Why do nhl players use smelling salts

Overview

Smelling salts, chemically known as ammonium carbonate, have been used in hockey for over a century as a stimulant to quickly revive players after collisions or during intense gameplay. Their history in sports traces back to the late 1800s when they were commonly carried by Victorian-era physicians for fainting patients. In hockey specifically, trainers began keeping ammonia capsules in medical kits around 1906, with documented use increasing through the Original Six era (1942-1967). The practice became particularly visible during the physical, hard-hitting style of 1970s NHL hockey when bench-clearing brawls were common. Today, while less prominent than in previous decades, smelling salts remain a fixture in many NHL trainers' kits, with players often using them during games after hard hits or between periods. Their continued presence reflects hockey's physical nature where quick recovery is valued, despite ongoing debates about their medical appropriateness.

How It Works

Smelling salts function through a two-stage physiological response when the encapsulated ammonium carbonate is crushed and inhaled. First, the ammonia gas irritates the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs, stimulating the trigeminal nerve which triggers an involuntary inhalation reflex. This causes the person to gasp and take a deep breath, increasing oxygen intake by approximately 40% within seconds. Second, the irritation activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline that increases heart rate by 10-20 beats per minute and elevates blood pressure. This combined response delivers more oxygenated blood to the brain, creating a temporary state of heightened alertness that typically lasts 30-90 seconds. The mechanism doesn't actually treat underlying injuries like concussions but rather masks symptoms through physiological arousal. Modern sports versions use controlled ammonia concentrations (usually 15-30%) to balance effectiveness with safety, though improper use can cause nasal burns or respiratory distress.

Why It Matters

The continued use of smelling salts in professional hockey matters because it highlights the tension between sports culture and medical safety. While players value the immediate alertness boost during critical game moments, medical organizations like the CDC warn that masking concussion symptoms increases reinjury risks. This practice also reflects hockey's historical tolerance for playing through injury, though attitudes are shifting with increased concussion awareness since the 2010s. The NHL's allowance of smelling salts while implementing stricter concussion protocols creates a contradictory message about head injury management. Furthermore, their visibility normalizes quick-fix approaches to serious medical issues for younger athletes. As research advances on brain trauma in contact sports, the role of stimulants like smelling salts faces increasing scrutiny regarding player welfare versus competitive advantage.