is urged by police to contact the Sexual Assault Detail at 702-828-3421. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.

(CNN) – A major food company has issued a recall on one of its ice cream flavors.

Danone is voluntarily recalling its So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints.

The problem is that the cashews could contain foreign materials, including small rocks and other hard objects, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Danone said it has already corrected the issue and that no other flavors are impacted.

But some pints with the problem may already have been sold.

Customers with the affected product can call the So Delicious toll-free number at 1-833-367-8975 to speak with a representative.

Copyright 2025 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.

HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – A former sports reporter in Alabama was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, according to authorities.

Around 9 a.m. Tuesday, two people were found unresponsive by a family member in their home in the 700 block of Highland Manor Court in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham.

Both people suffered gunshot wounds and were found dead at the scene, Hoover police said.

Birmingham Gray affiliate WBRC confirmed that one of the two people was former reporter Christina Chambers.

Chambers joined WBRC in 2015 and quickly became a key part of the station’s sports team.

She was a mother to a 3-year-old boy, who was found unharmed inside the home.

WBRC said Chambers was known for her quick wit, smile, warmth, care and love for the UAB Blazers and high school sports.

“She was one of the sweetest, most loving people that I know. She was relentless with running, loving her son, and loving life,” said longtime WBRC reporter and sports anchor Jeh Jeh Pruitt. “I am glad I got a chance to hug and tell her I love her a week ago at the Super 7. I am so sorry for her family, the Chambers and Thompson Families, and her WBRC Family.”

She appeared on the station’s high school football program Sideline every Friday night and frequently stepped in to help anchor coverage of the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham, even while she was running the race herself.

After leaving her full-time role in July 2021, she continued to freelance for WBRC’s Sideline during the 2025 football season.

Before joining the WBRC 6 News sports team, Christina served as a sports reporter/anchor at WAKA in Montgomery, Alabama. She began her broadcast career as a sports and news reporter at WLTZ NBC38 in Columbus, Georgia, before joining the regional sports network Comcast Sports Southeast in Atlanta.

Copyright 2025 WBRC via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.