Background As previous epidemiological studies in elite ice hockey have focused on acute time-loss injuries, little is known about the burden of overuse injuries and illnesses in ice hockey.

Objective The aim of this study was to report the prevalence and burden of all health problems in male senior elite ice hockey during one competitive season.

Design Prospective cohort study.

Setting The 2017/2018 competitive season of the GET league (the premier professional league) in Norway.

Patients (or Participants) We included nine of the ten teams in the GET league (the premier professional league) in Norway. In the nine teams participating, five players declined to participate, six players did not report and one player dropped out. A total of 225 players finished the study.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors) Players reported all health problems; acute injuries, overuse injuries and illnesses, for 31 weeks using Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems.

Main Outcome Measurements Prevalence and burden of acute injuries, overuse injuries and illnesses.

Results At any given time, 40% (95% CI 37% to 43%) reported symptoms from injury or illness, and 20% (95% CI 19% to 22%) experienced health problems with a substantial negative impact on training and performance. Acute injuries represented the greatest incidence, prevalence and burden. The most burdensome acute injuries were to the head/face, shoulder, knee and ankle. The most burdensome overuse injury locations were knee, lumbar spine and hip/groin.

Conclusions This registration did capture a greater burden from overuse injuries than traditional injury registration, but acute injuries did represent the major problem.